The Devil's Diet: The Seven Deadly Sins Revisited

Either God has revealed to man standards which are absolute in terms of particulars, or man has to decide on his own what constitutes good as opposed to bad.

Kuyperian Press has published three books over the years, and since we don’t make printing a priority at Kuyperian, we are incredibly glad when these books are received well. It has been a few years since we got the old Gutenberg busy, but after a few years, we are happy to announce The Devil’s Diet: The Seven Deadly Sins Revisited, edited by Rev. Jack Phelps, is LIVE on the Amazonian jungle. You can order the book here.

Much of this labor of love is owed to Mr. Austin Brown, who steadfastly connected all the dots and made this work appear to the blessed oikumene. And now, for a few lattes’ worth, this work can be savored by each one of you, and we hope you will take advantage of this opportunity.

Rev. Jack Phelps is not only the sole Editor but also a contributor to this book. He observes:

By proposing an analysis of the Seven Deadly Sins that looks beyond consequences to individuals and their personal salvation to the effect of the sins on the vitality of society as a whole, it is the authors’ hope that a new conversation will begin in Christian circles.

The book is far more than another introspective look at the impact of sin but is a far-reaching analysis of how these seven sins display themselves in society at large. The chapters are divided in Gregorian fashion, with pride leading the way as the root of sin—a premise Augustine would embrace.

Introduction.......................................................................................Jack E. Phelps Pride.....................................................................................................Jack E. Phelps Envy....................................................................................................Otto Scott Anger..................................................................................................Dennis R. Tuuri Sloth....................................................................................................Rousas J. Rushdoony Avarice................................................................................................Marcus Van Eichrodt Gluttony............................................................................................Jack E Phelps Lust....................................................................................................Ben House

Appendix A: Docilitas.....................................................................Rousas J. Rushdoony Appendix B: Pharisaism..................................................................Jack E. Phelps

If this doesn't whet your appetite, I am not sure what other sins will.

You may also note that there are two unpublished essays by the late R.J. Rushdoony, who was the most prolific reader and writer I am aware of in the 20th century. These essays illustrate the breadth of knowledge Rush had as he carefully ties ideas from the 5th and the 20th centuries together beautifully.

The book has a few happy endorsements from fine folks like George Grant, Douglas Wilson, Jeff Meyers, and others. So, if these guys can plug it, I’d make haste to push those buttons on your iPhone app.

I also have a brief interview with Jack Phelps on the book. The audio quality is not great, but he is in Anchorage, Alaska, which should explain the communication issues. And it may also explain why Sarah Palin didn’t succeed. But that’s for another time.

And I strongly encourage you to get to know Jack Phelps, the man, pastor, and political practitioner. I did a two-hour interview with Jack in his basement in Alaska. The interview is part of the Kuyperian series of pastors and theologians who exemplify the Kuyperian tradition. With five decades of ministry under his belt, I’d say he qualifies. Here is the interview.

Ascension Cheers.

Notations

• I am celebrating my twentieth anniversary, and I went parasailing in Destin, Fl, to prove my capabilities as a man and because my wife made me do it. Those two propositions form a happy mystery. I am comfortable dwelling on it.

• I read several essays on the Christian Nationalism debate including a review of Dr. Scott Aniol of Douglas Wilson’s new book Mere Christendom. Then, I read an introductory essay by Dr. Brad Littlejohn on Two-Kingdom competing ideas, especially between the Magisterial two-kingdom model and the Escondido Model. There is much overlap and the conversation is worth having. Then, I spent some of my beach and tobacco time working my way through Robert Capon’s An Offering of Uncles: The Priesthood of Adam and the Shape of the World. Jason Farley recommended it on Knox Unplugged and I dutifully read it in two days. It was a work of art and Capon makes identity a key component to grasping the world. His latter chapters on embracing true priesthood are life-altering. I cannot say enough, but I certainly will say a few things in the weeks ahead. The goal for reading Capon was to bask in his wisdom, but also to gather some additional thought for a book project on the Armor of God, which I view as a Priestly Armor in Ephesians 6.

• And speaking of priestly oblations, I offered two of them in interview form today. I interviewed Jack Phelps (noted above) and my fellow Brazilian, Joffre Swait, on his new book of poetry from Canon Press. Ladies, buy your husband this book, and ladies, enjoy this book as well.

• My traveling schedule is now quite clear. I will travel in fragments in June, July, August, September, October, and December. So, you see, I have no travel in November. This will be a breeze—more information on speaking details and writing projects in the paid subscription this Friday.