Original Sin: A Cultural History - Softcover

"A deep pool of wisdom . . . an expression of what's wrong with all of us. Jacobs' prose often sings . . . Careful when you open this book--it could keep you up at nights."--Christianity Today

Alan Jacobs presents an engagingly written, eminently humane, and insightful account of an all-important subject that is both timeless and timely.--George Marsden, author of Jonathan Edwards: A Life

"Alan Jacobs' cultural history of the controversies that Saint Augustine's concept gave birth to is fascinating, entertaining, wonderfully researched, and thoroughly even-tempered, giving even the most disagreeable voices their say. Original Sin may well become the definitive book on the subject."--Ron Hansen, Author of Exiles and A Stay Against Confusion

In this brilliant account, Wheaton College literature professor Jacobs traces the idea of original sin from the Bible to the present day. . . . In his hands these abstruse theological disputes are utterly engrossing.--Publishers Weekly, starred review

Replete with examples drawn from a number of different cultural expressions, including literature, film, and philosophy, [Original Sin] is intended to introduce a broad genearl audience to the complexity of explaining how human beings act evilly toward one another.--Library Journal

A brilliantly illuminating, deeply thought-provoking intellectual journey.--Booklist

I do not believe in original sin. I do believe in Alan Jacobs. He is one the smartest and wittiest writers around on matters involving religion, and ORIGINAL SIN is a gem.--Alan Wolfe, Boisi Center for Religion and American Public Life, Boston College

"Jacobs is a superb writer whose work is beginning to get the wider notice it has long deserved."--Books & Culture ("Top Ten Books of the Year")

"One wouldn't expect a book about original sin to be entertaining, but Jacobs makes it so with deft prose and a touch of humor."--Christian Century

"A strangely entertaining cultural survey . . . "--The Wall Street Journal

A cultural history of the controversial idea that people are born with a predisposition to evil shares the stories of the philosophy's proponents and disclaimers, in an account that cites the contributions of such figures as St. Augustine, G. K. Chesterton, and Blaise Pascal. Reprint.