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

Rebecca DeYoung (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

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.

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

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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: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #47,044 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 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)

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.

2 of 2 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 (in Tejas!) - See all my reviews

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!