The Seven Deadly Sins: Their Origin in the Spiritual Teaching of Evagrius the Hermit

by Angela Tilby

Until recently little has been known about Evagrius of Pontus. His work on the eight evil thoughts was widely influential in the development of the idea of the Seven Deadly Sins in the Western Spiritual tradition. But those who followed him, from Cassian to Augustine, were more concerned with attributing guilt, and thought in a forensic way. 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 deals with one of the Thoughts, giving the contemporary background, the biblical and theological background, the teaching of Evagrius and what came after, and its relevance for us today.

20 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Miss Scarlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully researched book on the history and beginning of the Seven Deadly Sin tradition.

Ms. Tilby writes in a gentle, non-judgmental tone that encourages the reader to look at the original reason this list of 8 thoughts were put together by Evagrius. Although written from a Christian perspective, Ms. Tilby is not overbearing in her beliefs; she allows room for other beliefs. But that is not to say she is not firm in her beliefs. She comes across knowledgable, but not pretentious.

The chapters are outlined wonderfully, going into details about each sin/thought. Even touching on the other prominent figures in the SDS tradition.

I appreciated the therapeutic conclusion she draws from Evagrius' original teachings.

One thing I missed with the explanation of the Greek word for "Pride" in the Pride Chapter. In the other seven chapters she explains what original word Evagrius used and how that translates to English today, but this was missed in the Pride Chapter.

I encourage anyone looking to understand the original list of the SDS to read this book.

[Gibs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angela Tilby's work on the teachings of Evagrius related to the "passions" was not only a great introduction of the subject, but also a good summary of the history of "sin" in general. In multiple places, Tilby carefully articulates the differences between the western idea of "sin" that developed out of Augustine, Gregory and Thomas, and that of the passions as it was articulated by Evagrius, and after him, somewhat, by his disciple, John Cassian. The result is not a "stepping away" from the problem or idea of sin. Far from it. Rather, Tilby uses the teachings of Evagrius to help re-orient the reader away from the "forensic" idea of sin (sin as an offence against God), toward an arguably more healthy approach that doesn't give sin such elevated status. God isn't mortified by our brokeness (sin) and thus only cautiously and hesitantly agrees to treat with us. Instead, God longs in every way possible to be in full relationship, and our passions, stirred up and confused by demonic forces (to use Evagrius' language) become the roadblocks that retard our progress toward perfection/union. Time and time again, Tilby re-engages with contemporary issues, showing where the wisdom of Evagrius can lead us to liberation from that which distracts, and thus to deeper relationship with God. Tilby does well to remind us, also, that our bodies are not something we can deny in this struggle, and that Evagrius' ascetical teachings have a practical place for the modern spiritual practitioner. Tilby does not "rehabilitate" Evagrius as much as compare his articulation of our tendencies and their meaning against more common western understandings of "sin". Her conclusions both demanding and hopeful. The concept of "total depravity" is jettisoned, but utter dependence on the grace of God, and the original imago dei, remains intact.

[Gavin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Useful connections with Evagrius Ponticus, but as a Western liberal Tilby is constantly taking refuge in the language and assumptions of therapy and secular self satisfaction. Ponticus is good though.