Classical education has always appealed to me in that reasoning and fruitful living that contributes to society are meant to be admirable and achievable goals.
Reflecting a world where cardinal virtues are esteemed, I love that The Pursuit of Character by Matthew Arbo arrives at this vision from a Christian perspective, providing a compelling case for why Christians need to recover this framework and way of life.
Many thanks to Baker Books for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Book Synopsis
What does it mean to live a good life?
- Know what makes for a good life
- Pursue character and meaning
- Recover the virtues that have guided Christians before us
In today's fragmented world, we are encouraged to define for ourselves what is good. But this inevitably fails to satisfy. In The Pursuit of Character, Matthew Arbo argues that we can learn how to live a good life by recovering the virtues that have guided Christians before us. Arbo reintroduces readers to the seven cardinal and theological virtues of prudence, temperance, fortitude, justice, faith, hope, and love. Readers will know what each virtue means (and doesn't mean) and how to go about acquiring it. Pursuing virtue is good in itself, and by becoming virtuous we enrich our lives and those around us.
Anyone seeking direction in their journey toward a meaningful and fulfilling life will find The Pursuit of Character to be the ideal starting point.
Source: Amazon
Book Thoughts
I love how richly this book marries together orthodoxy and orthopraxy. Delving into the cardinal virtues of wisdom, temperance, fortitude, and justice and then caping them off with the Christian virtues of faith, hope, and love, Matthew Arbo does a spectacular job in emphasizing the need for a right ordering of life. Imbued with prayers to open each chapter, readers are invited to consider how the God of order provides the ability to live a life that is in keeping with His character. This is a timeless volume that all Christians can benefit from, drawing inspiration from philosophical truths, classical teachings, and most importantly, the Bible.
In examining the origin of the cardinal and theological virtues and providing the case to Christians that this is the proper course of life, this book moves readers beyond sheer willpower to a grander calling and purpose. It pleads for believers to take the time and effort to exercise discipline when it comes to character formation. The Pursuit of Character will not only have you pondering what it means to exhibit the fruit of self-control and to exercise self-denial as part of the Christian walk, it will motivate you to pass this content on to the next generation. If you are looking for a thoughtful treatise on ordered and godly pursuits while expounding the value of a virtuous life, this is a book that should be on your bookshelf and in your hands.
Book Summary
- Format of book: 📱
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Recommendation: 👍
Book Quotes
Virtue enables real life and prepares us for death. One of the great, existential reasons for pursuing virtue at all is because, in our more quiet and honest moments, lying awake on our beds in the dark, we are terrified of leading a life that turns out trivial or forgettable. We long, by contrast, to lead lives that turn out well. We want our eulogies to stand as testimonies of our good character. And yet that is not enough. It is not enough to have made an impression upon others, or to have been memorable. Death on the Christian account, however, is not our final end, but the passage of one life into another. If we died with Christ, we live with him!
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