It feels like aeons have passed since I was last able to read books unrelated to work and/or study. Thus it was with great joy that I picked up N. T. Wright’s new book Virtue Reborn (which is published under a different name ”“ After You Believe – in the US) and read it over the last week. Approaching Christian Ethics from a different vantage of the countless tomes that have preceded it, Bishop Wright’s book is not only a significant contribution to the field, but also to individuals and the church (both communities and the church-at-large). A key strength is the manner in which he engages with a wide range of thinkers (e.g., be they philosophers, theologians etc) and presents them within a Biblical, thoughtful, and practical framework. Following the tone of Simply Christian and Surprised by Hope, this latest work is eloquent, compelling, and accessible to a broad scope of readers. But enough of the prologue”¦ (It is probably a good place to note that I have made so many notations on the pages throughout this book ”“ apologies to those who cringe at the thought of marking a book ”“ that it may have been more efficient to only mark the parts that I didn’t anticipate returning to.)
Instead of tackling ethics from a contingent approach, Wright masterfully argues for lives which are characterised by neither ”˜Rules’ or ”˜Going with the Flow’, but instead this ancient ”“ yet reborn ”“ concept of virtue. From a practical perspective, whilst ”˜rules’ and the ability to ”˜listen to one’s self’ can be important and mature aspects of Christian character, they are ultimately inadequate in addressing the myriad of decisions that we are faced with each day. Even when reduced to the ”˜one golden rule’, there is an obvious and extraordinary level of discernment required to apply that to any given scenario. Conversely, when forced to make a decision quickly ”˜following one’s gut’ (for lack of some external ”˜rule’ or simply because that is our ’style’), it can result in a less-than-optimal outcome. What is needed it not necessarily a middle ground, but a dynamic understanding of Christian behaviour (individually and corporately) that is neither limited to rules or ’spontaneity’ per se, but instead a disciplined basis of character that is refined and shaped over a lifetime in the Christian tradition.
+Wright’s latest book looks very promising. I’ll have to get it. I loved his lecture about the importance of practicing the classic Christian virtues that he delivered at Fuller Seminary within the last year or two.
As this review notes, it’s always great when a renowned Christian scholar dares to venture outside his specialty and engage in a cross-disciplinary look at a key topic. And does so in a way accessible to a broad public.
A strong case can be made that “virtue ethics” (or “character ethics” as it’s sometimes called) is the classic Christian approach to moral theology. It’s rooted in Aristotle and the four great “cardinal virtues” prized most by the ancient Greeks and Romans (wisdom/prudence, courage, justice, and temperance/self-control), to which the medieval church (especially Thomas Aquinas) added the three “theological virtues” of faith, hope, and love, but it’s not merely a Catholic approach; many mainstream Protestants have also embraced it.
I’m glad to see that the stock of virtue is again rising. Back in 1981, the great Catholic moral philospher Alasdair MacIntyre published his devastating critique of modern ethical theory (and practice) called [b]After Virtue[/b]. I understand that he wrote a new Prologue for the 3rd edition that came out in 2007 (though I haven’t seen it). But it’s encouraging that MacIntyre’s provocative modern classic is still being read and discussed almost 30 years later. Or to use +Wright’s language, perhaps we are beginning to see the central concept of virtue reborn.
David Handy+
To which I’ll add my standard, instinctive reaction when +NTW comes out with a new book, despite being the Bishop of Durham, preparing speeches to the House of Lords, etc. Namely, how in the world does he do it? How can he possibly keep cranking out book after book in such a prolific, never-ending stream? And it’s not only the sheer quantity of his output that ‘s so amazing, it’s also that the quality of them is so high.
Incredible. What a gift he is to the whole Church (and not just Anglicanism). Deo gratias.
David Handy+
I have read the book. I recommend it.
David+,
Well – he won’t be bishop at Durham much longer, so that will give him more time! Which is exciting, because I love to read his stuff.
Darin+
I am really enjoying reading his book, Simply Christian, as part of our women’s book study at church. Discussion has been quite interesting as we all struggle to better understand our Christian faith. Thanks for the recommendation, Jeff. This new N. T. Wright book, Virtue Reborn, could be a book to consider for this group.