The Death of the Deadly Sins: Embracing the Virtues That Transform Lives

by Daniel M Doriani (Editor)

MP3 CD Format

Each deadly sin has virtues to counterpoint it. Daniel Doriani, Michael Kruger, Jen Pollock Michel, and others explore biblical teaching on godly character and the practices and means of grace that promote virtue.

Genres: Theology, Christian

208 pages, Paperback

Published April 9, 2025

Reviews

[Nathan Tasker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly saturated with Gospel and doctrine and yet immensely practical.

[Michael Philliber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicely done. It will find a place in my sermon series on Proverbs, "Wise Ways and Otherwise." A healthy, Reformed perspective on the classic vices and virtues.

[Andrzej Stelmasiak · Rating 3 out of 5]

Doriani's first two chapters together with ch.3 by Griggs work well as an introduction that is not beyond the grasp of an average person in the pew.

Trent Casto's "From Sloth to Diligence" was by far the best chapter I read in the book, and it merits 4 stars. What Melissa Kruger did on envy was helpful too (perhaps writing a book on it helped her). The rest just didn't scratch where I was itching.

It's okay on the whole, somewhere between 2.5 and 3 stars.

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A practically helpful contribution to sanctification and virtue formation that contributes to a retrieval of virtue ethics within the Reformed tradition

[Ethan Moehn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apologetic and retrieval of the rich history of Protestant virtue ethics.

Readable and short enough to recommend to just about anyone in the church, avid reader or not. Some chapters, such as the one on sloth & diligence were outstanding. Doriani’s chapter on gluttony also stood out.

[Sabrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

First of all, it's important to mention that the rating is mostly due to the fact that by the time I actually finished this, I was finishing it just for the sake of finishing it. I've been in a rut and needed a fiction work to get me out of it. Sue me.

Overall, this was pretty good. I liked the deep-dive into these topics with a particular angle of using virtues to defeat them. That's a strong premise. The pace was good (chapters read quickly) and most arguments I agreed with from a theological standpoint.

Lesson learned: don't read theology books for leisure while also in grad school 😅

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Death of the Deadly Sins, edited by Daniel M. Doriani, is a thoughtful and spiritually enriching guide to battling vice and pursuing virtue. With an excellent lineup of contributors—including Philip Graham Ryken, Christine Gordon, and others—this book offers rich theological insight and practical encouragement.


One of the most compelling chapters for me was Michael J. Kruger’s reflection on moving from anger to graciousness. He explains that the key to overcoming sinful anger lies in understanding how God extends love and favor to people who deserve judgment. Christians can rest in the truth that God is a just judge, and we don’t have to take that role upon ourselves. We are also called to remember that God’s grace is powerful enough to forgive even those we might consider undeserving. That truth reorients our hearts and gives us strength to respond with mercy.



Strengthen Your Sanctification

I was also inspired by Melissa B. Kruger’s chapter on moving from envy to contentment. She reminds readers that our true treasure is found in Jesus. Abiding in him empowers us to combat envy and embrace contentment. In Christ, we’re invited to live new patterns of life—desiring rightly, giving generously, and confessing freely.


This book is a powerful resource for anyone seeking spiritual growth. It offers both deep theological reflection and practical guidance, making it a strong help in your sanctification.



I received a media copy of The Death of Deadly Sins and this is my honest review.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

A greatly needed book with a strong assembly of authors. Almost every chapter was at the very least helpful and thoughtful, but the majority managed to be both convicting and encouraging! Thankful to Dan Doriani for gathering these authors and editing this book. I took a men’s group through it and was pleased to see the impact on many of them.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly an excellent read. I enjoyed the cohesiveness even with the various contributors. I took a long while to read through this as it was thought-provoking and spurred a lot of prayer. This book is full of wisdom and insight from the beautiful truths in God’s word.

[Whitney Cortez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every believer should read this book. Each chapter is written by a different person on a different vice/virtue. It makes much of Christ and admonishes us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, with the joy of God in us!

[Ross Treadway · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read. The chapter on Sloth was particularly good and helpful, and one that I have since recommended to several. Sloth isn’t something we tend to think a lot about, but affects many of us.

[Blake · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and insightful study provided on Killing the deadly sins.