In this book, Suchocki argues that the condition of "original sin" is not primarily a "rebellion against God, " but a "rebellion against creation." Sin is action that, whether intentionally or not, contributes to the ill-being of earth or its inhabitants. Its underlying root is not "pride, " but a triadic structure that involves (1) a human bent toward aggression that easily tends toward violence; (2) the solidarity of human beings with one another and their environing world, so that to some degree each participates in the plight of all; and (3) social structures that invariably influence the consciousness and conscience of participants in those structures. Given these three factors, to be human is necessarily to be a participant in conditions that make for ill-being as well as well-being. Suchocki concludes her discussion with an interpretation of forgiveness as willing the well-being of victim and violator in the fullest possible knowledge of the nature of the violence. Forgiveness, or living and acting from the will toward well-being, breaks the chain of violence, answering sin with grace.
- ISBN10 0826406890
- ISBN13 9780826406897
- Publish Date 1 October 1995
- Publish Status Out of Print
- Out of Print 19 April 2011
- Publish Country GB
- Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
- Imprint Continuum International Publishing Group Ltd.
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 160
- Language English