Vainglory: The Forgotten Vice

Julia Roberts on the red carpet at the Oscars. Lady Gaga singing "Applause" to worshipful fans at one of her sold-out concerts. And you and me in our Sunday best in the front row at church. What do we have in common?

Chances are, says Rebecca Konyndyk DeYoung, that we all suffer from vainglory -- a keen desire for attention and approval. Although contemporary culture has largely forgotten about vainglory, it was on the original list of seven capital vices and is perhaps more dangerous than ever today.

In Vainglory: The Forgotten Vice DeYoung tells the story of this vice, moving from its ancient origins to its modern expressions. She defines vainglory, gives examples from popular culture, explores motivational sources, and discusses other vices associated with it such as hypocrisy and boasting. After exposing the many ways in which vainglory can rear its ugly head, she explores personal spiritual practices that can help us resist it and community practices that can help us handle glory well.

Author: Rebecca Konyndyk DeYoung
Publisher: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
Published: 12/01/2014
Pages: 167
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.53lbs
Size: 8.79h x 6.68w x 0.41d
ISBN: 9780802871299

Review Citation(s):
Christian Retailing 11/01/2014 pg. 22
Christianity Today 11/01/2014 pg. 67
Christian Century 04/29/2015 pg. 44
Choice 06/01/2015 pg. 1669

About the Author
DeYoung, Rebecca Konyndyk: - Rebecca Konyndyk DeYoung is professor of philosophy at Calvin College. Her previous books include GlitteringVices: A New Look at the Seven Deadly Sins and Their Remedies. She has published and lectured on many other vices and virtues, including sloth, despair, envy, gluttony, fear, magnanimity, and hope.

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