Of the world's three 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 Gold, is not just a problem but a tragedy. So why do the doctrine's 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 God's original blessing in the garden to this pervasive belief in humanity's 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 over calculations, 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 humanity's creation in the image of God.

A fresh, new exploration of who God is and what God wants for creation

A young pastor introduces us to a God who delights in breaking through boundaries, loves to pop up in unexpected places, and favors the outsider over the institutional insider. Written for anyone longing for a more generative and loving God, this book offers a new paradigm through which faith can be understood. This boundary-breaking God engages life at every corner-social, economical, political, intellectual, ecological. Offers a refreshing view of God that is creative and expansive.Written by the popular pastor of Journey Community Church in Dallas, this fresh vision of who God can be is enlivened by winsome personal stories and anecdotes.Seeing God's story as a story of boundary breaking opens our imaginations and compels Christians to live as people of hopeful purpose who attempt to change the world for the better.Opens up the Christian "good news" for those who are tired of the same old, same old