I would begin with a word of caution - this is extremely deep, intense reading, not a devotional book (as "Easter eyes" might be taken to imply.) It is a work where one must read each paragraph carefully, often more than once, to receive the full impact. In doing so, one may see its clear brilliance.

Allison's exploration of original sin is especially striking because he re-interprets this doctrine as taking its meaning from the resurrection. He lays his groundwork by explaining concepts set forth by Rene Girard, then applies this to Christology and soteriology, moving on to explore much of human nature and how theologians of past eras have dealt with similar approaches. I do not wish to expound, not wanting to spoil the material for new readers, but his treatment of the topic had me nearly shouting "Eureka!" every ten pages or so. It is a highly useful work, not only for those specifically interested in theological anthropology, but to anyone wishing a clearer picture of the human condition and relation to God.

This is not a book for a brief meditation or weekend retreat, but, for those interested in an enlightening, original, in depth study, it is quite amazing. The blend of scholarship and insight is a rare treat.

René Girard has been called the Copernicus of the human sciences, but up till now his popularity among social scientists is limited. In order to experience how well Girard's mimetology works in different scientific areas, we are in need of theorists who attempt to apply Girard's ideas to theology, psychology, literary sciences and so on. James Alison is some one who does so in the area of biblical exegesis. Alison's is a very thorough work, eloquent in its argument and truthful to the spirit of Girard's main ideas.

This book is a compilation of essays written by friends and fellow theologians of Sabastian Moore. Many of the essays are excellent summaries of the key idea's behind Moore's theological work emphasizing the psychological connection between the passion, death, and resurrection of Christ with the human thought processes that lead to self understanding and action.

According to Moore, the core of all human action stems from the desire to love and to be loved by the object of our desire. And, in its ultimate realization, that true object of our desire is God Himself. In the incarnation, passion and resurrection of Christ we are faced with the annihilation of God (who reveals the gap between our own perceived goodness and actual goodness) and the annihilation of our own transcended potential. Thus, we crucify the Christ potential within ourselves every day through lack of proper action. The result is guilt, shame, alienation, and self justification. But, instead of God bringing forth judgement and condemnation (a projection of our own vindictiveness), God brings forth an offer of forgiveness and redemption. It is in the realization of this unconditional act of acceptance that we overcome those barriers that prevent our own love from growing to fruition (as such, we rise (like Christ) to new levels of authenticity).

I highly recommend this book to those who seek a deeper understanding of the life, death, and resurrection of Christ; an understanding that goes beyond history and into the depths of human cognition.