Abstract
This chapter explores how Bonhoeffer develops and deepens his theological engagement with social theory in his hamartiology or doctrine of sin. Bonhoeffer is clear that the fall into sin has radically disrupted and overturned primal social relations and formations (of the kind outlined in his chapter on creation). With the fall, the kinds of persons and relations evident in the primal state are replaced with sinful individuals who wilfully pursue their own isolation and solitude. Moreover, this chapter shows how Bonhoeffer, in critical dialogue with Augustine, draws in and reworks the social-philosophical concept of the ‘collective person’ to provide an account of how sin might be understood as simultaneously universal and personal. For Bonhoeffer, sin is universal in a way that makes individual acts of sin inevitable, but without thereby undermining the culpability of individuals for their sinful acts.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.