Boys to Men: The Transforming Power of Virtue

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.

This is great on audiotape too. The most down to earth, sensible, practical book on the subject. A vital necessity to growing in common sense and wisdom. How does one exercise prudence? justice? charity? While every father needs this book or tape, every mom will benefit from reading and listening over dad's shoulders. It is a treasure chest that you will refer to often so don't hide it from yourself and consider this as a simple, yet significant way to improve your corner of the world: give copies to those you love and know. We've received abundant praises for this and when lending it out, found that it was lent out to another family and another. We ended up buying 2 copies due to the late return.

This is the must have book for coaching boys sports. You can take the virtues described in Tim's book and transform into team talks. There is a group that advocates this book and has done wonders with sporting teams. [...] and see how they use virtue talks to spark the faith.

As a book for our Men's Group the book is very helpful to teach us what virtues are to be about. The implemenation of the scripture and catechesis are powerful and I can't say enough good things about this small study book. Thank you and God Bless.

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.