Arete Again

by Tobin E. Wilson

Arete means excellence in character and life. It is a move from the community of God, to a life of virtue, to a life well-lived. In this meditation on vice and virtue, the Rev. Tobin Wilson shares compelling and honest stories from his life in ministry - from the traumatic to the hilarious to the inspiring - that guide us to arete. Aided by the theologians, philosophers and artists of our past and present, Wilson weaves a narrative that strikes a balance between social justice and steadfast faith. His candid observations and insightful commentary will make you think differently about the Trinity, about salvation, and about grace.

224 pages, Paperback

First published March 28, 2011

Reviews

[Joanna Keating-Velasco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Upon receiving this book and hearing chatter about its content, vocabulary and substance, I was concerned that it might be too cerebral for my brain! I was wrong. This book was perfect in so many ways - by being written by an individual who is perfectly imperfect and willing to share his life trials, stories, scripture, heartache and joy with such a genuine courage and insight that I had a hard time putting it down. At the same time, however, I had a hard time not putting it down. I needed time to absorb and contemplate the chapters that I read. I felt like this book should include the following items for each book purchaser: a mirror, a highlighter pen and a package of tissues. The mirror would help us to see ourselves in the words, challenges and stories which author, Tobin Wilson, shared with us. Peer into the mirror as you read these words and learn how our own imperfections can be molded through grace to enable us to "be transformed" into a new quality of life. It sounds deep, but when you read this book, you are shown so many ways to live your life with the "Areté" that Wilson defines throughout the book as "excellence in character and life."

So many books talk about change, but this one provides account after account (from tragic to inspiring) from Wilson's life of real life stories of how we can all be better versions of ourselves. If you are like me, you will find yourself reading and re-reading so much of this book. Upon completion of my first read of this book, I grabbed a highlighter to go back and highlight insights to share with friends and fellow church members. Typically, when I read a book, I will find one or two choice quotes that really shine for a particular book. If I were to highlight all of these gems in this book, 90% of the book would be yellowed with highlighters. Perhaps when I re-read the book, I will vary my highlighter colors and create a rainbow of inspirational quotes and life challenges to help me to continue on a transformation to be the person Christ created me to be.

From youth to senior citizens, there is faith, love and hope to be found in this book. Pastor Tobin Wilson's genuine accounts of his lifetime in ministry (including his own personal challenges and vulnerabilities) help us to better understand God's never ending grace and love. Get your tissues out just in case you, too, are touched by these heartwarming or heart wrenching accounts.

I HIGHLY recommend this for a church book study as it is chock full of so many challenges for us as Christians.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are all human; fallen from grace and short of His glory. We are all in need of God, the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit in our lives. We all need to grow in character, or areté, again.

In this book, Tobin presents some theological concepts and illustrates them with honest, heartfelt and often heart-breaking life experiences that impassion us to make an honest examination of our own lives, and to accept the grace of God that will allow us to flourish.

Tobin does not hold back and comes across as very real and very human, giving the reader a glimpse of thoughts and actions, both positive and negative, that we can identify with. His tone is never self-righteous or condescending, but rather one of love and encouragement. As a book lover, I especially appreciate the way he is able to weave into his stories, not only God's word, but the words of many philosophers, authors and poets.

I often find "Christian books" to be simplistic and dumbed-down theologically, but that is not the case here. The concepts are quite challenging and thoughtful, perfect for a small group study. Life was so busy and hectic during the time I read this book that I didn't spend the time on it that I would like, but I look forward to an in-depth study and meditation of each chapter in the near future.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book to savor a chapter at a time. I was grateful for the author's honesty and depth. I found myself asking the very appropriate question "how have I seen this in my own life?"