Getting Real About God, Suffering, Sin and Evil: A Pastor Rethinks the Age-Old Problem

by Jill L. Mcnish, Gregory Mobley (Foreword by)

Overview

"In spirited writing, Jill McNish goes to the heart of the matter, calling us to recognize evil exists and that we can get caught in its numinous power breaking through the fabric of humanity, both personally and collectively. Ardent, daring self-examination can help keep us mindful and protect us from dangerous denial. We can also take heart that we yearn for the good, look for it. The author's own priestly tenderness comes through, that we want goodness, want to build up, not to destroy. Her amazement at the pursuit of goodness is wonderfully contagious. This book will make a difference." Ann Belford Ulanov, Ph.D., L.H.D., Christiane Brooks Johnson professor of psychiatry and religion, Union Theological Seminary, psychoanalyst, and author of The Unshuttered Heart: Opening to Aliveness and Deadness in the Self

"Getting Real is a courageous, timely and insightful book. With theological and philosophical astuteness, psychological depth, and much personal vulnerability, McNish explores the nature and presence of sin and evil in our world . . . Getting Real is a must-read for anyone wondering why there is so much evil, hatred and violence in our world or [anyone] asking how . . . to love one's neighbor." Jaco Hamman, Ph.D., professor of pastoral care, Western Theological Seminary, author of Becoming a Pastor: Forming Self and Souls for Ministry

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780761854883
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	06/03/2011
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	180
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Jill L. McNish was ordained as an Episcopal priest after a career as an attorney in the private practice of law. She is now presently engaged in parish ministry. McNish holds an M.Div. and Ph.D. in psychiatry and religion from Union Theological Seminary in New York City. She has lectured to laypersons, clergy, and pastoral counselors throughout the country and has taught seminary and undergraduate courses in pastoral theology, psychology, and religion. She is the author of numerous articles and Transforming Shame: A Pastoral Response.

Table of Contents

Foreword

Acknowledgments

Introduction. Why Evil? Why Now? 1

Chapter 1 What is Sin? 13

Chapter 2 A History of Sin in Christianity 29

Chapter 3 Humankind's Altruism 43

Chapter 4 What Is Evil? 47

Chapter 5 What Causes Evil to Manifest as Action? 59

Chapter 6 A Case of Collective Evil: The Iraq War 81

Chapter 7 What is the Scriptural Basis for Distinguishing Between Sin and Evil? 87

Chapter 8 God, Humankind, Evil and Suffering 93

Chapter 9 Visions of A Bigger God 115

Chapter 10 Some History of the Knowledge of Another Face of the God of Love 127

Chapter 11 Christianity: Sin, Evil and Goodness 139

Conclusion and Summary 153

Bibliography 157

Scriptural References 163

Index 165