In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland continues the ongoing conversation about hypocrisy by turning toward a path of recovery. Rather than offering quick fixes or moralistic pressure, Derek invites listeners into a deeper vision of formation, one that reaches back into the ancient world for wisdom that still speaks today. 

Drawing on Aristotle’s vision of ethics and virtue, and later Christian thinkers like Thomas Aquinas, this episode reframes ethics not as rule-keeping or performance, but as becoming the kind of people God intends us to be. Hypocrisy thrives on the disconnection between being and doing; virtue restores harmony through practiced faithfulness. 

Aristotle isn’t our savior; Jesus is! But his wisdom can help Christians recover integrity, wholeness, and a life well lived. 

Key Takeaways 

Hypocrisy is not healed by effort alone, but by formation. 

Salvation is a gift of grace, but grace is given for a way of life shaped by good works. 

Aristotle’s ethics focus on becoming good, not merely doing right. 

Virtue is a habit formed over time that aligns our inner life with our outward actions. 

Practices shape character; character shapes desire. 

Wholeness emerges when being and doing are brought back into harmony. 

Books mentioned in this episode: 

Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle 

From Aristotle to Christ by Louis Markos 

Scriptures mentioned in this episode: 

Ephesians 2:8–10 

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Order Derek's new Bible Study Series, God in the Neighborhood: 

Book 1: Incarnation: 8 Lessons on How God Meets Us || https://amzn.to/42jSZAs 

Book 2: Crucifixion: 8 Lessons on How God Saves Us || https://amzn.to/459bNUk 

Book 3: Resurrection: 8 Lessons on How God Restores Us || https://amzn.to/40T0sp0 

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Learn more about Derek’s work as a pastor and author: https://derekvreeland.com 

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