The Fall to Violence: Original Sin in Relational Theology - Tapa dura

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.

Marjorie Hewitt Suchocki is Ingraham Professor of Theology and Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Academic Dean of the School of Theology at Claremont.