The fall to violence
Subtitle: original sin in relational theology
By: Marjorie Hewitt Suchocki.
Publisher: Continuum
Published: 1994
Place of publication: New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 168
Subjects: Sin, Original.; Theological anthropology -- Christianity.; Violence -- Religious aspects -- Christianity.
Description: 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.
Notes: Includes index.