Glittering Vices: A New Look at the Seven Deadly Sins and Their Remedies [Paperback]

Rebecca Konyndyk DeYoung (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2009

Contemporary culture trivializes the "seven deadly sins," or vices, as if they have no serious moral or spiritual implications. Glittering Vices clears this misconception by exploring the traditional meanings of gluttony, sloth, lust, and others. It offers a brief history of how the vices were compiled and an eye-opening explication of how each sin manifests itself in various destructive behaviors. Readers gain practical understanding of how the vices shape our culture today and how to correctly identify and eliminate the deeply rooted patterns of sin that are work in their own lives. This accessible book is essential for any reader interested in spiritual disciplines and character formation.

EXCERPT
Very simply, a virtue (or vice) is acquired through practice--repeated activity that increases our proficiency at the activity and gradually forms our character. . . . We often need external incentives and sanctions to get us through the initial stages of the process, when our old, entrenched desires still pull us toward the opposite behavior. But with encouragement, discipline, and often a role model or mentor, practice can make things feel more natural and enjoyable as we gradually develop the internal values and desires corresponding to our outward behavior. Virtue often develops, that is, from the outside-in. This is why, when we want to re-form our character from vice to virtue, we often need to practice and persevere in regular spiritual disciplines and formational practices for a lengthy period of time.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

The traditional teachings on the seven deadly sins, or capital vices, compiled by Christian luminaries 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 deadly sins 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, edifying chapter on each mortal sin. Through this eye-opening book, readers will be able to correctly identify and resist the deeply rooted patterns of sin that are at work in their lives.

"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

"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

"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

About the Author

Rebecca Konyndyk DeYoung (PhD, University of Notre Dame) is associate professor of philosophy at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She wrote the "seven deadly sins" entry for the Encyclopedia of Christianity and collaborated with two of her seminary students to develop a high school/college curriculum on the subject.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Brazos Press; 1 edition (June 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1587432323
• ISBN-13: 978-1587432323
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #331,719 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Phenomenal Book, September 17, 2009

By 

J. Woestman "Theology Student" (Dallas, TX) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Glittering Vices: A New Look at the Seven Deadly Sins and Their Remedies (Paperback)

I picked up "Glittering Vices" on a whim because I was interested in the author's approach of taking the seven capital vices and discussing them within an Aristotelian/Thomist understanding of virtue. Konyndyk DeYoung begins with a chapter that places the discussion solidly within the Christian tradition (and explains her use of the phrase "capital vices"), and defines virtue for the conversation. She continues with a chapter on each of the seven vices. Each chapter is excellent. It defines each vice within its historical Christian understanding, explains what it is, and gives examples in our present day. She also gives advice on how to move from vice to virtue.

This book is an excellent introduction to the seven deadly sins. It's a convicting read that is profoundly devotional while remaining thoroughly theological/historical/biblical.

P.S. - The chapter on Gluttony is amazing. Best treatment of gluttony I've ever read.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A provocative and well-written book on the seven deadly vices, February 18, 2010

By 

ken in the city - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Glittering Vices: A New Look at the Seven Deadly Sins and Their Remedies (Kindle Edition)

I was looking for a good book on the seven "deadly" sins and this book exceeded my expectations. If you are looking for a folksy, superficial read - this is not going to be it. DeYoung delves deeply into each of the seven deadly or "capital" vices, defining clearly what they are, how they derive their foundation in pride (the "father" of the seven), and how to recognize each of them in our lives. Perhaps most importantly, she clearly illustrates WHY each of these vices leads to destructive behaviors, relationships, and spirituality. And then, to top it all off, she illustrates how each of these vices are generally opposed against various virtues (e.g., envy opposed to love and closely tied to vainglory) and how we can practically try to overcome these vices in our daily living.

The book is very well written and DeYoung's writing style is intelligent, yet imminently readable. This book is rooted in Christianity, and DeYoung clearly articulates how each of these vices is caused by an improper relationship to God. As such, it's geared more towards a Christian audience though I believe it's a great read for anyone that is simply looking for some spiritual guidance or self-knowledge.

I like the fact that she draws from a wide variety of literary sources and historical figures. She draws not just from the Bible, but a lot from theological/philosophical giants such as Augustine, Gregory, Aquinas, and Aristotle. At the same time, she'll reference pop culture like Robert DeNiro, REM or Amadeus (the movie), her own experiences as a professor and a mother, and more contemporary authors like Buechner or C.S. Lewis. There's also a great history on how the seven deadly sins came about in theology, which was a helpful context - given that they are never explicitly listed as such in the Bible.

If I had a complaint about this book, it would be a small one. At times, I felt she could make her points somewhat more succintly. But I'm really splitting hairs here. The bottom line is that if you are struggling and not at peace, then please buy this book and read it. You may find that the cause of your situation is not so much your family, your house, your friends, or your job. But rather, it could be the negative patterns of vice ingrained in your life.

Hope that helps!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent and readable approach to the seven deadly sins, November 9, 2009

By 

Almelle (Virginia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Glittering Vices: A New Look at the Seven Deadly Sins and Their Remedies (Paperback)

I've presently got about 100 sticky notes in this book, so let me see if I can collect my thoughts! Rebecca DeYoung wrote this book for her students at Calvin College, and it definitely belongs in the genre of thoughtful general reading suitable for teens, adults, and communities.

Like the prior reviewer (J. Woestman) says, DeYoung draws heavily from Aristotle and St. Thomas Aquinas' ideas about a middle path of virtue being situated between two 'disordered' extremes, or distortions of that middle way. For example, courage is the best position between cowardice and rashness, as a well-ordered enjoyment of food is between avoidance or finicky eating, and desperate overeating (both being aspects of gluttony).

DeYoung quotes from movies such as 'Groundhog Day' and 'Amadeus,' as well as literature and poetry. I especially appreciated her use of Madeleine L'Engle's poems of love in the final chapter.

If I could recommend anything to improve a reading of this book, it would be to pair it with a thoughtful follow-up book that situates this understanding of the sins and virtues in a way of spiritual formation. I believe this is especially necessary for Protestant communities, as we so often rush towards individual virtue-improvement without developing long-haul relationships that could lead us to communities of virtue borne out of love.

Perhaps it's because I read this alone, but I want to emphasize that reading it with a group of friends or family - and following it with readings on spiritual formation - would be even more beneficial! If anyone has recommendations of good follow-up books, please let us all know in a comment or review!