Philip E. Dow, the author of Virtuous Minds, challenges believers to transform intellectually to be able to look more like Christ. Intellectually, Dow challenges readers to step into a different mindset than the skewed mindset the world is constantly screaming at people. He desires readers to rethink how they think and how it is affecting their lives. In his book, Dow beckons readers consider their virtues and character in a depleting world. Dow breaks down virtues that are noteworthy into seven points. His first point is the virtue of intellectual courage. Dow reminds readers that when one has courage, one is able to do good things with good intentions. It is the same intellectually. To be courageous is to take risks in the pursuit of truth
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Tenacity, according to Dow, brings a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. Character formation comes from the constant pressing into practices or ideas that might not sit well. It is doing the very thing that one is not the best at. Further than that, tenacity is the desire to give your all and never give up. Dow considers intellectual fair-mindedness to be vital in today’s society. He explains this idea by saying, “the secret of intellectually fair-minded persons is that they have chosen to put the truth above allegiance to their ego or cherished opinion” (Dow 48). Dow is saying that even when one disagrees, it is important to get into the practice of playing fair. He suggests it is more than a mindset and more of a heart of humbleness. Fair-mindedness strips one of opinion and encourages equality. Intellectual curiosity is a key component to becoming a steward of good character. There is controversy on what is “good” curiosity. Dow dissects this by explaining that curiosity is good within the boundaries of common sense. The lack of curiosity causes one to go neutral- lacking true understanding or desire to go deeper. Dow challenges readers to live a well-examined life through …show more content…
He begins to show readers what happens once these virtues become a lifestyle. The first fruit is that there are benefits of knowing more about more. Intellectual intelligence beckons increase in what one knows and how to apply that knowledge to one’s life. Not only does it promote knowledge, it helps one create insightful solutions to issues that otherwise would not be evident. Another benefit is the benefit of thinking better. When one seeks intellectual intelligence, the process in which one thinks is altered. The ways of thinking have been practiced and worked so that being able to think in a cognitive way has become natural. The process of analyzing and taking material for what it is continues to flow into how the brain works. Dow relates this reflex to other areas of life like sports. Once one practices a mindset or a play, it is easy to act on it because it becomes what one knows. Another key benefit is loving God. The author argues that everything one does is tied to intellectual character, including how one understands and practices worship. He states, “It is also important to recognize that or Christians the earnest pursuit of truth and a commitment to being the stewards of our minds as we can be are in themselves authentic acts of worship” (Dow 96). Otherwise, the choice to take on the seven components of intellectual character,
Tenacity, according to Dow, brings a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. Character formation comes from the constant pressing into practices or ideas that might not sit well. It is doing the very thing that one is not the best at. Further than that, tenacity is the desire to give your all and never give up. Dow considers intellectual fair-mindedness to be vital in today’s society. He explains this idea by saying, “the secret of intellectually fair-minded persons is that they have chosen to put the truth above allegiance to their ego or cherished opinion” (Dow 48). Dow is saying that even when one disagrees, it is important to get into the practice of playing fair. He suggests it is more than a mindset and more of a heart of humbleness. Fair-mindedness strips one of opinion and encourages equality. Intellectual curiosity is a key component to becoming a steward of good character. There is controversy on what is “good” curiosity. Dow dissects this by explaining that curiosity is good within the boundaries of common sense. The lack of curiosity causes one to go neutral- lacking true understanding or desire to go deeper. Dow challenges readers to live a well-examined life through …show more content…
He begins to show readers what happens once these virtues become a lifestyle. The first fruit is that there are benefits of knowing more about more. Intellectual intelligence beckons increase in what one knows and how to apply that knowledge to one’s life. Not only does it promote knowledge, it helps one create insightful solutions to issues that otherwise would not be evident. Another benefit is the benefit of thinking better. When one seeks intellectual intelligence, the process in which one thinks is altered. The ways of thinking have been practiced and worked so that being able to think in a cognitive way has become natural. The process of analyzing and taking material for what it is continues to flow into how the brain works. Dow relates this reflex to other areas of life like sports. Once one practices a mindset or a play, it is easy to act on it because it becomes what one knows. Another key benefit is loving God. The author argues that everything one does is tied to intellectual character, including how one understands and practices worship. He states, “It is also important to recognize that or Christians the earnest pursuit of truth and a commitment to being the stewards of our minds as we can be are in themselves authentic acts of worship” (Dow 96). Otherwise, the choice to take on the seven components of intellectual character,