Hypocrisy: Moral Fraud and Other Vices [Paperback]

James S. Spiegel (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1999

A respected congressman is found guilty of shady financial dealings. A highly regarded sports personality is busted for drug possession. Hypocrisy seems to be everywherereports of it are in the news almost every day.

Christians especially are prone to the charge of hypocrisy: Theyre all a bunch of hypocrites. Yet surprisingly, the topic of hypocrisy has remained largely unaddressed in Christian literature or in secular publishing.

In Hypocrisy: Moral Fraud and Other Vices, James Spiegel draws insights from ethics, theology, psychology, apologetics, and spiritual formation to guide readers through this complex subject.

Spiegel deftly analyzes the concept and content of hypocrisy, then moves to a discussion of its morality and its relation to moral weakness and sanctification. In his closing chapter he takes up the charge of the churchs hypocrisy and whether it poses a sufficient reason for rejection of Christian truth, as critics maintain.

Highly accessible yet philosophically sophisticated, Hypocrisy will sharpen the wits of serious readers and students of philosophy alike. This important book is destined to be a sought-after reference in moral and theological discussions for years to come.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A clearly written contribution to an important topic for Christians. We need sharp thinking about hypocrisy and self-deception in order to battle against these all-too-common manifestations of human sinfulness. Spiegels book is both theoretically and practically valuable -- C. Stephen Evans, professor of philosophy, Calvin College

A unique and profound treatment of a basic structure of evil that permeates our homes, communities, and institutions, secular and sacred. I recommend it highly to anyone who needs to understand why life goes as it does. It deals with a primary topic in the teachings of Jesus which needs to be applied to the texture of our daily lives -- Dallas Willard, professor of philosophy, University of Southern California

James Spiegel has written a probing and thoughtful investigation into the dynamics of hypocrisy and self-deception. It is a valuable guide to the investigation of the wilderness of the darker side of human motivation -- Dick Keyes, LAbri Fellowship

Spiegels book is an exciting example of how integrative philosophy should be done. It is also a sign of the maturity of evangelical publishing. Spiegel offers us a careful, insightful, and interesting analysis of the nature of hypocrisy, its causes and consequences, and its relationship to things such as self deception and weakness of will. I know of no book like this anywhere. It will be of special interest to psychologists, moral philosophers, theologians, and those in pastoral/discipleship ministries. At a time when hypocrisy is rampant throughout society, Hypocrisy is must reading for understanding and countering this corrosive trend -- J. P. Moreland, professor of philosophy, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University

About the Author

James S. Spiegel is an assistant professor of philosophy at Taylor University in Upland, Indiana. He received his Ph.D. from Michigan State University and is a regular contributor to Christian scholarly publications.

Product Details

• Paperback: 173 pages
• Publisher: Baker Pub Group (November 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 080106046X
• ISBN-13: 978-0801060465
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,083,577 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

James Spiegel holds a PhD from Michigan State University and currently teaches philosophy at Taylor University. He is the author of several books, including the award-winning How to Be Good in a World Gone Bad. Spiegel is a frequent speaker at Christian colleges, conferences, churches, and on radio programs. He lives in Fairmount, Indiana, with his wife, Amy, and their four children, Bailey, Samuel, Magdalene, and Andrew.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rewarding, informative, insightful, challenging reading., March 4, 2000

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hypocrisy: Moral Fraud and Other Vices (Paperback)

Hypocrisy, the pronouncement of a virtue while practicing a vice, is a very most common complaint against Christians and the community of faith. From television evangelist scandals to the petty sins of family members, the difference between what is preached and what is practiced has long been seen as grounds of dismissing the Christian message of the Gospel. James Spiegel draws insights from the fields of ethics, theology, psychology, apologetics, and spiritual formation to guide the reader through this complex subject in Hypocrisy: Moral Fraud & Other Vices. The text is "reader friendly" in its fascinating and educative approach and analysis to this basic, pervasive flaw in Christian conduct. Hypocrisy will prove rewarding, informative reading for students of theology, spirituality, and human behavior.

2 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thought provoking for those who actually think, June 3, 2001

By 

MotherLodeBeth "MotherLodeBeth" (Sierras of California) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Hypocrisy: Moral Fraud and Other Vices (Paperback)

Hypocrisy is a topic most religions and notably Christianity never speak of. Yet for some of us organized religion is nothing but hypocrisy and the author notes this well.

From the Pope who denounces birth control and elevates the poor while ignoring the plight of these people. Preferring instead to clothe the Pope in Gucci shoes and fine cloth. Or the mega media American televangilists who live in mansions and make millions, while telling the poor and average that God loves them poor and lacking.

Or consider the recent news stories of the Bush daughters whose father GW the President talk pro-family, pro-law and order, moral and ethics but who himself cannot do what he tells others to do.

The fact is most hypocrites are those who paint society into a corner of black and white and little grey. Liberals ironically and refreshingly, are the least hypocritical because it is all about walking the talk. Liberal are just that. Supporting of liberal, live and let live, tax and spend ideals.

This book is great and much needed food for thought. For those who dare to even think!