#17: Between Fire and Water: The Evil Inclination and Free Will in Ben Sira

In this episode we discuss Ben Sira, and how his approach to the evil inclination is a predecessor of a prominent modern understanding of the “problem” of sin.

What does it mean to believe in a God who created humans and hates sin, while acknowledging that people still “like” to sin? Ben Sira presents a solution that still resonates with many today.

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2 Responses to "#17: Between Fire and Water: The Evil Inclination and Free Will in Ben Sira"

Rocky Jackson says:

May 19, 2017 at 8:48 pm

Well like clock work I was listening this morning and at the 31minute mark ,stopped dead again..
However I was able just a bit ago to finish the ending and my first new thought is perhaps I’m wrong I’m thinking the Rabbinical position on man’s issues are the “Evil inclination”
So when did the Rabbinical position become the official position?
1. Miryam Brand says:
  
  May 20, 2017 at 10:09 pm
  
  Hi Rocky! The Rabbinical position on the source of sin does, in fact, tend to focus on the “evil inclination.” It is generally accepted that the Rabbinical position as we think of it — that is, beginning with the Mishna — began its path toward being “official,” more or less, towards the end of the Second Temple and in a more solidified way following the destruction of the Second Temple. Of course, the Rabbinical position itself continued to develop and included different views of sin — it would be a mistake to see the entire Rabbinic tradition as a single monolithic entity.

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