CHARACTER AND VIRTUE IN THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION and CHARACTER AND VIRTUE IN PRACTICE

Character And Virtue In Theological Education: An Academic Epistolary Novel 

and

Character And Virtue In Practice: A Workbook For Discipleship And Formation 

Marvin Oxenham (Langham Global Library, 2019 & 2025 respectively) 

Reviewer: Alan Rashleigh

The nature of both books is found in the title. The books are clearly aimed at Theological establishments, both staff and students. The first book is written in an interesting format, each of the 40 chapters starts with a ‘letter’ to Simeon as an introduction to the academic content, hence ‘an epistolary novel’. 

Chapter four contains ‘Three Key Definitions’, which forms the outline summary of what the author is attempting to achieve. What is theological education? What is the character and virtue education? What is virtue? The definition of virtue appears to be quoted from J Arthur. This definition is typical of the nature of the style, which is full of jargon and usage of language which many would need a dictionary (or Google) to understand. A knowledge of Latin or Greek may be helpful. 

The book is in 3 main parts – the vision, the tradition and the practice. And provides insights to how virtue has been impacted by ancient culture, the Old and New Testaments and the Greek philosophers. This assists the reader to evaluate and strengthen virtue in their own characters. It is a book which requires a great deal of concentration to follow the threads of the author’s thoughts and the use of the ‘chatty letters’, which introduces each chapter. This should not deter anyone from the challenges the book poses as well as the language used. 

The companion training workbook is a 24-week guide, which enables the participant to take time to absorb the points made, and to give time to grow in virtue and character growth. It is aimed at those searching for answers, whether in formal training groups or as individuals. The workbook includes a facilitators guide for leaders – this is both useful and worthwhile in a range of settings.  

Reviewer: Alan Rashleigh has been a Methodist local preacher for 48 years and is a retired ATC chaplain; he is also a VAT consultant specialising in charities and a former Finance Director of LWPT and LWPHomes.