Sin and Theory
Martin Luther’s Doctrine of Sin in Dialogue with Critical Theory

By (author) Rev'd Dr Jonathan D. Torrance

ISBN13: 9780567722393

Imprint: T.& T.Clark Ltd

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Hardback

Published: 22/01/2026

Availability: Not yet available

Description
This incisive, open access book explores the continued power and relevance of a core Christian teaching: the doctrine of sin. Recently, there has been little enthusiasm for the doctrine in its traditional Augustinian form, especially as expressed by Protestant Reformers like Martin Luther. Torrance defends the claim that Luther’s radical doctrine of sin in fact retains important insights and continues to have explanatory power in the contemporary world. He explores this with a productive dialogue between theology and critical theory. This volume reveals that Luther’s hamartiology is robust and far more able to respond to contemporary issues than many competing hamartiologies. At the same time, Torrance reveals how critical theory can work constructively with theology. By working in tandem, they allow creative exploration of questions such as the effect of sin on human reason, the nature of structural pathologies, and the experience of human shame. In and through these dialogues, Luther’s doctrine of sin shows itself as a plausible, robust and psychologically astute doctrine for the present day. The ebook editions of this book are available open access under a CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 licence on bloomsburycollections.com. Open access was funded by UKRI.
Acknowledgments Abbreviations 1. Introduction 2. Luther's Doctrine of Sin 3. Pessimism and PAranoia: Reason, Hermeneutics and the Noetic Effects of Sin 4. Structural Sin, Moral Responsibility and the Bound Will Implications Conclusion Bibliography
  • Theology
  • Religious & spiritual leaders
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List Price: £85.00