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

by Daniel M Doriani

Pride. Greed. Anger. Envy. Sloth. Gluttony. Lust. These sins have endured since the beginning, but they do not need to endure in a believer’s life. This book explores their counterpoint virtues—showing how we can drive out vice with Christlikeness as we learn to increasingly desire, discern, and practice what is good.

The Pursuit of Virtue — Daniel M. DorianiThe Paths to Virtue — Daniel M. DorianiVirtue and Vice in Christian Thought — Robbie GriggsFrom Pride to Humility — Dustin MesserFrom Greed to Generosity — Philip Graham RykenFrom Anger to Graciousness — Michael J. KrugerFrom Envy to Contentment — Melissa B. KrugerFrom Sloth to Diligence — Trent CastoFrom Gluttony to Thanksgiving — Daniel M. DorianiFrom Lust to Love — Christine GordonBuilding Godly Character — Jen Pollock MichelEndorsements“In The Death of the Deadly Sins, we are reminded of the vices that are alive and well in every human heart. The nature and presence of such sins are honestly and insightfully analyzed, but the greatest blessing of the book is its direction to the hope of overcoming these sins by the understanding that believers have been freed not only from the penalty of sin, but also from its power. We are made most resistant to the vices that attract us (even as they attack us) by the expulsive power of new, virtuous affections stimulated by our Savior’s grace and exercised with confidence in the promise of his strength. Tomorrow does not have to be like yesterday for those united to Christ by faith.”

—Bryan Chapell, Author, Christ-Centered Preaching and Holiness by Grace

“We live in a day when the highest virtues seem to be self-definition, self- determination, and self-expression, all unmoored from any objective standard outside the self. We desperately need to be reoriented toward a life that engenders well-being and flourishing for all. Editor Daniel Doriani and his fellow authors have done us a service in this book. They lay before us the timeless virtues that God has established in his Word and show us the Spirit-empowered path from anti-virtue to virtue. To God be the glory.”

—Irwyn L. Ince, Adjunct Professor of Pastoral Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary, DC; Coordinator, PCA Mission to North America; Author, The Beautiful Community and Hope Ain’t a Hustle

“The list of deadly sins is an example of a perennial topic that richly benefits from a contemporary treatment. In The Death of the Deadly Sins, Daniel Doriani and his excellent cast of contributors remind Christians that the cultivation of virtue is always in style. Like John Owen’s classic The Mortification of Sin, this compilation sets forth both the necessity and blessing of taking a hard look at our sins and taking up God’s gracious resources in putting them to death. This book is a must-read for preachers of God’s Word and a rich resource for every kind of Christian.”

—Richard D. Phillips, Senior Minister, Second Presbyterian Church, Greenville, South Carolina

“In The Death of the Deadly Sins, the authors argue against the Gr

Genres: Theology

252 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 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!

[Blake · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and insightful study provided on Killing the deadly sins.