Superbia
The Perils of Pride. The Power of Humility
“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”
— Proverbs 16:18
Christians today feel under siege, and their influence is dwindling. Despite unprecedented affluence, the scourges of mental illness, drug addiction, and loneliness are at an all-time high. Political, racial, sexual, generational, and religious polarization is ripping us apart.
Why?
Sometimes, the profoundest truths are the most ancient.
In our age of constant self-expression and digital outrage, pride is no longer a sin. It’s a slogan. It’s celebrated, not repented. But pride — properly understood — is not just a personal vice. It may be the missing key to understanding much of what’s wrong in our culture, our relationships, and our churches.
This isn’t just a theological argument. It’s a psychological, cultural, and spiritual reality.
What is Superbia?
Superbia is the Latin word for pride — not the healthy kind that takes joy in a job well done, but the self-exalting forcethat drives division, self-deception, and spiritual stagnation. It’s the original sin — and it’s still doing damage.
In this provocative new work, apologist, neuroscientist, and author Dr. Steven Willing explores the age-old and forgotten sin of Pride, demonstrating a startling harmony between Biblical precepts and cutting-edge research in how our minds work.
In that wisdom we find answers to some of our most pressing questions:
What is the key to unlocking the mystery of human behavior?
What is the root of most conflict and failure?
How can smart people believe crazy things with complete certainty?
Why is the Church so divided?
Why are we doing so well at making converts, but so poorly at making disciples?
What is the single greatest impediment to personal success and happiness?
Why do the “experts” disagree over everything? Can we trust them? Should we?
About the Book
In Superbia: The Perils of Pride. The Power of Humility, I trace the modern expressions of pride through neuroscience, psychology, theology, and culture — and show how humility is not merely modesty, but a spiritual power.
The remedy lies in the Virtue of Humility, the only means by which we become vessels of God’s mighty power.
This is:
An apologetic work, revealing how modern research affirms ancient biblical wisdom.
A devotional book, written to draw you closer to God and inner peace.
A leadership manual, focused on the most ignored obstacle to effectiveness.
What Others Are Saying
“Superbia explores the vices and virtues of the human mind that affect the way people think and believe… An excellent work of intellectual virtue, critical thinking, and Christian devotion. Highly recommended.”
— Kenneth Samples, Senior Scholar, Reasons to Believe
“I have never read (indeed, it may not exist) a more thorough, well-written, and accessible exploration of pride and humility… If you think ‘I don’t need to read a book on pride,’ trust me, you do.”
— Ethan Moore, Pastor, Trinity Church Vail
“EVERY pastor and EVERY leader in the church should read this book. I’ve never read anything like it.”
— John Haines, Worship Pastor, Briarwood Presbyterian Church
“A critical deep dive into the problem we all have in handling our pride… Dr. Willing has spent nearly twenty years developing this treatise on the ego’s immune system. I highly recommend this book!”
— Dr. Mike Chupp, CEO, Christian Medical & Dental Associations
What You’ll Learn
Why intellectual pride is so dangerous — and so common
How identity-based pride feeds anxiety and tribalism
Why spiritual pride is often the hardest to spot
How Pride impels us to control - while resenting the control of others.
Why humility is not wimpiness — but a vessel for God’s amazing power.
Free Group Guide Available
I’ve also created a 6-week small group guide to help churches, book clubs, and discussion groups apply these themes.
It includes:
Weekly Scripture passages
Quotes and key insights
Discussion questions
Reflection prompts
Subscribe here and you’ll get a link to the free guide delivered to your inbox as soon as it’s available.
Pride is natural.
Humility is supernatural.
But pride conceals itself in the shadows — and only the light of Scripture can expose it.
— Steven J. Willing, MD