Into the Wilderness: Understanding the True Nature of Sin

No one is free from the struggle with sin. Not only is sin part of being human, but the true nature of sin is widely misunderstood. Into the Wilderness provides a unique interpretation of sin as a basic self-absorption that grips every human being and is the source of unhappiness. Historically the notion of sin has been divided into easily understood categories. The traditional approach used the Seven Deadly Sins—pride, greed, gluttony, anger, envy, sloth, and lust—as a framework. But a deeper understanding of sin demands three additional categories: fear, dishonesty, and despair.
Into the Wilderness explores these ten specific sins with power and clarity. The book goes beyond an analysis of sin by opening the path from sin to redemption, from unhappiness to joy, finally laying out a path from the despair of sin to the joy of spiritual renewal and freedom. The book concludes with an addendum which answers the book’s fundamental question—how can one move from the enslavement of sin into God’s redeeming grace? The addendum presents a detailed prayer discipline designed to open the way forward.

Kenneth Swanson is an Episcopal priest and has been in parish ministry nearly fifty years. He has a PhD from the University of Edinburgh, and is the author of numerous articles on the history of religion, theology, spirituality, and social ethics as well as three books. Dr. Swanson is on the faculty of the Candler School of Theology at Emory University, and teaches spiritual formation for the Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing in Atlanta.