Boys to Men: The Transforming Power of Virtue

Gray writes, "Today it is more common to hear about values than virtues. Current thought is that society would be safe, healthy, and happy, if only we could instill proper values into people. Values-based moral education programs exemplify the modern conviction that morality is nothing other than the art of making good choices, where we are guided entirely by one's own values. One could critique this approach to morality on philosophical grounds, but my criticism is simple and to the point. The problem is that values fall short when it comes to making men moral. Having good values is a fine thing, but the battle of morality is not so much about *knowing* what is right as it is *doing* what is right. The difference between wanting to do the good and actually doing it is tremendous. Thus, many men who commit adultery know what they are doing is wrong (no need for clarification), but they are unfaitful despite their values."From this starting point, Gray walks through the cardinal and theological virtues (with his typical scriptural focus), explaining how we must acquire, exercise, and grow each of them. He reviews the challenges, and offers advice on overcoming them. This is a nice alternative to the pop-psychology that passes as Christian self-help in the bookstores, and has the added benefit of being rather inspiring. Chapters are followed by group discussion questions. Highly Recommended. 119pp.

If you are looking for a book that will inspire you to become a better you and at the same time give you the tools you will need to succeed, this is the book for you.As the author explains each one of the different virtues: prudence, justice, fortitude, temperance, faith, hope and love (Of course the most important one is love)after each chapter it gives you a kind of quiz with questions that, in order to answer them, you need to look up specific readings from the bible (if you are going to read this book properly you better have your bible handy). It is the bible the word of the Lord and we are called to live life according to it's teachings. This book will help you to use the teachings of the bible and apply them in your life during these difficult times for individuals that have faith and are fighting to become stronger in faith.It takes work to be courageous, this book will give you a great work out, it is life changing if read properly (it takes time but it is worth it).

Six men in our church met weekly to read this book together. Excellent writing -- it inspired worthwhile conversation every week. Now that we've finished the book, we plan to start over at the beginning, meeting on a different day for men who couldn't come to the first group. The questions at the end of the chapter were OK, but not as helpful as the chapter readings. Even so, the questions got us to crack open our Bibles and search for verses. Don't miss this book--worth the read. Best of all, no fluff!

The book outlines the Catholic Church's teaching on the 7 main virtues, using Scripture and a very down to earth approach. It is a basic field-guide for becoming a real man, as God sees manhood. In a culture that has forgotten that we CAN become the men we were meant to be, it is an awesome resource, and a very accessible one as well. The format serves very well both for a group study and for personal reading.

This book is a good introduction to the four cardinal virtues (prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance) and the theological virtues (faith, hope and love). It uses the Catechism of the Catholic Church and personal experience to show how important developing virtues (habits for doing what is good with ease, promptness, and joy) is to living a happy and successful life. The section on the theological virtues is good (supernatural habits which bring us into union with God). I highly recommend this book.

Some friends are using this in their small group. I wasn't able to join them for the discussions, but still decided to read the book. I wouldn't recommend hurrying through from cover to cover, but as a book to reflect on in prayer, it offers some great challenges and insights to take your time with.

Going to use this book to upgrade my character education to a new level! Have already used the twenty dollar bill story as low as third grade and they "so get it!" We need more virtuous people now more than ever!

Want to walk closer with the Lord? Virtues can be the means! Choosing the Lord is not easy, living a life of virtue is not easy - but the rewards of being a better husband and father are well worth it! This little book is a decoder ring for being a man of God!!!

A well written book. Highly recommend it for all guys looking and striving to live the virtuous life. I have a learned a lot from this book and it has also helped me deepen my faith in God.

Very useful.