The Virtue Driven Life

by Benedict J. Groeschel

Since when is being called "virtuous" an insult? "She's quite virtuous?" sounds rather prissy, doesn't it? Father Benedict J. Groeschel, C.F.R., would agree. It's a word that's gotten a bad rap, misused and misunderstood even by great thinkers, philosophers, and theologians, and mocked in the cynical soundbites of the media. Rediscover virtue as it should be understood in our lives. With wit, warmth, and wisdom, Father Groeschel reintroduces the Seven Cardinal Virtues of prudence, justice, temperance, fortitude, faith, hope, and charity. One by one he makes them meaningful for modern men and women, shaking off the dusty mantle of pretentiousness and demonstrating how each has a real role in a whole and holy life. Father Groeschel's charming conversational style entertains even as he educates and challenges us.

Genres: Religion, Catholic, Nonfiction, Spirituality

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Benedict Joseph Groeschel, C.F.R. (July 23, 1933 – October 3, 2014) was an American Franciscan friar, Catholic priest, retreat master, author, psychologist, activist and television host. He hosted the television talk program Sunday Night Prime broadcast on the Eternal Word Television Network as well as several serial religious specials. He founded the Office for Spiritual Development for the Catholic Archdiocese of New York. He was Associate Director of the Trinity Retreat House for clergy and executive director of St. Francis House. He was professor of pastoral psychology at St. Joseph's Seminary in New York and an adjunct professor at the Institute for Psychological Sciences in Arlington, Virginia. He was one of the founders of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal and among his close friends were Mother Teresa, Mother Angelica and Alice von Hildebrand.

Reviews

[Julietta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I will continually read this book. This book explores the psychological and spiritual realms of multiple virtues. This is definitely not a light read in my opinion. Virtue Driven Life is filled to the brim with Catholic history, the Holy Spirit and Catechism teachings. It will definitely bring you closer to the church and yourself:)

[Carlos · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a detailed exploration of the seven virtues, the four cardinal virtues (Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and Tempterance) and the three theological virtues (faith, hope and love). Fr. Groeschel illustrates each of them with examples form the lies of the saints and contemporary Christians, and adds insights for bringing them into deeper fruition in the life of each reader. This approach is presented as a counterpoint to much contemporary culture, and is geared towards helping the reader achieve the happiness which the world cannot give.

[Robert Snow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Father Groeschel is a Fransician Friar and a psychologist with a great sense of humor. In this book he explores the Four Cardinal Virtues of prudence, justice, temperance, fortitude and the Three Theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity (Love). He shows that these are not old fashion notions, but relevant and meaningful ways to live life in todays world. This is a book to keep on one's night stand, the virtuous life is not practiced, but lived each day.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book explains the cardinal virtues (prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance)which are natural (human) virtues that can be raised to the supernatutal level through grace. It also covers the theological virutes (faith, hope and love) which are gifts from God alone. Father Benedict Groeschel has a conversational style that speaks to the reader and a great sense of humor.

[Charles Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started this and am enjoying it so far. Finished and would recommend it to everyone interested in the virtues.

[Catherine Lamothe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book you will read and reread! must have for all catholics.

[Robert Christian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good points, some that are way off the mark

[Teri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good teaching on virtue - natural and supernatural, (human and theological).

[Overbooked ✎ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Abigail Hamilton · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although the book had good points, it just was not what I was expecting and did not include much Scripture (like I hoped). Also, I felt he commonly used to many "big, grand ideas" like Nazism to illustrate his points. (And while the points still made sense, I probably won't encounter anything as large and harrowing as Nazism in my life).

[Alicia Bernal · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming and compelling read...Father Groeschel as we know him at his finest.