Using biblical narratives, the Beatitudes and Erick H. Erikson's life cycle theory, Donald Capps reveals ways to combat the deadly sins by nurturing saving virtues. With his work rooted deeply in the Bible, Capps attempts to show comparisons that link each traditional deadly sin with a particular stage of personality development, using biblical figures to provide dynamic examples of virtue and sin. Providing broad implications for practicing ministry, Capps book will intrigue all who wish to explore virtue and sin from a pastoral, biblical and psychological perspective.
Drawing on centuries of wisdom from the Christian ethical tradition, this book takes readers on a journey of self-examination, exploring why our hearts are captivated by glittery but false substitutes for true human goodness and happiness. The first edition sold 35,000 copies and was a C. S. Lewis Book Prize award winner. Now updated and revised throughout, the second edition includes a new chapter on grace and growth through the spiritual disciplines. Questions for discussion and study are included at the end of each chapter.
This 1901 pamphlet is a handy guide to all who need instruction in the worst of the worst sins, those seven "deadly" misdeeds designed by Satan himself to trip us up. Discover: [ Pride, "the primary sin" [ Avarice, which "has played a conspicuous and evil part in history" [ Luxury, "what we should rather call sensuality or licentiousness" [ Envy, "the cause of some of the greatest crimes" [ Appetite, or "gluttony" and "drunkenness" [ Anger, excepting "holy indignation" [ Sloth, or "aversion to religious exercises" Whether taken as caution or instruction, this classic instructive work is sure to enlighten the curious reader. Scottish evangelical preacher JAMES M. STALKER (1848-1927) also wrote *The Life of Jesus Christ* (1885) and *The Life of St. Paul* (1888), among many other works.
Nearly everybody struggles against the same, predictable urges that have plagued human beings since the Garden of Eden. We aspire to rule rather than serve, desire things more than God, resent the successes of others, and run away from hard things. As a result, we suffer unfulfilled lives, lack contentment, and can never seem to get a handle on how to improve our lot. In this powerful book on personal spiritual change, Steve DeNeff unlocks the seven secrets to a life filled with purpose, contentment, and a strong sense of well-being. Keying on the seven most common spiritual problems that we all face--the seven deadly sins--DeNeff points the way toward life transformation by embracing the virtue-filled life of the Spirit. Readers will experience practical life changes as they learn how to cooperate with God--changing what they do as he changes who they are. Includes guide for personal or group study.
The seven deadly sins are generals leading a vast and deadly army. The soldiers are a variety of sins and misdeeds, and the capital sins are the officers who sent them on their nefarious tasks. With the writings of St. Thomas Aquinas as his guide, best-selling author Kevin Vost tackles the deadly sins one-by-one, showing how they take root in our soul and give birth to offspring — other sinful thoughts and deeds that help it reach its sinful goals. You’ll learn how they attacks us, and how they become ingrained habits that prevent virtue from raising us to heaven. Indeed, these sins hold us down to earth — and possibly, ultimately, even much lower. The deadly sins can be conquered, and in these pages you’ll learn the methods employed by saints to vanquish vicious habits and replace them with virtuous ones. Follow the advice in this book, and you’ll soon strike at the head of sin and walk more positively in the light and love of Christ. You’ll also learn: Which sin can truly be called the deadliest in the world Why there are only seven deadly sins What takes place within our souls when we grapple with sin The relationship between vices and sins - and how to sever their bonds How each and every deadly sin is outnumbered by several opposite virtues Six deadly dominoes: Do you know the sins that almost always cause us to commit additional sins? How “the mother of the virtues” dethrones “the queen of the vices” Seven sacramental and saint-sanctioned strategies to call forth God’s graces to grapple with each deadly sin
Has the World Confused Evil with Righteousness? When sin is disguised as virtue, the path to cultivating righteousness becomes impossible. Such is the challenge Christians face in the modern age. Not long ago, most people would agree that the seven deadly sins are in fact deadly. But ask them today, and you’ll hear a different answer. Today, “anger” is often considered an admirable emotion, “lust” the only expression of love, and “greed” the unassailable right to “get what’s yours.” The world can rebrand sin all it wants and declare the death of truth, but it has no power against the truth of the Scripture. What God calls sin is sin—no matter what the world says. And sin always has the same destination—death and destruction. Dangerous Virtues examines how to recognize these seven deadly sins as they are subtly disguised in today’s culture. Dr. John Koessler provides a theology of sin and why the Christian must develop a prayerful heart and discerning eye to identify where sin exists in a world where good is called evil and evil called good.
THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS AND THE SEVEN HEAVENLY VIRTUES by JULIAN BOUND 'The Seven Sins and Virtues as viewed in religion, ancient mythology and in art and literature.' The Seven Deadly Sins and the antidotes of The Seven Heavenly Virtues have been depicted throughout history in forms of both Greek and Roman mythology and in the world of art and literature. Perceived as being associated within the doctrine of the Christian faith, the eastern religions of Buddhism, Hinduism and Sikhism all share a parallel view of the seven sins and virtues, yet are expressed in the theology of different precepts. Examining the similarities of each sin and virtue within religions of the world, and of the portrayal in mythology and art and literature, 'The Seven Deadly Sins and The Seven Heavenly Virtues' also invites the reader to identify which sin they are prone to and of what virtue best displays their greatest qualities; the result of which is an exploration of the self within the aspects of the seven sins and seven virtues, and so acting as a guide for each soul's unique individual path.
