Virtues for Ordinary Christians

By James F. Keenan

Book Overview

Simplifying the practice of virtue is what James Keenan does so well in Virtues for Ordinary
Christians. This moral theologian sees beyond the do's and don'ts of moral codes and reclaims the
practice of virtue for the sheer joy of it. Virtue, he shows, brings out the Christian best in us. Keenan
recommends taking a new look at traditional virtues. He weaves theological and cardinal virtues
together with gracious little "human" virtues. Hope becomes the virtue for holding on, courage doing
what you have to when you're afraid, humor, life's necessary salt. An excellent exploration of why
virtues work so well when we work them into daily living.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1556129084
• ISBN13: 9781556129087
• Release Date: October 1996
• Publisher: Sheed & Ward
• Length: 140 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.4" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Sage advice, but perhaps too ordinary (Kindle edition)

In "Virtues for Ordinary Christians," James F. Keenan (a Jesuit and professor of moral theology) approaches Christian ethics by means of the traditional virtues of Catholic teaching, focusing on their application to our "ordinary" lives. After an introductory section, each chapter deals with a different virtue. But rather than discuss each virtue encyclopedically, Prof. Keenan chooses one, sometimes surprising, angle to help us understand how each virtue can play a role in our lives. Prof. Keenan has a very readable, conversational style, and he rewards the reader with numerous "aha!" moments. I found his chapters on the three theological virtues and his chapter on fidelity especially helpful. My only quibble is that the book's overall effect makes complacency a little too easy. I say this because Prof. Keenan's discussions of such contemporary concerns as self-esteem and physical fitness can give the reader excuses for avoiding the challenges posed by faith, humility, and charity. I think one could easily come away from this book thinking that, on balance, one is already doing everything fine and has no need to improve. Nevertheless, I do consider that just a quibble. This book is certainly worth reading by all of us "ordinary" Christians. The Kindle edition has no problems that I noticed. It has a linked table of contents; the book itself has no footnotes.