Review by Choice Review
LaCocque (emer., Chicago Theological Seminary) continues his multidisciplinary reflection upon transcendental anthropology, evil, and the writings of the ancient Judean sage called the Yahwist that he began with The Trial of Innocence: Adam, Eve, and the Yahwist (2006). He extends his project with a close reading of Cain's murder of Abel and its aftermath (Genesis 4:1-22). LaCocque moves from this text into the Jewish and Christian and contemporary critical exegetical traditions and philosophical, literary, theological, and psychological texts to produce an in-depth dimension to his work. His reading ultimately centers on the divine speech to Cain in Genesis 4:7, a text that emphasizes the importance of the human will. He concludes that the "myth of Cain and Abel" leaves one with an ethical existential decision: whether to side with Cain or Abel. The essay brims with insights, though grounding this reading in a universal transcendental anthropology seems overwrought. This volume will appeal to a general audience interested in the biblical heritage of Western culture, and to scholars and students of the Jewish and Christian scriptures, especially those concerned with the problem of evil as an anthropological and psychological issue. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-level undergraduates and above; general readers. J. W. Wright Point Loma Nazarene University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
