Back to Virtue: Traditional Moral Wisdom for Modern Moral Confusion
Overview
“We have reduced all virtues to one: being nice. And, we measure Jesus by our standard instead of measuring our standard by Him.” For the Christian, explains Peter Kreeft, being virtuous is not a means to the end of pleasure, comfort and happiness. Virtue is a word that means “manly strength.” But how do we know when we are being meek—or just cowardly? When is our anger righteous—and when is it a sin? What is the difference between being virtuous—and merely ethical? Back to Virtue clears up these and countless other questions that beset Christians today. Kreeft summarizes scriptural and theological wisdom on leading a holy life while also contrasting Christian virtue with other ethical systems. He applies traditional moral theology to present-day dilemmas.
Kreeft restores to us what was once common knowledge: the seven deadly sins have an antidote in the Beatitudes. By setting up a close contrast between the two sets of behaviors, Kreeft offers battle-tested guidance in the often bewildering process of discerning right from wrong as we move into the twenty-first century. He provides a road map of virtue, a map for our earthly pilgrimage synthesized from the accumulated wisdom of centuries of Christians, from Paul and the early church fathers to C. S. Lewis.
In the Logos edition, this volume is enhanced by amazing functionality. Important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.
Save more when you purchase this book as part of the Peter Kreeft Bundle (27 vols.).
- Discusses the seven deadly sins as having an antidote in the Beatitudes
- Offers guidance for the bewildering process of discerning right from wrong
- Provides a road map of virtue
- A Civilization at Risk: Whatever Became of Virtue?
- Western Culture on the Couch: A Spiritual Psychoanalysis
- Spiritual History 101: How Did We Get to the Edge?
- Justice, Wisdom, Courage, and Moderation: The Four Cardinal Virtues
- Faith, Hope, and Love: The Three Theological Virtues
- The Beatitudes Confront the Seven Deadly Sins
- Poor in Spirit vs. Proud in Heart
- Giving Mercy vs. Getting Things (Avarice)
- Blessed Mourning vs. Mourning at Others’ Blessedness (Envy)
- The Meek and the Peacemakers vs. the Anger-Driven
- Hungering for Righteousness vs. Satisfied with Sloth
- Pure of Heart vs. Lustful of Heart
- Courage under Persecution vs. Self-indulgence (Gluttony)
- In Conclusion: The Winsomeness of Virtue
Top Highlights
“Long ago, Aristotle taught that there are three reasons for seeking knowledge. The most important one is truth, the next is moral action, and the last and least important is power, or the ability to make things: technique, technology, know-how. Bacon and modernity have turned Aristotle upside down.” (Page 21)
“Ethics without religion means sin without salvation” (Page 33)
“Modernist or liberal Christians in all churches and denominations essentially reduce religion to morality.” (Page 32)
“The essence of Christianity is not Christianity; the essence of Christianity is Christ.” (Page 83)
“Humility is thinking less about yourself, not thinking less of yourself” (Page 100)
- Title: Back to Virtue: Traditional Moral Wisdom for Modern Moral Confusion
- Author: Peter Kreeft
- Publisher: Ignatius
- Print Publication Date: 1992
- Logos Release Date: 2013
- Pages: 195
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subjects: Virtue; Virtues; Beatitudes; Deadly sins
- ISBNs: 9780898704228, 0898704227
- Resource ID: LLS:BACKTOVIRTUE
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2024-03-25T19:10:36Z
Reviews
2 ratings
Jimmy Kinnaird
4/18/2015
