Glittering Vices

"Moral formation" and "character development" are popular buzzwords, but they are ineffective concepts without an understanding of what good character is and how to cultivate it. The traditional teachings on the "seven deadly sins," or capital vices, compiled by saints such as Augustine, Pope Gregory I, and Aquinas, offer a strong foundation for recognizing virtues to cultivate and vices to avoid."

Unfortunately, contemporary culture trivializes, psychologizes, or even dismisses the seven vices as if they have no serious moral or spiritual implications. Glittering Vices clears that misconception with a brief history of the vices and an informative chapter on each "deadly sin." Readers gain practical understanding of how the vices shape our culture and why gluttony, lust, sloth, and others are, in fact, incredibly destructive. Through this eye-opening book, readers will be able to correctly identify and eliminate the deeply rooted patterns of sin that are work in their lives.

Winsome and wise, Glittering Vices is intriguing for any reader interested in spiritual disciplines and character formation. Its rich content makes it useful in undergraduate and seminary ethics courses as well.

Reviews

"An excellent and important contribution. . . . Given its accessibility, far-reaching scope, and 'glittering' subject matter, Glittering Vices is potentially useful in a wide range of contexts: from retreats, to small groups, to adult Christian education courses, to undergraduate academic courses in ethics or theology."--Jason Baehr, Journal of Spiritual Formation & Soul Care

"This book is a treat for the mind and a tonic for the soul, recovering and refining riches in the Christian tradition almost lost from view. It is not often that one reads a work that is as intellectually deep and sharp as this one, but which is also intensely practical: helping its readers become the persons they were created to be."--C. Stephen Evans, Baylor University

"Glittering Vices is a lucid, historically informed, and well-illustrated exploration of the seven deadly vices. DeYoung's book will unquestionably help teachers, students, and laypersons toward the Socratic and Christian goal of self-examination. This is an invaluable guide for anyone seeking self-understanding, spiritual growth, and philosophical insight."--W. Jay Wood, Wheaton College

"Rebecca DeYoung here gives us an in-depth, informing, and frequently fascinating look at the vices and why they glitter. For the believer, reading her words will become, in and of itself, an act of spiritual formation."--Phyllis Tickle, author of Greed

"Rebecca DeYoung's Glittering Vices gives us the seven words we need to name the deep-rooted distortions of love of God and neighbor--both within ourselves and in our culture. This lively introduction to the Christian psychology behind the capital vices, or 'deadly sins,' engages contemporary film and fiction even as it sifts the wisdom of Aquinas, Gregory, and Cassian. In DeYoung, the rich tradition of self-examination through the lens of the capital vices has found a contemporary advocate, faithful and wise."--Robert B. Kruschwitz, director of the Center for Christian Ethics, Baylor University

Citation

DeYoung, Rebecca Konyndyk. Glittering Vices: A new Look at the Seven Deadly Sins and Their Remedies. Grand Rapids: Brazos Press, 2009.