In his Nichomachean Ethics (VII.I.I), Aristotle suggests the possibility of a perfection of virtue so extreme that it could be characterized as “heroic” or “divine”. In Shaping Heroic Virtue, eight scholars from different fields of the humanities explore the reception of this notion within a broad range of artistic, political and religious contexts and map its enduring importance in the self-fashioning of monarchs and political elites. The case studies included in the volume span from Late Antiquity to the 18th century and include material from different parts of Europe, with a particular emphasis on Scandinavia. Contributors include Erik Eliasson, Stefano Fogelberg Rota, Andreas Hellerstedt, Kristine Kolrud, Jennie Nell, Nils Holger Petersen, Tania Preste and Biörn Tjällén.

Most of us have moral heroes--people such as Mother Teresa or Gandhi--who have dedicated their lives to making the world a better place. We admire such people, and may even seek to become more like them. But at the same time, we don't believe that anyone who falls short of their example is thereby bad or evil. We believe, in other words, both in the importance of moral ideals and exemplars and in the possibility of goodness short of perfection. This book aims to give a rigorous philosophical account and defense of these claims from within a broadly Neo-Aristotelian perspective.

For two-thousand years, Christians around the world have sought the Blessed Virgin Mary as a guide to growing closer to her Son, Jesus. Through Scripture, Catholic teaching, devotions, and countless works of art, we come to see Mary as our Mother, too. Through the Year with Mary by Katherine Bogner brings together the Church’s traditions in one place and provides a year-long plan for coming to know and love the Mother of God through Weekly passages from Scripture, saints, and scholars Reflections to nurture your understanding of Marian teaching and devotion Sacred art from around the world Marian prayers to teach you to grow closer to Jesus through Mary This comprehensive resource will help adults and children alike to entrust themselves to the most loving Mother of Jesus. Through the Year with Mary has received the nihil obstat and imprimatur. Nihil obstat: Msgr. Philip D. Halfacre, V.G. Censor Librorum Imprimatur: Most Rev. Daniel R. Jenky, C.S.C. Bishop of Peoria September 15, 2021

Two-time Masters World Champion surfer Bear Woznick shares his pulse-pounding stories of ocean rescues, collapsing parachutes, and deadly encounters with sharks as a way to challenge you to go deeper with God and live a life of virtue. Bear is living proof that when people abandon themselves to God's providence, they become anything but soft, pastel versions of themselves. Rather, they discover the boldest, most rewarding way to live. Indeed, if you're eager to pursue God's will for your life, if you're tired of being spoon-fed trite messages about how you just need to be "nicer," this book is for you. In these inspiring pages, Bear shows you how to answer that call deep inside telling you that you were meant for more. He reveals how to live the bold and daring life Christ is challenging you to live. He'll coach you on how to avoid habits of vice and build in their place habits of virtue. He'll teach you how to pray while working at self-improvement -- and what true abandonment to God's will really means in your life. You'll learn how and why Jesus tests you and how to evaluate whether you're ready to "take up your cross and follow Him." Best of all, you'll learn how to react courageously when challenged by family and friends -- and by God Himself. Jesus is standing on the road beside you right now and asking, "Where are you going?" Are you ready to enter into Deep Adventure? Are you equipped to take up your cross and follow God? Are you prepared to let virtue propel you into the wild adventure of God's will? Are you ready to walk the Way of Heroic Virtue?