Kim Paffenroth

Original Sin and Time

Theology

“From the unremarkable premises that ‘God is all good’ and ‘God exists outside time,’ Andre Barbera takes us to the much more provocative conclusion that ‘Time is sin.’ Along the way, he traces the Biblical and patristic origins of these ideas, bringing in other dialogue partners (e.g., Dostoevsky, Dante, Luther, Kierkegaard) to elaborate the implications. This is a thoughtful and detailed study.”

Rereading Historical Theology

Theology

“This book does what few academic books attempt--a real engagement and conversation with an ancient author, letting our thoughts and views interact with his. As Miles touches on diverse topics of interest to any modern person, others are also brought into the conversation--not just Augustine, but also Plato, Aristotle, Calvin, and Luther. Whether one wishes to discredit or to appropriate Augustine's views, one will find here much material that challenges and leads to further discussion.”

Such a Dark Thing

Theology

“Equal parts fan-boy adulation and academic analysis, this delightful book expresses such joy and enthusiasm in either mode: in both, the author shows what it is to be passionately engaged and intellectually stimulated by the subject. The section on liberation theology and social change also takes the vampire narrative into new areas of interpretation and application that I found especially exciting and invigorating. Those who identify as either fan or critic (or both) will find here fresh insight into and inspiration from their favorite monster--a sort of bracing antidote to Twilight!”