Connolly investigates the realities of sin through reflection on different biblical and literary texts. Writers as varied as Sophocles, Graham Greene, Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Irvine Welsh help illuminate different models of sin. Physical evil, law and morality, alienation and existence, power and money, spiritual love and failure are some of the ever-compelling themes that are scrutinized. In Dostoevsky's novels, sin is the rejection of life and love and a refusal to commit oneself to destiny. This book rediscovers a truly relational understanding of sin and moves toward a more adult conception of the mystery of sin and forgiveness.