The Other Side of Sin: Woundedness from the Perspective of the Sinned-Against. .

The Other Side of Sin: Woundedness from the Perspective of the Sinned-Against. Edited by Andrew Sung Park and Susan L. Nelson. Albany: State University of New York Press, 2001. 192 pages. Paper. $18.95.

Andrew Sung Park, Professor of Theology at the United Theological Seminary, and Susan L. Nelson, Professor of Theology at the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, have coedited this collection of nine theological papers that examine the doctrine of sin from different perspectives of those who have been sinned against. With Augustine's development of the doctrine of original sin, the salvation offered to us through Jesus Christ became one of forgiveness of personal sins, and thus the emphasis has been on the sinner and not the sinned-against. The scriptural basis for this reexamination is plain: the ministry of Jesus Christ was directed toward those who were sinned-against. These are the marginalized and powerless people who were subjected to the laws and regulations that were aimed at keeping social power in the hands of a few elite. In this book, each author gives the ramifications of the church's doctrine of sin and reasons why this doctrine needs to be reexamined and reinterpreted.

The nine papers cover much ground in examining the "other side of sin." Walter Brueggemann examines the doctrine of retribution found in the Old Testament. Andrew Sung Park introduces the Asian concept of han, which represents the deep wound of the victim "that festers from within" (p. 14). Justo L. Gonzalez looks at sin as alienation. He rejects its authoritarian and hierarchical expression and examines the gospel's reverses of hierarchy in showing favor to the least. Susan Nelson explores the shame that comes to the victim of sin, reminding us that reconciliation requires more than repentance and forgiveness, but also a "balm" for the broken heart. Ched Myers' article centers on the consequences of addiction, viewing it not simply as individualistic sin but one that encompasses the social and cultural environment that fosters it. He applies his view to arguably the most common type of addiction today, commercialism. Theodore Jennings reconstructs the doctrine of sin. Marie Fortune distinguishes between sin- as-disobedience and sin-as-harm-done-to-another, so that the abused can be empowered to know that God sides with the victim. Mary Elizabeth Mullino Moore wrestles with how to resolve today's world of is fear, born of violence and terrorism, without falling into sin. Ruth Duck writes of how liturgy can be used to minister to those who are victimized through the use of lament, services of healing, and preaching for.

Why do we need another book on the subject of sin? It reminds us that our usual understanding of the doctrine of sin is neither simple nor all-encompassing. It cannot be about the status quo. The doctrine of sin must challenge those of us who occupy positions of authority and interpretation on behalf of the church.