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Boys to Men: The Transforming Power of Virtue
Need a spiritual workout? Boys to Men: The Transforming Power of Virtue, by Tim Gray and Curtis Martin, is a Bible study designed specifically for men who want to build their spiritual strength. Each challenging lesson combines rich Scriptural teaching with centuries of Christian wisdom to train today's men for the virtuous life. With thought-provoking questions at the end of each chapter, this book is ideal for individual or group study. This Bible study is intended for the growing number of men who are taking seriously their call to Christian discipleship. Steve Wood, founder of St. Joseph's Covenant Keepers, a leading Catholic men's apostolate, says that "every father needs a few essential books in his father's 'tool box.' Boys to Men is one of them."
128 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2001
About the author
Tim Gray
86 books39 followersDr. Timothy Gray is President and Associate Professor of Sacred Scripture at The Augustine Institute.
He received an MA from Franciscan University of Steubenville, ThM from Duke University, and PhD in Biblical Studies from Catholic University of America.
Under Dr. Gray’s guidance, the Augustine Institute has created Symbolon, a comprehensive program of faith formation for adults, YDisciple, to inform and inspire youth to deepen their relationship with Christ, Beloved, a twelve part series that explores the mystery and meaning of marriage for marriage enrichment and marriage prep programs, and Lectio an innovative series of Bible studies exploring topics through the lens of Scripture, Tradition and Art.
Tim and his wife Kris, and son Joseph, live in Littleton, Colorado.
He received an MA from Franciscan University of Steubenville, ThM from Duke University, and PhD in Biblical Studies from Catholic University of America.
Under Dr. Gray’s guidance, the Augustine Institute has created Symbolon, a comprehensive program of faith formation for adults, YDisciple, to inform and inspire youth to deepen their relationship with Christ, Beloved, a twelve part series that explores the mystery and meaning of marriage for marriage enrichment and marriage prep programs, and Lectio an innovative series of Bible studies exploring topics through the lens of Scripture, Tradition and Art.
Tim and his wife Kris, and son Joseph, live in Littleton, Colorado.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 5, 2023
Read earlier this year but never added it to my Goodreads. The book talks a lot about how necessary virtue is but leaves much to be desired in practical steps to get to that point. This book kinda felt like it took a lot of pages to tell you to strive to live in virtue — which is still a good message nonetheless.
November 21, 2016
I read this book as part of a morning men's group. For that purpose, it definitely had a lot of value, but I probably would not pick this book up to read it again for my own edification. Having said that, I think that my complaints about this book may be unique to me.
So, good things first: it covers the four cardinal virtues and the three theological virtues. It addresses each carefully and in accordance with the tradition of the Catholic Church. It encourages the reader to pursue each virtue in his life, to strive to attain these virtues, not only for his own benefit, but for the benefit of everyone around him. The discussion questions provide both further reading (throughout Scripture) and further thought (on both practical and theoretical levels). Definitely a solid book for anyone new to theology or the virtues.
My problem is that I'm not new to those things. For me personally, much of this book was treading water--covering old ground--reviewing things I already knew. It still had value--it provided the backdrop for discussing issues in the men's group, and it provided practical reminders on how to move forward in my pursuit of virtue--but I wanted to go deeper, really dig into the details, which is appropriate for my level of education.
Definitely recommend for anyone with little or no foundation in theology or the study of virtues. It's also just fine for the fully-initiated who are involved in a discussion group--but for such a one reading it on his own, it may not add much to your knowledge.
So, good things first: it covers the four cardinal virtues and the three theological virtues. It addresses each carefully and in accordance with the tradition of the Catholic Church. It encourages the reader to pursue each virtue in his life, to strive to attain these virtues, not only for his own benefit, but for the benefit of everyone around him. The discussion questions provide both further reading (throughout Scripture) and further thought (on both practical and theoretical levels). Definitely a solid book for anyone new to theology or the virtues.
My problem is that I'm not new to those things. For me personally, much of this book was treading water--covering old ground--reviewing things I already knew. It still had value--it provided the backdrop for discussing issues in the men's group, and it provided practical reminders on how to move forward in my pursuit of virtue--but I wanted to go deeper, really dig into the details, which is appropriate for my level of education.
Definitely recommend for anyone with little or no foundation in theology or the study of virtues. It's also just fine for the fully-initiated who are involved in a discussion group--but for such a one reading it on his own, it may not add much to your knowledge.
October 22, 2012
This is not really a book about raising boys, although it can be used profitably for that purpose.
When Tim Gray alludes to the progression in maturity that grows boys into men, he is also writing about the conversion to which any adult can commit. "Boys" in this usage are akin to the "men without chests" about whom C.S. Lewis wrote four generations ago. Both groups, aided by grace (read: Jesus) grow into their God-given strength through the practice of the cardinal and theological virtues (The same could be said of women and girls, btw).
I like the old school outlook of this accessible little book, which tackles big concepts in simple words, with questions at the end of every chapter and frequent recourse to scripture and to the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
There are better books on virtue out there, but few of them are as practical as this one is.
When Tim Gray alludes to the progression in maturity that grows boys into men, he is also writing about the conversion to which any adult can commit. "Boys" in this usage are akin to the "men without chests" about whom C.S. Lewis wrote four generations ago. Both groups, aided by grace (read: Jesus) grow into their God-given strength through the practice of the cardinal and theological virtues (The same could be said of women and girls, btw).
I like the old school outlook of this accessible little book, which tackles big concepts in simple words, with questions at the end of every chapter and frequent recourse to scripture and to the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
There are better books on virtue out there, but few of them are as practical as this one is.
May 1, 2007
Great book on the Theological and Cardinal virtues in a practical way
October 27, 2025
Written by guys who sit in the very front benches at church, intended I believe for the second, third, maybe fourth row of pews. Since I usually stand in the back (figuratively od course), I realised this book didn't try to come down and meet me or help me. Instead it was a lot of preaching. You should this, you should that. In the style of Dale Carnegie. Two stars for the effort.
July 18, 2023
Es un libro BÁSICO. No es nada “loquísimo” ni fuera de serie. Habla sobre virtudes y tiene buenas preguntas después de cada capítulo. Es de esos libros fáciles de leer que fortalece el hábito de lectura.
January 31, 2019
It was ok. I found the discussions with my men’s group to be more enlightening than the actual book.
May 10, 2019
Recommended to me by a fellow catholic, was alright.
June 1, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book!!! It explained the virtues every man must live by and the ultimate way to live with God in Heaven!!!
May 9, 2023
I am of the Protestant persuasion but I found this book an edifying read. Highly recommended for men—both young and old!
August 16, 2023
great crash course on the virtues. memorable examples and thoughtful distinctions
November 20, 2024
Fr. Greg Recommendation.
June 24, 2012
I won this book through GoodReads First Read program.
Boys to Men deals with seven virtues. Virtues are distinguished from values in that values are what we think while virtues are what we actually do. I felt this book put too much emphasis on "self actions" instead of God's grace. God's grace is mentioned a few times in passing but not discussed much in depth.
This is also a book written for not just Christian men but Catholic men. I didn't think that was a big deal before I started reading the book. In reading the book I found a prevalence of Catholic doctrine that really limited the books effect.
Boys to Men deals with seven virtues. Virtues are distinguished from values in that values are what we think while virtues are what we actually do. I felt this book put too much emphasis on "self actions" instead of God's grace. God's grace is mentioned a few times in passing but not discussed much in depth.
This is also a book written for not just Christian men but Catholic men. I didn't think that was a big deal before I started reading the book. In reading the book I found a prevalence of Catholic doctrine that really limited the books effect.
July 24, 2016
Very insightful read to all men.
It's rather short ! But the basic principles are an excellent foundation any man looking to journey the road of self-discovery and the journey finding your place as a godly man in today's world.
It's rather short ! But the basic principles are an excellent foundation any man looking to journey the road of self-discovery and the journey finding your place as a godly man in today's world.
January 7, 2009
This is a strong action book with a chapter on each of the seven virtues with practical applications with each. Definitely a book worthy of re-reading.
July 31, 2012
If you're looking for a book on virtues, you can do better than this one.
October 8, 2013
very good book in the part of virtues. it expounds on many things that you would have never thought of
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February 20, 2019Despite the title, the books is as valuable for men as for boys. Its promotion of growing in virtue is practical and based on scripture. It emphasizes not just knowing the right things, but having the discipline to do them.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews