"The Seven Deadly Sins "

Written by Angela Tilby

Evagrius of Pontus’ work on the eight evil thoughts was widely influential in the western spiritual tradition, on the development of the idea of the seven deadly sins. But those who followed Evagrius, from Cassian to Augustine, thought in a forensic way and were more concerned with attributing guilt. This was very unlike the thought of Evagrius, who concerned himself with questions about how to deal with evil thoughts and temptations in a healing way.

Each chapter of The Seven Deadly Sins deals with one of the Thoughts, giving the contemporary background, the biblical and theological background, the teaching of Evagrius and those who came after him and its relevance for us today.

Reviews

This is a wonderful, enriching, energizing book to read. It takes the reader on a pilgrimage, exploring an ancient Christian world-view, and shows how we can develop and strengthen our understanding of sin, repentance and forgiveness in a way that is not negative but truly positive. Angela Tilby has made some difficult material very approachable, and her book is easy to read. She is particularly good at showing why the understanding of ‘sin’ in Western Christianity became so interwoven with blame and guilt; and she also shows how the Eastern Christian approach holds out the vision of a more loving approach to sin which is yet firm enough to challenge Christians to seek a continual repentance and renewal before God. Above all, she takes ancient teachings on sin, which at first sight might seem very alien, and discovers in them a deep understanding of the psychological and spiritual processes at work in us as we encounter temptation, desire and weakness in our Christian discipleship. That deep understanding comes first from Evagrius the Hermit, but then also from the wise interpretation of Angela Tilby herself.

Review by: The Revd Cally Hammond
Dean of Gonville & Caius College, Cambridge.

About The Author

Angela Tilby was, before her ordination, a radio and TV producer with the BBC. After her ordination she was Vice-Principal of Westcott House, Cambridge for six years, and is now Vicar of St Benet’s Church in Cambridge, formerly the Franciscans’ Church. She can often be heard on BBC Radio 4’s Thought for the Day.