‘A valuable balance to recent academic books . . . Based on Evagrius’s analysis of the roots of sin, it is a deeply personal and accessible presentation of the concept of sin in the Christian tradition, combining Eastern and Western insight for today’s reader.’
Benedicta Ward

Evagrius of Pontus’ work on the eight evil thoughts was widely influential in the western spiritual tradition, on the development of the idea of the seven deadly sins. But those who followed Evagrius, from Cassian to Augustine, thought in a forensic way and were more concerned with attributing guilt. 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 of The Seven Deadly Sins deals with one of the Thoughts, giving the contemporary background, the biblical and theological background, the teaching of Evagrius and those who came after him and its relevance for us today.

Angela Tilby was, before her ordination, a radio and TV producer with the BBC. After her ordination she was Vice-Principal of Westcott House, Cambridge for six years, and is now Vicar of St Benet’s Church in Cambridge, formerly the Franciscans’ Church. She can often be heard on BBC Radio 4’s Thought for the Day.

‘Angela Tilby has done a splendid job … The result is informative, exciting and thought-provoking.’ Ruth Allen, Reform