Areté Again

Author: Tobin E. Wilson
Publisher: San Juan Publishing
Genre: Theology
ISBN: 978-0-9707399-8-8
Pages: 224
Price: $16.95

Areté means excellence in character and life. And in order to achieve this excellence, a thorough exploration of our current values can lead to an attempt at correcting them. In Areté Again, Rev. Tobin Wilson offers a glimpse of his own past, including an addiction to alcohol, in order to show us how he is changing his ways, and to inspire us to change our own.

First Wilson gives us his own insights into the doctrine of the Trinity. One of the most confusing elements of the Christian faith, Wilson attempts to shed some light on this important theological concept. Then, within the framework of the seven deadly sins, he shares his thoughts on how we as humans have gone astray. Using examples from his own youth ministry, he introduces some of the young people he’s worked with. These teens made a deep impression on him, and he hopes the stories of their struggles and triumphs will impact us as well.

Wilson doesn’t hold anything back. Citing other theological works and the Presbyterian church’s teachings, he forces the reader to face up to his own selfishness in light of the world’s problems. But despite the harsh realities he presents, he does it a gentle manner meant to inspire rather than condemn us. Excellence doesn’t happen overnight, but it’s worth working toward, no matter how long it takes.

Reviewer: Alice Berger