Author : Robert P. Vande Kappelle
Publisher : Wipf and Stock Publishers
ISBN 13 : 1498294154
Total Pages : 158 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (982 download)
Book Synopsis Living Graciously on Planet Earth by : Robert P. Vande Kappelle
Download or read book Living Graciously on Planet Earth written by Robert P. Vande Kappelle and published by Wipf and Stock Publishers. This book was released on 2016-05-18 with total page 158 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Humans are happiest when they live virtuously. Building on the premise that the purpose of life is happiness conducive to the equitable flourishing of all humanity, Living Graciously on Planet Earth argues that the appropriate way to regard our abilities and moral opportunities is as gifts for the common good, to be used for the glory of God, guided by the biblical principles of stewardship and community. Utilizing a biblical approach and a Trinitarian perspective, while maintaining an appreciative eye to the contributions of the world's living religions, Dr. Vande Kappelle argues for a hierarchy of values necessary for gracious living in the twenty-first century. Ancient wisdom claims there are seven primary virtues, four "natural"--prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance--and three "supernatural"--faith, hope, and love. As the natural virtues help us grow morally, the supernatural virtues are designed for transformation. Using insights from the Enneagram as well as from diverse scholars such as Karen Armstrong, Marcus Borg, James Fowler, Matthew Fox, C. S. Lewis, Robin W. Lovin, and Huston Smith, Living Graciously examines the seven virtues in biblical, social, and cosmic context. This book's uplifting message delivers the perfect antidote to the current social malaise, characterized by arrogance, suspicion, negligence, and consumption. In addition, this book addresses difficult questions such as "Do we live in a moral universe?"; "Is there a benevolent deity watching over us?"; "Is there a purpose to life on earth?"; and "Is there a summum bonum (a greatest good)"? The answers in this insightful presentation will challenge your thinking and energize your living. Useful for individual or group use, each chapter contains aids to learning, including (a) a thesis statement indicating the central idea of the chapter, (b) a list of key biblical passages, (c) a chapter summary, and (d) questions for discussion and reflection.