How do we hold our focus in a world that seems to be in such chaos? How do we live spiritually, and meaningfully, while those around us are embracing secularism? Associate professor of English at Oklahoma Baptist University Alan Noble addresses these questions in his latest book, To Live Well (InterVarsity Press, Apr.). PW spoke with Noble about the value of ancient virtues, the definition of telos, and the importance of love.
We live in a fragmented world. How does To Live Well help readers bring together the pieces of their lives into one holy whole?
To Live Well offers a granular look at how to live in this secular world with widespread chaos through the seven virtues. A main part of our fragmentation is that we have lost a shared telos, or purpose toward which we direct our lives. Instead, we have a billion conflicting accounts of what our private “purpose” is. To Live Well argues that our ultimate telos is in God telos in part through the virtues.
What prompted you to choose virtues—instead of “here’s how to live” lists—to help readers onto a new path of living in today’s world?
It seems to me that part of our fragmentation is that we tend to merely pick random lists of “how to” advice to live by rather than grounding ourselves in something more timeless. The virtues offered something with stability and tradition. And for Christians, the virtues are each addressed in one way or another in the Bible, offering more than the weight of human tradition.
How do you hope readers apply these virtues to their lives?
I would love to see readers practice courage and ask people out on dates and apply for jobs and strive for excellence in their careers. I would love to see readers use prudence to make hard decisions and then act with confidence. And I would love to see readers learn to love people more deeply, delighting in their existence as God delights in ours.
What is your favorite virtue?
The foundational virtue is love. Without love, you cannot properly have any of the other virtues. But my favorite virtue is actually courage, because I see it as so needed in our times.
How can this book influence the personal, daily choices we make as we live in the world today?
In a way, that’s all I cared about when writing this book—offering practical examples and strategies for how to live more in line with who God created us to be through habits. I cover strategies for social media use, chastity, choosing careers, dealing with social justice, marriage, religious doubts, friendships, and other practical topics. But more important than the examples I give are the general principles, which prepare you for any situation you may encounter in daily life.
