Born Bad: Original Sin and the Making of the Western World

The doctrine of original sin, which has roots in the theological urgings of St. Augustine, has long been a requisite element of Western Christian orthodoxy. Although this teaching has faded from public discourse in recent years, Australian historian Boyce (Van Diemen’s Land) makes a compelling argument for its initial and continuing relevance to Western cultures, influencing government and society as well as religion. Not so much a theological treatise as a history of an idea, this fascinating work by an accomplished scholar is an engrossing study of the development of the Western church and Western society, showing how original sin helped define the political, economic, and social evolution of the West. Boyce leads us into new understandings of some of the central figures in Western culture. Artists, poets, and others take on new life in light of the effects of original sin in their thinking. Especially intriguing are his insights into America’s founding fathers’ reflections on human depravity and their hope for an enlightened democracy, a yearning that shrugs off some of Western Christendom’s orthodoxy. This is an exceptional, highly recommended work, innovative and creative in surprising ways. (May)