Born Bad
Original Sin and the Making of the Western Mind
Format:Paperback
Publisher:SPCK Publishing
Published:21st Apr '16
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
Despite its declining popularity among Christians, the staunch belief that we are all innately sinful retains a firm grip on Western consciousness and culture – even in the writings of avowed atheists such as Marx, Freud and Richard Dawkins.
According to the doctrine of original sin, all humans are born bad and only God’s grace can bring salvation. James Boyce shows how these ideas have shaped the Western view of human nature, and how the belief that we are all innately sinful retains a firm grip on Western consciousness and culture – even in the writings of avowed atheists such as Marx and Freud. Born Bad traces a fascinating journey from Adam and Eve all the way to Adam Smith and Richard Dawkins in this sweeping story of a controversial idea and its remarkable influence.
Ambitious, thought-provoking … an easy read on an ignored but central and timely topic. * The Tablet *
Born Bad is one of the best books on the history of the evolution of Christianity and its ideology. It is beautifully written and very well argued. This book is a necessary read for all those who are interested in Christianity, its evolution, and its history. * Washington Book Review *
Boyce leads us into new understandings of some of the central figures in Western culture... This is an exceptional, highly recommended work, innovative and creative in surprising ways. * Publisher's Weekly *
A brilliant and exhilarating work of popular scholarship. * The Washington Post *
ISBN: 9780281076024
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: 429g
272 pages