Seven Deadly Sins

Although not biblical in the strictest sense, the so-called seven deadly (or “capital”) sins—lust, envy, gluttony, sloth, greed, anger, and pride—have a firm basis in Scripture and a long history within the Christian tradition, as viewers will discover in this History Channel-aired miniseries. Each of the infamous sins are treated here in separate episodes that combine doctrinal comments from theologians and other religious figures together with examples drawn from history, literature (especially Dante's The Divine Comedy), and even current affairs, along with observations based on relevant scientific and medical research (on related subjects such as depression and rage), all buttressed by vibrant, colorful graphics. Seven Deadly Sins unfortunately features considerable repetition throughout the episodes (particularly concerning the origin of the “canon” of sins—viewers will certainly tire of hearing the names Evagrius of Pontus and Pope Gregory the Great long before the series ends), and the periodic appearance of a minister who attributes many of the sins to demonic possession and regularly conducts exorcisms seems misjudged. But for the most part this is an engaging multidisciplinary treatment of a concept deeply embedded in our religious and social history. Recommended. Aud: P. (F. Swietek)