The BEMA Podcast 475: Vice & Virtue — Vainglory
Oct 9, 2025
Dive into the intriguing world of vainglory as the hosts explore its connection to fame and applause. They dissect pride through the lens of literature and cinema, showcasing how films like Whiplash and There Will Be Blood illustrate its complexities. John Chrysostom’s insights on pride’s impact on believers highlight the vice's subtle grip. Social media's role in fostering vainglory comes under scrutiny, revealing how recognition can distort self-worth. A monastic tale about burning baskets underscores the value of genuine, unrecognized effort.
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Vainglory Defined
- Vainglory is the inordinate desire to impress an image of yourself on others and hunger for acclaim even when hollow.
- It focuses on being seen and praised rather than on excellence or true preeminence.
Pride, Ambition, Image Compared
- Pride seeks preeminence, ambition seeks excellence, while vainglory seeks mere image and recognition.
- Distinguishing these helps identify which motive drives our actions and where they go wrong.
Monk Who Burned His Baskets
- A monk wove baskets all year and burned them at year's end to avoid seeking recognition.
- This practice emphasized doing the work for its own sake rather than for applause.
