Glittering Vices: A New Look at the Seven Deadly Sins and Their Remedies

by Rebecca Konyndyk DeYoung

Contemporary culture trivializes the "seven deadly sins," or vices, as if they have no serious moral or spiritual implications. Glittering Vices clears this misconception by exploring the traditional meanings of gluttony, sloth, lust, and others. It offers a brief history of how the vices were compiled and an eye opening explication of how each sin manifests itself in various destructive behaviors. Readers gain practical understanding of how the vices shape our culture today and how to correctly identify and eliminate the deeply rooted patterns of sin that are work in their own lives. This accessible book is essential for any reader interested in spiritual disciplines and character formation. Excerpt Very simply, a virtue (or vice) is acquired through practice repeated activity that increases our proficiency at the activity and gradually forms our character. . . . We often need external incentives and sanctions to get us through the initial stages of the process, when our old, entrenched desires still pull us toward the opposite behavior. But with encouragement, discipline, and often a role model or mentor, practice can make things feel more natural and enjoyable as we gradually develop the internal values and desires corresponding to our outward behavior. Virtue often develops, that is, from the outside in. This is why, when we want to reform our character from vice to virtue, we often need to practice and persevere in regular spiritual disciplines and formational practices for a lengthy period of time.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Christian Living, Christianity, Religion

208 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2009

About the author

Rebecca DeYoung (Ph.D. University of Notre Dame) has enjoyed teaching ethics and the history of ancient and medieval philosophy at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI, for over 20 years.

Her research focuses on the seven deadly sins, virtue ethics and spiritual formation, and Thomas Aquinas’s work on the virtues. Her books include Glittering Vices (Brazos, 2009; 2nd edition 2020), Vainglory (Eerdmans, 2014), and a co-authored volume entitled Aquinas’s Ethics (University of Notre Dame Press, 2009).

Recent essays about various vices and virtues—hope, despair, sloth, courage, magnanimity, wrath, and vainglory—appear in Virtues and Their Vices (Oxford), Being Good (Eerdmans), and Cambridge Critical Guide to Aquinas’s De Malo (Cambridge), and the journals Res Philosophica, ACPQ, the Thomist, and Faith and Philosophy.

Awards for her work include the Book and Essay Prize from the Character Project and the C.S. Lewis prize for Glittering Vices.

Dr. DeYoung speaks widely--at universities, churches and spiritual formation groups, and in prison education programs. She and her husband live in Grand Rapids, near the beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline, with their four children.

Reviews

[Matthew A LaPine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is on the short list of books that I recommend for all Christians, a fantastic book.

[Karna Bosman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Practical insight into how we live our lives. Takes a look at the work of Thomas Aquinas and helps us apply it to our life in the current generation.
Gently convicting and eye opening. Points us to the root of our problem....pride.

1 John 4:18 English Standard Version (ESV)
18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.

This will be a book I return to.

The most frequent command in the Bible is "do not be afraid."
"When we are afraid we won’t get what we need, or worry that we won’t have enough, it makes sense to spend our energy on constant acquisition, pursuing abundance to achieve self-sufficiency- this is the vice of avarice. When we are afraid that justice will not be done or that we won’t get our just deserts unless we personally take charge of doling out vengeance in the way we see fit then the vice of wrath takes hold. When we are afraid that we will not be accepted by others, that we won’t fit in or live up to others’ expectations, and thus do our best to hide behind a falsely inflate reputation- this is vainglory. When we are afraid we are not worth anything unless we are better than others, and we are afraid we can’t compete with them, so we engineer their downfall - this is envy. When we are afraid we will always feel empty and needy, so we fill ourselves with pleasures we can supply for ourselves - this is gluttony. When we are afraid we are unlovable, so we use people to gratify ourselves without ever giving ourselves in return - this is lust. When we are afraid of the effort loving others will cost us, we hold everyone, even God, at arm’s length in indifference - this is sloth…….the more we understand the dynamics of sin and the deep network of its combined forces in us, the more amazing we will find the grace and power promised to us to help us change.”

[Jess Arthur · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should be required reading for all Christians. I have had this book on my shelf since we studied passages of it in seminary and I'm so glad I finally picked it up to read the entire thing. I've been on a mission lately to learn more about sin in order to be more specific in confessing it and helping others walk in freedom from it and this book was so helpful in both regards.

Konyndyk DeYoung walks through the seven vices in a way that is balanced, helpful, and hopeful. While I was familiar with the idea of vices and virtues, I had never considered them terribly important. This book changed that. Vices are sin habits that we embody, which means to uncover them is to move toward freedom from life-long habits of sin. Each chapter was as hopeful as it was convicting. I could not recommend this book more!

[SK Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good. 10/10 would recommend. This reflection on the capital vices was refreshing and potent. I read most of it around the time of lent which I found very helpful. This book helped me understand how sinful and ultimately driven by selfishness I am. Which I think is a very good thing. Thanks DeYoung.

[Alicia McCallum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing. Totally exceeded my expectations.

I was a little bit hesitant about this one because I felt it might just be a huge guilt-trip, but it was far from it. So illuminating, inspiring, enlightening - just brilliant.

I’ve been reading too many books lately that either feel too surface level (or things I’ve heard a million times) or the opposite where they take a bit too much concentration for my current sleep deprived mom-brain. This one had all the depth and crazy lightbulb moments while simultaneously being easy to read.

[Eleanor · Rating 5 out of 5]

DANG this book was good. It was the perfect balance of entertaining while still being sooo transformative and actually useful. The references/examples were so silly. I love Rebecca DeYoung so much and I will definitely be reading this again (reading it for class slightly lessened my enjoyment of it and I think I skimmed parts)

[Kyle Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book in the field of Christian virtue ethics. The chapter-by-chapter focus is on one of the seven deadly sins/capital vices, but along the way, DeYoung explores the relationship between sin and grace, highlights the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, counsels fitting spiritual disciplines, balances well the dual wisdom of Scripture and tradition, and much more. I used the text as a guide for an 8-week adult class at church, and by the end of 15 or 20 pages a week, I had enough material to lecture for multiple hours. Dense enough to be utilized for seminary students but condensable enough to be utilized in any ministry setting.

"Examining the 'vicious' malformations of character canvassed in this book is meant to prompt us forward, in a more clear-sighted way, toward being people of better character, people whose lives are well lived. In the Christian tradition, this is not a self-help project but a Spirit-empowered movement. At the same time, however, it is not a license to drift along, but an encouragement to be intentional, reflective, specific, and energetic about moving with the Spirit's formative work."

[Francesca DiGiacomo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great intro to the vice and virtue tradition. It is well written, easy to follow and understand, and most importantly practical for daily life.
The author makes down to earth application while also having a “put off and put on” mentality. She doesn’t just leave you with an understanding of the vices (and a realization that more of them apply to you than you realized) but she brings practical ways to root out vice and grow virtue in its place.

*As an aside, the introductory chapters on the history of the virtues and vices tradition were a little nerdy and heavier to digest.*

[Noah Senthil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should read this book. It’s seriously informed by the Christian tradition, but ever-sensitive to modern questions, while keeping the timeless truths about humanity, virtue, and vice at the forefront. Chapter by chapter, the book exposed me—my habitual sins—not merely in willful actions but at the heart-level. It also charted a path forward by grace-empowered effort in relationship with God and others.

A caveat would be that the author doesn’t do much in terms of situating vice/sin or virtue in a theological framework. Questions about Jesus, salvation, and grace are often lingering in the background but only mentioned in passing. A proper theology of virtue/vice should be very clear about such things, especially to avoid the pitfalls of moralism. But nonetheless, this is my new go-to recommendation on vice, and every person (especially Christians) I know would benefit from reading it.

[Emily Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a dense read, but I learned and was challenged so much. I think I often neglect to sit with the reality of how prevalent sin is in my life, so it was a convicting reminder that we have a constant enemy that requires constant attention to our character.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

DeYoung in Glittering Vices brings her research and classroom explorations of the capital vices/deadly sins to life in thoughtful and engaging prose. It is a book about sin that focuses on what humans have fallen away from and what Christ has restored in the Christian. It is about habit that creates vices and habits that reflect the new person in Christ. DeYoung quotes heavily from the desert fathers, from Augustine and Aquinas, but also from Buechner and other modern commentators (and detractors/dismissers of the deadly sins). She is interested in how the vices, which become the root of so many other sins, develop in our modern age and what the individual and the church (always in community, reflecting the origins of the thinking about these sins in monasticism) can do about them. I am not sure why she chose the order she did moving from envy, vainglory, sloth, avarice, anger, gluttony, and finishing with lust. She choses to consider pride as the root of all these sins, addressing it not alone, but in each of the chapters. Vainglory did feel thinner than the real richness of reflection on the other topics, which should serve as excellent beginnings for self-examination. The vices are each the result of deformed desires and loves, searching for meaning, security, and pleasure individually and away from God's purposes and the larger community. I especially found thoughtful her discussion of sloth, which is not laziness, but the resistance to the demands of love over time. The entire book feels timely when we humans work so hard to bend everything back to ourselves.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up. Huzzah! A Protestant who understands Medieval writers and quibbles with Catholic doctrine on some points but recognizes the value of the concepts and practicum even if we understand them somewhat differently. She gets bonus points for including Popes from multiple eras as positive examples and with teachings of benefit for us all. My two main quibbles with her are that she states there isn't a Biblical basis for the concept of The Seven Deadly Sins as a list form and then proceeds to disprove herself. How did editors miss that? My second quibble is that she leans a bit more into Plato in her chapter on Lust than I like. She uses his story of us all being half persons looking for our other halves. That is nonsense and has no fitting with scripture. She does address wrong teachings within Evangelical circles. She also spends a lot of time addressing how chastity is for all and is a lifetime commitment. It will simply look different depending on your calling. She calls out Protestants for not teaching about chastity and celibacy in a way that actually encourages those who choose celibacy. She specifically address that it can be seen as crazy or impossible in many Protestant circles. As the Presbyterian Nun, it makes me happy to know that there are writers out there who can write a book about all the Vices, including Lust, and do so in a way that speaks to everyone and not just those who are dating or married.
Each chapter brought things to my attention that were convicting, even for the chapters that aren't as big of struggles for me as others.

[Natalie Herr · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book felt really dense with truth. So much to dig into. It’s one of those books that you think will only partially apply to you (“I only really struggle
with one or two of these sins..”), when really the whole thing applies to everyone (Hello, pride 👋). I think I would like to revisit it (or something on the same theme) in the future.

Full disclosure- I was working through it pretty fast (library fines!) and I think it deserves a longer and more patient read. I’d take a week or two or longer with each vice to give it more time to marinate!

[Micah Hebert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Often it’s far too repetitive, but otherwise it’s well written and highly insightful. All it’s arguments are grounded in Scripture, often referring back to the Bible. Lots of great discussions can flow from this book, which I would assume was one of its purposes.

As for actual style, it maintains a scholarly air without being a difficult read, which was vastly appreciated.

[Lincoln · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear and Deep

This book takes a clear and deep look at the life of virtue and vice in the Christian tradition. It offers resources from Christian history (especially Thomas Aquinas and the Cassian), helpful questions for reflection, and resources for further exploration.

[Will Arthur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book - convicting yet hopeful, philosophical yet not boring. Both deep and approachable, I had many take a ways after feeling stuck for some time. A well crafted book.

[Monica Lafleur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant. Such an in depth look at how we slowly fall deeper and deeper into sin and how our vices can take hold of us if we allow them to. Reading this will make you want to become a better person and combat the sins in your life!

[Aisha Noble-Clarke · Rating 3 out of 5]

The designated 3 stars is not an indication that the book wasn’t helpful or insightful; it was both, and I particularly liked the introductory explanation of vices and the comparison with sin, the theological and cultural history of the vices, and attempts at practical advice at the end of each chapter.

She draws heavily from the Desert Fathers (particularly Evagrius and John Cassian), Augustine and Thomas Aquinas; this in of itself is quite interesting since in particular Augustinian and Thomism can be seen, in some respects, as almost conflicting each other, particular in the areas of sin and anthropology.

Although she of course weaved throughout much theological and biblical reflection, I was struck that she did not mention in any of the practical advice sections for the vices confession and repentance. If the relationship between sin and vice is so closely intertwined, the biblical answer must always begin with us confessing our sins to God, repenting, and receiving the cleansing that God promises (1 John 1:9). Perhaps she thought it would be redundant, repetitive, or not practical enough, but surely all of our outward healthy, fruitful habits she commends must first have it’s roots in coming to God, telling all our sins, and agreeing with his conclusion and remedy. To leave this out and focus on habits and behaviour modification only is to rely on our own strength and severity to the body, which we are told plainly has no power in stopping the indulgence of the flesh (Colossians 2:23). I also was not fond of the concluding motivation for riding ourselves of these vices, mostly that people would remember us well once we die, instead of mentioning our chief end - to glorify God and enjoy him forever.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not a Catholic, so why read a book on the 7 deadly sins, AKA the 7 capital vices? For one thing, it did win a CS Lewis book award. That was enough for me. But also, great Christian thinkers of the past identified these 7 as particularly difficult and offered some remedies for them. It does make for a pretty interesting study. In this book, you will read about the history behind this concept of the 7 deadly sins. There is a chapter on each sin, discussing how it might present (even in small ways), as well as potential remedies.

Don't go into this expecting exegesis of biblical texts. Rather, expect that the author goes over the sin, relevant scriptures, examples, quotes, philosophy, church history, and suggestions.

I found it to be very worthwhile. Several of the chapters were VERY convicting. And I thought she gave some great suggestions, drawing from various monk traditions. For example, for an envious heart, try silence. It could be as simple as a walk in silence. But that gives you a chance to pay attention to some of the sinful chatter in your head and work to pull it out at the root.

The only thing that prevented me from giving it 5 stars was that I wish there would have been a stronger gospel call. We can abstain from vice all we want, but without putting on Christ, we are still dead in our sins. She certainly points to Jesus as the ultimate example to conform to. But, I can also understand that she may have assumed her audience was already Christian. Overall, it was a great read. I'd love to read it again.

[Jes Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Protestant, I never really gave much thought to the Seven Deadly Vices. But Rebecca DeYoung was very helpful showing the pragmatic and idealogical uses of knowing how to define and defy the Seven Deadly Vices with the Seven Cardinal Virtues. I recommend it to anyone not afraid of getting their toes stomped on a bit.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Timely, succinct, convicting, encouraging. Highly recommend!

[Cody Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are no human beings immune to the seven deadly sins. We are all subject to their encompassing natures at times, and while we can do our best not to fall victim to them, from time to time they will inevitably get the better of us. Our task, therefore, is to be aware of these vices, how they manifest in ourselves and others, and develop strategies for overcoming them in healthy and productive ways.

In her book, DeYoung proffers that “we can think of pride as the root and trunk of a tree, which extends upward into seven main branches, each of which represents one capital vice.” These branches on the pride tree are envy, vainglory, sloth, avarice, anger, gluttony, and lust. So, in essence, there are eight vices, but pride is found in all of them and is in fact the root (and trunk) of each.

Some of the insights in this book were surprising to me and some were not. Lust, for example, is pretty straight forward; we all have the human desire for sexual satisfaction. But, when we choose a sexual partner for the sole purpose of self-gratification, we are lustful. Typically this vice fades as one grows older in life and the desire for sex gets overshadowed by the desire for a deeper emotional connection. That’s what has been happening to me, anyhow, and has been confirmed by my peers and also a handful of older relatives.

Sloth, on the other hand, was considerably more surprising to me. Whereas I had always thought of it in terms of physical laziness (watching tv all day and eating junk food), DeYoung writes about how “this discipline is about not running away from what you’re called to be and do—whether through busyness at work or through imaginative diversions—but rather accepting and staying committed to your true spiritual vocation and identity and whatever it requires.” This definition struck me as interesting, because it goes a layer deeper, examining the inner workings of a slothful person. Sloth, it turns out, is about spiritual laziness and a lack of motivation towards meaning in one’s life. It is a laziness that emanates from the inside, and while it often manifests itself as physical laziness, it can also be found in any of the numerous ways human beings knowingly avoid their responsibilities. When we ignore the little voice in the back of our minds telling us what we know we need to hear, and choose to do other activities instead, whether they be channel surfing or real surfing, we are giving in to our slothful nature.

Anger (wrath) is another interesting one to touch on. It comes in two parts, (if you’ve read my review of Martha Nussbaum’s The Monarchy of Fear then you already know this) and must be carefully parsed out. Anger the emotion is important, as it is paramount to identifying and exposing injustices in the world. Anger for the sake of revenge is equally important to identify, specifically so as not to act on. We all should desire to live in a just and equal society and we would do well to remember that an eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind.

The connective tissue of these sins is their growth from the inside out. When we plant our pride front and center and it is the only thing we water, these vices will rule us. Pride always puts ourselves above others. In Envy, we want what others have and we want them not to have it. In Vainglory, we want the recognition and applause of others without doing the work to earn it. In Anger, we want to exact revenge on those who have wronged us and assert what we see as just punishment. In Avarice, Gluttony, and Lust, we want what we want and screw everybody else. But “both our independence and our need to define and create a false happiness for ourselves are telltale hallmarks of pride.” DeYoung writes, and later continues: “We most readily recognize pride in its arrogant forms: the person who…thinks he can handle things just fine on his own, who snubs advice and counsel because he knows best what is good for himself, and who shuns dependence on anyone else as unnecessary weakness.” And therein lies the antidote to when we find ourselves subjected to our prideful impulses: taking our attention off of ourselves. For some people, that means getting closer to God. For others, it manifests itself in meaningful connections with peers, neighbors, and loved ones. Life was not meant to be lived alone in a selfish, prideful manner. It is meant to be shared and celebrated together with others. This is how we can conquer wrath with forgiveness (love your enemy like you love yourself), avarice with magnanimity (love hard work), and lust with love for a significant other. You’ve heard it a thousand times before, and here you’ll hear it again: love conquers all—just make sure to balance the love of self with all those other types of love too.

[Karla Osorno · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating 4.25 stars.

This well researched and thorough look at seven vices or “traits of character to which we must die” prompts self examination. More importantly Glittering Vices is an invitation to “face our vices and find new life through the power of the Holy Spirit”.

Rebecca Konyndyk DeYoung writes with beauty and truth. She shares her research and also her personal experiences (and her students) along the way. Her vulnerability and stories helped to break up the heavy content.

I got so much out of this book. Although difficult to face the realities and roots, I finished the book with so much hope. And renewed intentions to pursue Jesus (instead of the other ways I spend my energy) and practice spiritual disciplines more consistently, trusting the Holy Spirit for transformation. This book was on a reading list for a class I’m taking. I am grateful because while reading it I had many moments of conviction. I highly recommend this book for Christians desiring transformation and more intimacy with God and others.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Convicting and eye opening to the vices that hinder our walk with God and can potentially destroy our witness and our future on earth and our families. I really enjoyed her thoughtful approach and only wish there was a companion book that focuses on more practical application for conquering the vices that can become a stronghold or huge blind spots even in the believer's life. A very thoughtful treatment of the seven deadly sins in modern language.

I'm thankful for a Savior who can help me discover and turn from sin.

As I read this book I found myself repenting and confessing. May I walk closely with Jesus and stay on the paths of righteousness that He provides. Thankful that His goodness, mercy, and love are chasing me and will follow me all the days of my life.

I listened to this book. So thankful for audio books.

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful introduction to the vices, especially for Protestants like myself who have not grown up hearing much on the vices in ecclesiastical settings. The writing style is suitable for a layperson, with some scholarly references thrown in.

The chapters feel at times like separate lectures and less like a cohesive book, which makes sense as this was the origin of the material of the book. I also thought the several pop culture references detracted from the book as a whole, but that is personal preference.

Overall, a really convicting read. It would be a fantastic resource for a book study and group discussion.

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t think I would have chosen this book had it not been for me being a new member this year of Renouve book club. But it was just what I needed. To sum the book’s purpose is a quote from the book. “The more we understand the dynamics of sin in the deep network of its combined forces in us, however, the more amazing we will find the grace and power promised to us to help us change. The Christian tradition is a centuries-long witness to the hope and promise of our transformation from vice to virtue, and a venerable guide to the ways and means of engaging in this difficult but fruitful process.”
This is a good book for the soul.

[Alexander Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. It gave me an opportunity to look deeper into the tradition of the church, and I have really loved being able to take this system of Natural Law Ethics of Aquinas and consider it in a Protestant sphere.
If I had to give one critique of the book, it was the author's occasional references to Anne Lamont. It wasn't terribly often, but a bit more than I would have liked. Lamont has her own problems wholly independent of this book, so I'll reserve the reason behind this dislike for another review.
That being said, if the only problem that I have with this text is one bad apple of a reference, I still think it's deserving of a 5 star review.

[David Perkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had skimmed over this book for a class in undergrad but I always felt like it was one I should’ve given more attention to. I’m glad to say that feeling was right. DeYoung does an excellent job covering the seven deadly sins in a thoughtful way that really impacted me and brought to light new ideas even in ones we feel we know plenty about such as rage or lust. I appreciated her honesty and willingness to discuss topics that many people today are either dismissing or minimizing in a lot of ways.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll admit, I was reluctant to read a book on the vices because I thought it would focus too much on our sin problem and not enough on grace or God's power to free us from sin. I was fortunately mistaken! Rebecca's book on the vices amazed me with its thoroughness and hope slanted tone. She takes the approach that every vice is really just a distortion of a virtue, and that the root of every vice is pride and our own self-reliance. She was able to write about each vice in a way that caused me to reconsider my previous misconceptions, as well as in a humble way that didn't feel condemning. I've read far too many a condemning book about sin, so I was relieved that DeYoung's book was so grace filled.

I highly recommend every Christian read this book to better understand their patterns of sin and learn how the gospel can uproot the pride in our hearts. Definitely worth the read!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s time to go back through my recently read books and write some evidence because I have friends who keep me accountable.

Glittering Vices is a book I had to read in my college ethics class and while I liked it then (4 years ago) I enjoyed it so much more now. Maybe it has to do with my own growth as a human being but I was able to see how each of these vices play a role in my life and the remedy for each.

I find this book both educational and spirituality eye opening.