Brian S. Hook and Russell R. Reno. Heroism and the Christian Life: Reclaiming Excellence. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2000. Pp. viii + 253. $23.95 (Paper).

Abstract

"Brian Hook and Russell Reno present a compelling account of classical and Christian conceptions of the heroic life. Taking their start from the criticisms Nietzsche launched against the Christian heroic ideal of self-denial and discipleship as anti-life, and therefore both physically and emotionally self-destructive, the authors craft an exhaustive and superbly styled study of the heroic motifs as seen in the works of Homer, Virgil, Plato, the Gospels, the letters of Paul and early Christians, Spenser, Milton, Albert Camus, and Dietrich Bonhoffer. The authors' stated purpose is not to respond to Nietzsche's critique or break new ground in the interpretation of classic texts, but to cull the various presentations of the heroic ideal in order to "rescue the role of excellence" from its devaluation in postmodern culture, and demonstrate that the Christian life of obedience and self-denial is the most satisfactory exemplar of heroic excellence (10). [2] The authors identify three aspects of heroic excellence: recognition, imitation, and participation. Heroic excellence must be recognized by the community; heroism must inspire within the community a desire to imitate it; and heroic activity must not be so grand that it precludes the possibility of mortal participation. The first part of the book surveys classical conceptions of the heroic ideal, showing how each fails to fulfill one or two aspects of that ideal. In discussing the shortcomings of each of the classical conceptions the authors highlight what they see as so distinctive in the Christian conception of the heroic life. [3] For example, in their discussion of Iliad the authors focus on how Achilles' excellence surpasses the communal currency of recognition. Despite the fact that Achilles possesses and displays many of the physical traits so esteemed in ancient Greek society, he does not receive the recognition that he so desperately wants. Even the other heroes are unable to satisfy Achilles in this regard. His greatness lies far beyond any available frame of reference."(pg 1)