Joshua Bennett
The seven capital virtues, also known as the seven lively virtues, contrary or remedial virtues, are those thought to stand in opposition to the seven deadly sins. They are often enumerated as chastity, temperance, charity, diligence, kindness, patience, and humility. The term cardinal virtues was first used by the 4th-century theologian Ambrose, who defined the four virtues as temperance, justice, prudence, and fortitude. These were also named as cardinal virtues by Augustine of Hippo and were subsequently adopted by the Catholic Church. They are described as human virtues in the Catholic Catechism.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cardinal Virtues | Prudence, Justice, Temperance, Fortitude |
| Theological Virtues | Faith, Hope, Charity |
| Other Virtues | Chastity, Humility, Patience, Diligence, Kindness, Generosity, Piety, Veracity, Obedience |
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What You'll Learn
Cardinal Virtues
The term "cardinal virtues" comes from the Latin cardo, meaning "hinge". They are called "cardinal" because they are fundamental virtues, forming the foundation on which all other virtues stand.
The four cardinal virtues are prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. They are considered human virtues in the Catholic Catechism, as they can be achieved through human will and effort. They are also referred to as moral virtues because they help us live within the moral parameters set forth by the gospel.
Prudence is the ability to form correct judgments and discern the appropriate course of action in a given situation. It is not to be confused with timidity or fear, nor with duplicity. Justice is the virtue of giving God and one's fellow neighbour what is rightly their due. It involves treating everyone with dignity and respect, regardless of personal feelings. Fortitude is the virtue that ensures firmness in difficulties and constancy in pursuing the good. It enables one to conquer fear and face trials and persecutions, even sacrificing one's life for a just cause. Temperance, also known as restraint, is the practice of self-control, moderation, and discretion. It involves subduing sensual appetites and making proper use of God's creatures.
These four cardinal virtues are not to be confused with the seven capital virtues or lively virtues, which stand in opposition to the seven deadly sins. The seven capital virtues are chastity, temperance, charity, diligence, kindness, patience, and humility.
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Chastity
In the Catholic tradition, chastity is viewed as a supernatural virtue, rooted in faith. It is understood as excluding all voluntary carnal pleasures or allowing gratification only within the boundaries of marriage. This means that for unmarried individuals, chastity is equivalent to sexual abstinence.
The virtue of chastity is not merely about following rules but is about achieving self-mastery and harmony between one's reason, will, and desire. It is a form of self-control, ensuring that sexual impulses are directed towards marital relations, which is considered a holy and legitimate delight.
Formation in chastity begins in childhood and continues through adolescence and young adulthood. It involves cultivating modesty, self-denial, and physical restraint. Deliberate violations of chastity are considered grave offenses, and confession and penance are important steps in restoring and cultivating this virtue.
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Temperance
The virtue of temperance is about using all things in moderation and directing the pleasures of life towards our salvation and the salvation of others. This may mean foregoing even permissible pleasures for the sake of the greater good and the union with God. Temperance is about resisting the worldly mentality of immediate and constant self-gratification.
Practising temperance can involve making sacrifices and offering penances, which strengthen our character and give us the spiritual courage to endure suffering. It is about subduing our sensual appetites and making proper use of God's creatures. This virtue is not about joyless consumption but about virtuously enjoying the good things in life.
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Justice
The virtue of justice is the constant and firm will to give their due to God and one's neighbour. Justice towards God is called the "virtue of religion". It involves giving thanks, praise, love, service, and gratitude to God. In the Scriptures, the prophet Amos talks about "tampering the scales", which is an image for the rupture of justice where one group has too much, and another group does not have enough.
While fortitude and temperance focus on self-control, justice is critical as it governs how we relate to both God and our neighbour.
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Faith
The Catholic Church teaches that faith is written on one's heart, and all actions are a result of one's faith. One way to know if one has true faith is if one is afraid of offending God and anxious to please Him.
The seven capital virtues, also known as lively virtues, contrary virtues, or remedial virtues, are those that stand in opposition to the seven deadly sins. They are chastity, temperance, charity, diligence, kindness, patience, and humility.
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Frequently asked questions
The 7 Catholic virtues, also known as the Cardinal Virtues, are prudence, justice, temperance, fortitude, faith, hope, and charity.
The Cardinal Virtues are the four moral virtues that form the foundation for the other virtues. They are prudence, justice, temperance, and fortitude.
The Theological Virtues are faith, hope, and charity. These virtues are believed to be inaccessible to humans without divine grace.
The Cardinal Virtues are considered "human virtues" that can be formed through habitual practice and observation of wise individuals. On the other hand, the Theological Virtues are believed to be inaccessible to humans in their natural state without the assistance of God.
The 7 Catholic virtues, also known as the Capital Virtues or Lively Virtues, stand in opposition to the 7 deadly sins. For example, temperance is the virtue that counterbalances the sin of gluttony.
