Original Blessing by Danielle Shroyer

Original Blessing by Danielle Shroyer

Of the worlds major religions, only Christianity holds to a doctrine of original sin. Ideas are powerful, and they shape who we are and who we become. The fact that many Christians believe there is something in human nature that is, and will always be, contrary to God, is not just a problem but a tragedy.

So why do the doctrines assumptions of human nature so infiltrate our pulpits, sermons, and theological bookshelves? How is it so misconstrued in times of grief, pastoral care, and personal shame? How did we fall so far from Gods original blessing in the garden to this pervasive belief in humanitys innate inability to do good?

In this book, Danielle Shroyer takes readers through an overview of the historical development of the doctrine, pointing out important missteps and overcalculations, and providing alternative ways to approach often-used Scriptures. Throughout, she brings the primary claims of original sin to their untenable (and unbiblical) conclusions. In Original Blessing, she shows not only how we got this doctrine wrong, but how we can put sin back in its rightful place: in a broader context of redemption and the blessing of humanitys creation in the image of God.

Danielle Shroyer is a blogger, author, and speaker. She is the Theologian-in-Residence at Journey Church, one of the country's earliest independent emergent churches, where she also served as pastor for eight years. Danielle's book The Border Breaking God: An Unfolding Tale of Hope and Promise is also available. She talks frequently on theology, religion, church leadership, culture, and story as a graduate of Baylor University and Princeton Theological Seminary. She writes at www.danielleshroyer.com and has written for Patheos, The Hardest Question, and Immerse magazine. Danielle resides in Dallas, Texas, with her husband and two children.