Jean Donovan, The Seven Virtues: An Introduction to Catholic Life. New York: Crossroad, 2007. 157 pages. ISBN 978-0-8245-2452-4.
I like to find books that have short chapters that I can read devotionally. Donovan's The Seven Virtues was a perfect fit. It also discusses a subject that is important to me-the virtues and Christian life. The virtues discussed in this book are the moral and theological virtues and one added virtue-community. Donovan's uses the teaching of the virtues to introduce the reader to the Catholic life.
Jean Donovan is an Assistant professor of Theology at Duquesne University.
The book is divided into three parts including an introduction. In the introduction the author states that the Christian life begins with an experience of God. This book is intended to provide a theology for the Christian life. Donovan defines theology as "a way to describe who we are and why we live the way we do" (13). Part one describes the theological virtues: faith, hope, and love. In each of the chapters Donovan describes the virtue discussed in the chapter and describes the lives of people who demonstrate the virtue in their life. The last part of the chapter analyses the virtue and shows how it applies to the Christian life. The author states that faith is "supernatural;" and it is a choice. Faith is also rational. Faith "does not violate human reason" (36). The chapter on faith describes the Christian life as a journey. Faith is not a one-time decision, but a life-long journey. It is a choice that is made everyday.
Faith puts us in relationship with God. Hope shows how we are to live our life. Hope helps us to persevere in difficult times. Hope is what keeps us going when we want to give up. The scriptures teach us that God is love and we are to love as God loves. Faith, hope, and love are the supernatural virtues.
In part two Donovan describes the natural virtues: prudence, justice, temperance, and fortitude. The author defines prudence as "right reason in action" (80). It is wisdom on how to act in a given situation. This wisdom is connected to a love of truth and the responsibility for everyone to seek it. In the chapter on justice he distinguishes between different types of justice. Christians are obligated to seek the good of the other. He describes how so many lives are "bent toward self-destruction" (103). Temperance calls us to live a life free from materialism. It also requires us to order our affections and desires. We must manage ourselves. Temperance also points to our bodily life as a Christian. The author writes, "Temperance is self-discipline. Our ability to focus both body and mind means that we can craft a life that is intentional and purposefully Christian" (113). Self-discipline is not an end; it is a means to communion with God and others. Courage is another word for fortitude. It is the ability to persevere. It is the ability to be faithful in all our relationships.
The last part discusses the virtue of community. Donovan states that the "goal of the virtuous life is communion, with God" (127) and with others. It allows us to live our lives in harmony with others and the world. Community is "central" to living the Christian life. There are no lone ranger Christians. We need each other.
Using the virtues to introduce the Catholic life is a good ideas. The teaching of the virtues has been prominent in Catholic circles. It has much to offer to Protestants. Many Protestants are now joining Catholics in the importance of cultivating the virtues in the Christian life. The Seven Virtues shows how the moral and theological virtues can be cultivated in the Christian life,
Showing posts with label Christianity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christianity. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Nearing Home by Billy Graham
Billy Graham, Nearing Home: Life, Faith, and Finishing Well. Thomas Nelson, 2011. 182 pages.
Billy Graham is known as a world-famous author, preacher, and evangelist. He is now over ninety-two years old. He never thought he would live this long. Now that he has stepped down from an active ministry around the world, he has had much time to reflect on his life and old age. Graham says that "old age is not for sissies." Graham lost his wife in 2007. This book is not just for old people. Graham states, "This book, isn't written just for old people. It is written for people at every stage of life. . . The best way to meet the challenges of old age is to prepare for them now, before they arrive.
There is much wisdom in that statement. Old age is not the time to prepare for the journey's end. This agrees with what Cicero wrote in his excellent essay, "Old Age." Nearing Home is an excellent book not only teaching how to prepare for old age but how to live for God now. I found the book applicable to my life now even though I am not near old age.
Billy Graham has been a faithful servant to God for many years. He believes that older people can continue being useful for God even in old age. He provides much wisdom on handling the difficulties of old age. In addition, he provides much encouragement for followers of Christ in every stage of life.
In chapter one Graham speaks of "aging gracefully." He shares examples of biblical characters who were used by God in old age. For example, Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Caleb, and others served God faithfully when they were older. Though we might retire from a job, Graham counsels us not to "retire from life" in chapter two. Graham notes, "Retirement should not put us on the shelf. We should use this time in our lives to rest from our labors but lift up others who are carrying heavy loads" (28). Ben Witherington says retirement is not mentioned in the Bible. We do not retire from serving God.
Nearing Home is a well-written book. Christians can learn much wisdom from Christians who have followed the Lord for many years. I recommend this book to both the young and the old. Wveryone who reads this book will be encouraged to follow Christ faithfully.
Billy Graham is known as a world-famous author, preacher, and evangelist. He is now over ninety-two years old. He never thought he would live this long. Now that he has stepped down from an active ministry around the world, he has had much time to reflect on his life and old age. Graham says that "old age is not for sissies." Graham lost his wife in 2007. This book is not just for old people. Graham states, "This book, isn't written just for old people. It is written for people at every stage of life. . . The best way to meet the challenges of old age is to prepare for them now, before they arrive.
There is much wisdom in that statement. Old age is not the time to prepare for the journey's end. This agrees with what Cicero wrote in his excellent essay, "Old Age." Nearing Home is an excellent book not only teaching how to prepare for old age but how to live for God now. I found the book applicable to my life now even though I am not near old age.
Billy Graham has been a faithful servant to God for many years. He believes that older people can continue being useful for God even in old age. He provides much wisdom on handling the difficulties of old age. In addition, he provides much encouragement for followers of Christ in every stage of life.
In chapter one Graham speaks of "aging gracefully." He shares examples of biblical characters who were used by God in old age. For example, Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Caleb, and others served God faithfully when they were older. Though we might retire from a job, Graham counsels us not to "retire from life" in chapter two. Graham notes, "Retirement should not put us on the shelf. We should use this time in our lives to rest from our labors but lift up others who are carrying heavy loads" (28). Ben Witherington says retirement is not mentioned in the Bible. We do not retire from serving God.
Nearing Home is a well-written book. Christians can learn much wisdom from Christians who have followed the Lord for many years. I recommend this book to both the young and the old. Wveryone who reads this book will be encouraged to follow Christ faithfully.
Monday, October 8, 2012
Soul Surfer
Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on Board by Bethany Hamilton with Sheryl Berk and Rick Bunschuh. New York: MTV Books/Pocket Books, 2006. 222 pages. ISBN: 978-1-4165-0346-0.
When Bethany Hamilton was thirteen years old she was attacked by a tiger shark which left her with only one arm. Bethany's dream was to be become a professional surfer. It now looked like this dream was destroyed forever. Even more important, she almost lost her life. Bethany had lost about 60% of her blood before making it to the hospital. She easily could have died. The medical team noted that it was her ability to keep calm probably saved her life. How was she able to remain calm in this traumatic situation? Bethany says it was largely her faith in God that sustained her through this time.
There is also a movie about her life that is also titles Soul Surfer starring Hellen Hunt as her mom and Denis Quaid as her dad. I actually watched the movie before reading the book. The movie is an "uplifting," and "entertaining" film. My whole family enjoyed it. The movie, however, leaves the viewer with many questions. How did Bethany develop this faith? What has her life been like since the accident? A little of the post-accident life is covered in the film. In the DVD there is an excellent documentary on how Bethany has gone on to become a professional surfer. The book is a good complement to the movie.
Why read the book? Why watch the movie? This is a heart-warming story. It shows how God can bring good things out of bad events. God has used Bethany to be a positive role model for expressing one's faith in the public. Her story teaches us how to have faith in difficult circumstances. So go ahead and rent the movie, pop some popcorn and enjoy. If you are interested in getting a fuller picture of the event, find a copy of the book and hopefully your faith will be affirmed.
When Bethany Hamilton was thirteen years old she was attacked by a tiger shark which left her with only one arm. Bethany's dream was to be become a professional surfer. It now looked like this dream was destroyed forever. Even more important, she almost lost her life. Bethany had lost about 60% of her blood before making it to the hospital. She easily could have died. The medical team noted that it was her ability to keep calm probably saved her life. How was she able to remain calm in this traumatic situation? Bethany says it was largely her faith in God that sustained her through this time.
There is also a movie about her life that is also titles Soul Surfer starring Hellen Hunt as her mom and Denis Quaid as her dad. I actually watched the movie before reading the book. The movie is an "uplifting," and "entertaining" film. My whole family enjoyed it. The movie, however, leaves the viewer with many questions. How did Bethany develop this faith? What has her life been like since the accident? A little of the post-accident life is covered in the film. In the DVD there is an excellent documentary on how Bethany has gone on to become a professional surfer. The book is a good complement to the movie.
Why read the book? Why watch the movie? This is a heart-warming story. It shows how God can bring good things out of bad events. God has used Bethany to be a positive role model for expressing one's faith in the public. Her story teaches us how to have faith in difficult circumstances. So go ahead and rent the movie, pop some popcorn and enjoy. If you are interested in getting a fuller picture of the event, find a copy of the book and hopefully your faith will be affirmed.
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