Description

Synopsis:

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.

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