Michael Brooks
In the Catholic Church, there are three distinct categories of virtues: Cardinal Virtues, Theological Virtues, and Capital Virtues. The Cardinal Virtues are four moral virtues that form the foundation for the others: prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. These virtues can be acquired through practice and observation of elders. The Theological Virtues are faith, hope, and charity, and they form the basis of Christian moral activity, relating directly to God and enabling Christians to live in a relationship with the Holy Trinity.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cardinal Virtues | Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, Temperance |
| Theological Virtues | Faith, Hope, Charity |
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What You'll Learn
Cardinal Virtues: prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance
In the Catholic Church, the four cardinal virtues—prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance—are the foundation for all other virtues. Cardinal, derived from the Latin "cardo," means "hinge." These cardinal virtues can be acquired through practice and by observing older and wiser individuals.
Prudence
Prudence is the first of the cardinal virtues. It is the ability to look at a concrete situation and know what ought to be done. Prudence gives us the knowledge of what must be done, when, and how. It is the ability to make right judgments and then act on them. According to St. Thomas Aquinas, prudence is the primary cardinal virtue because it is concerned with the intellect.
Justice
Ranked as the second Cardinal Virtue by St. Thomas Aquinas, justice deals with the will. It is the virtue that demands that we give everyone exactly what is due to them. Justice is closely related to the practice of charity as it regulates relationships with others. It is pivotal as it regulates all relationships and is sometimes deemed the most important of the cardinal virtues.
Fortitude
Fortitude, or courage, is the virtue that allows us to overcome our fears and continue with our Christian tasks. It is the ability to choose what is right, even when faced with danger and potential suffering. It strengthens our resolve to resist temptations and overcome obstacles in the moral life.
Temperance
Temperance is the virtue of self-control, moderating our inordinate desires and keeping them within the limits assigned by reason and faith. It is about exercising self-mastery over our physical senses to prevent unhealthy excess in the pursuit of physical pleasure.
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Faith: belief in God and the Church
Faith is one of the three theological virtues in Catholicism, along with hope and charity. It is the belief in God and the Church, and the conviction that God has revealed the truth to us through the Church. This virtue is intellectual in nature, and it is through faith that we commit ourselves to God and seek to know and do His will.
The theological virtues are the foundation of Christian moral activity, and they are infused by God into the souls of the faithful. They are what allow Christians to live in a relationship with the Holy Trinity. These virtues are what give Christians the ability to act as God's children and to merit eternal life.
Faith is described as "the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen". It is a firm belief in God and all that He has revealed to us through the Church. This means having trust in God and His infallibility, and by extension, the Church's teachings on faith and salvation.
This virtue is evident in how Catholics handle their daily lives and treat others, as well as in their devotions. It is a driving force behind their actions and a manifestation of their conviction. True faith is also characterised by a fear of offending God and a desire to please Him.
Faith is one of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit bestowed upon Christians, along with wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, and piety. These gifts guide Christians in their conduct and relationship with God.
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Hope: trust in Jesus and desire for heaven
Hope is one of the three theological virtues in Catholicism, along with faith and charity. It is the virtue that allows one to place their trust in Jesus and to desire eternal life in heaven.
Hope is an essential aspect of the Christian faith, as it provides believers with a sense of optimism and expectation for the future. It is a virtue that helps individuals maintain their faith and stay committed to their religious beliefs. By trusting in Jesus and desiring eternal bliss in heaven, followers can find solace in the idea of an afterlife, which can provide comfort and strength during difficult times.
The theological virtues are fundamental to a Christian's relationship with God and are considered to be infused by God into the souls of the faithful. They are the foundation of Christian moral activity and give life to all other moral virtues. Hope, in particular, is a powerful motivator for Christians to live righteous lives and strive for salvation. It is a driving force that encourages followers to remain steadfast in their faith and maintain their trust in Jesus, even in the face of adversity or uncertainty.
In the Christian context, hope is not merely a wishful thinking or a passive emotion. Instead, it is an active virtue that involves a deep-rooted conviction and assurance in the promises of God. This assurance is based on the belief in God's infallibility and the conviction that He cannot deceive or be deceived. By placing their hope in Jesus, Christians affirm their trust in His sacrifice, His resurrection, and the promise of eternal life that He offers.
Hope, as a theological virtue, is closely intertwined with faith. While faith involves believing in God and His revelations, hope involves trusting in the fulfillment of His promises. Together, faith and hope provide a solid foundation for a Christian's spiritual journey, guiding their actions and strengthening their relationship with God and Jesus.
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Charity: love of God and neighbour
Charity is one of the three theological virtues, which are the foundation of Christian moral activity. These virtues are infused by God into the souls of the faithful to make them capable of acting as his children and meriting eternal life. Charity is the form of all virtues, "binding everything together in perfect harmony" (Col 3:14).
Charity is the love of God above all things and our neighbour as ourselves for the love of God. It is through charity that we freely commit ourselves to God and seek to know and do His will.
The theological virtues are rooted in the human virtues, which are acquired through education, deliberate acts, and perseverance in repeated efforts. They are purified and elevated by divine grace, forging character and giving facility in the practice of good.
The four cardinal virtues, which are pivotal to the human virtues, are prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. These can be acquired through practice and by observing others who are older and wiser.
Prudence is the ability to distinguish between good and bad in any given situation and to take appropriate action. Justice is the virtue that demands that we give everyone what is rightfully due to them. Fortitude, or courage, allows us to overcome our fears and continue in our Christian tasks. Temperance is praised in Scripture under other names.
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Justice: giving everyone what is due
Justice is one of the four Cardinal Virtues in the Catholic Church, which are the foundation for all other virtues. St. Thomas Aquinas ranked Justice as the second Cardinal Virtue, as it deals with the will.
Justice is about giving everyone what is due to them. This means ensuring fairness and righteousness in our actions and decisions. For example, if a cashier gives you too much change, justice demands that you return the extra money. It also involves respecting natural rights, such as the right to life, which takes precedence over legal rights.
In the Christian sense, justice is not just about following rules or laws, but it is deeply rooted in morality and ethics. It is about acting with integrity and treating others with equity and impartiality. This virtue guides us to make decisions and take actions that uphold what is right and just, not only for ourselves but also for those around us.
Justice is often praised in Scripture, and it is a virtue that can be acquired through practice and by observing wise individuals. It is a stable disposition that guides our conduct and helps us maintain a moral balance in our lives. By practicing justice, we strive to create a world where everyone receives what they are due, fostering a society built on fairness and righteousness.
Additionally, justice is closely tied to the theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity, as it involves acting in accordance with God's will. Through justice, we reflect our belief in God's truth and strive to live in a way that pleases Him. Ultimately, justice is a critical aspect of living a morally good life and maintaining harmony within ourselves and our communities.
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