NEW BOOK! Where Sin Abounds: The Spread of Sin and the Curse in Genesis with Special Focus on the Patriarchal Narratives (a theology of Genesis) by Robert R. Gonzales Jr.
Posted by deangonzales on November 7, 2009
It’s finally available! Wipf & Stock has published my theology of Genesis entitled Where Sin Abounds: The Spread of Sin and the Curse in Genesis With Special Focus on the Patriarchal Narratives. Here’s what three Old Testament scholars say about the book:
Although my library shelf holds many commentaries on Genesis, I eagerly anticipate turning again and again to Where Sin Abounds by Robert R. Gonzales Jr. In a fresh, comprehensive, and detailed theological exegesis, Gonzales empowers the patriarchal narrative, as well as the so-called primeval history, to express the spread of sin, its varied nature, and the divinely imposed consequences. Here is a monograph that the contemporary evangelical church, corrupted by the Marcionite heresy, needs desperately to hear.
—Bruce Waltke
Professor of Old Testament
Reformed Theological SeminaryThe habit of all too many Old Testament scholars is to limit the discussion of sin and the Fall to the first three chapters of Genesis, with perhaps a nod to the Flood narrative. In this thoughtful and persuasive work on the subject, Gonzales has brought to bear the best in exegetical and theological method to make an arresting case for the ongoing permeation of sin and its after-effects into the human experience, evidence for which is exhibited in the patriarchal narratives that tell the rest of the Genesis story. An important implication of his thesis is that it launches a trajectory into the New Testament and beyond, demolishing at once the idea of human perfectionism and putting in bold relief the need for a Savior.
—Eugene H. Merrill
Distinguished Professor of Old Testament Studies
Dallas Theological SeminaryThis thoroughly researched and documented study explores the theme of sin in Genesis, especially in the Patriarchal narratives. Thus Bob Gonzalas has provided students of Scripture the theological background to appreciate even more the grace of God in His dealings with His people. In reading this book you will learn how little Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob deserved God’s favor. The reader will also gain significant insights into the doctrine of sanctification. This study, therefore, is both scholarly and practical. The author’s research, moreover, has revealed how often orthodox interpreters have attempted to justify the sins of the Patriarchs. Careful exegesis of the Hebrew text (much of it in the footnotes) and insightful theological reflection characterize the pages of this monograph. The appendix contains a four-page chart of tabulating the instances of sin and its consequences in Genesis. There are rewards for those who carefully study this book.
—Robert Bell
Professor of Old Testament
Bob Jones University
What’s the main thesis of the book? Nearly all scholars divide Genesis into primeval and patriarchal history, though they debate the precise point of division. One reason advanced to justify the division is a thematic shift. In primeval history, the narrator focuses on the origin and spread of sin, as well as God’s consequent curse and judgment on humanity. In patriarchal history, however, the spread of sin theme falls off the radar of most scholars. But these analyses of the primeval and patriarchal narratives are simplistic and inaccurate. In fact, the theme of human sin and the divine curse not only serve as the main themes of the Fall narrative, but they also continue to function as major themes in both the primeval and patriarchal narratives that follow. More particularly, human sin appears to increase at both individual and societal levels. Moreover, just as the primordial sin threatened to derail the advance of God’s kingdom and fulfillment of the creation mandate, so the spread of human sin in postlapsarian history threatens to thwart God’s redemptive plan, which consists in the restoration of his original creational intentions for divine and human eschatological fullness. This proves true even in the patriarchal narratives where the sins of God’s chosen often threaten the very promise intended for their ultimate good. These facts, which the author attempts to demonstrate in the monograph, not only have important ramifications for the unity of the Genesis corpus, but they also have important implications for the doctrines of sin, justification, and sanctification.
If you’re interested in getting a copy right away, you can order through Wipf & Stock here and get a 20% discount. The book will eventually be available through Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, and other major distributors. For those willing to wait a little while, I can order author’s copies at a 50% discount. Since I’m not really concerned about making money off the book royalties, I’m happy to sell the books to my readers at my cost plus postage. So if you want a copy at a 50% discount (around $17), let me know by November 28th. Simply indicate so in the comments box below and be sure to include your address. Or you can send me an email (rgonz985@gmail.com). Once I get all the requests, I’ll make the order and forward the books to you. If you can wait till January 1st, the book will be available through Barnes and Noble at a 32% discount.
Your servant,
Bob Gonzales, Dean
Reformed Baptist Seminary
November 7th, 2009 at 10:22 am
Bob,
I look forward to reading this book and adding it to my library. I have always enjoyed your careful, thorough, balanced, and fair writing on the blog, and I anticipate the same in this work.
I’ll purchase my copy through Wipf and Stock and hopefully be able to write about it on my blog soon.
Keith
November 7th, 2009 at 10:33 am
Thanks for the kind words, Keith. I hope the book doesn’t disappoint.
November 8th, 2009 at 1:24 am
I’ll take a copy. Will email address. Can you give a preferred address so that I can send a check? Or explain your preferred method of payment?
November 8th, 2009 at 6:55 pm
Hi Bob,
I’d like 2 authour’s copies. Happy to wait.
Thanks!
In Christ,
Michael
November 9th, 2009 at 4:59 am
Please send me a copy to:
Philip Taylor
18 Gorman Close
Greenisland
Carrickfergus
Northern Ireland
UK
BT38 8GA
Looking forward to it.
November 9th, 2009 at 12:56 pm
Hello Bob,
I would love to get a copy. Please let me know how you would like me to pay.
Thank you,
Tyson
November 11th, 2009 at 7:01 am
Congratulations Dr. Bob! I would love a copy too!
November 24th, 2009 at 5:54 pm
I would like a copy as well Dr. Bob.
Brady
November 24th, 2009 at 6:14 pm
[...] before November 28th. Or you can order the book through Barnes and Noble at a 32% discount here. Where Sin Abounds: The Spread of Sin and the Curse in Genesis with a Special Focus on the Patriarcha… Your servant, Bob Gonzales __________________ Bob Gonzales Jr., Dean Reformed Baptist Seminary [...]
November 24th, 2009 at 7:37 pm
[...] before November 28th. Or you can order the book through Barnes and Noble at a 32% discount here. Where Sin Abounds: The Spread of Sin and the Curse in Genesis with a Special Focus on the Patriarcha… Your servant, Bob Gonzales __________________ Bob Gonzales Jr., Dean Reformed Baptist Seminary [...]
November 24th, 2009 at 8:42 pm
Doctor G,
I would like to purchase a copy of this work,although when i clicked on your email link I kept getting a 404 erroe message.
I am on Facebook,at Anthony Darienzo,or PB as Iconoclast.
Let me know how to make payment,{at the discount rate,lol. I am very cheap,haha
December 26th, 2009 at 11:46 am
Phil and Anthony,
I need your email addresses to confirm whether you’re still interested in the book. I passed on to my daughter the many email requests for the book but forgot to pass on to her those requests listed in the comments section here. I have the email info for some of those who left comments here but not all. I’m currently emailing those who’ve requested to confirm whether they’re still interested in the author’s copy, which is $17 + $4 = $21. Barnes and Noble is currently offering the book for $23. You may now obtain the copy more quickly through them since I mistakenly forgot to get your names on the original list. But I’m still willing to save you $2 if you want to go through me.
Sorry about that.
Bob Gonzales