Michael Brooks
In Catholicism, there are three distinct categories of virtues: Cardinal Virtues, Theological Virtues, and Capital Virtues. The Theological Virtues of faith, hope, and charity are considered the most important characteristics in a Christian's life as they relate to one's relationship with God. St. Paul, in particular, considers charity, or the love for God and our neighbours, as the greatest of these theological virtues.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cardinal Virtues | Prudence, Justice, Temperance, Fortitude |
| Theological Virtues | Faith, Hope, Charity |
| Capital Virtues | Chastity, Temperance, Charity, Diligence, Kindness, Patience, Humility |
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What You'll Learn
The seven heavenly virtues
In Christian history, the seven heavenly virtues are a combination of four cardinal virtues and three theological virtues. The four cardinal virtues are prudence, justice, temperance, and fortitude. The three theological virtues are faith, hope, and charity.
The term "cardinal virtues" was first used by the 4th-century theologian Ambrose, who defined these 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.
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Cardinal virtues
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 other virtues. The term "cardinal virtues" comes from the Latin "cardo," which means "hinge." These virtues can be acquired through practice and by observing others who are older and wiser.
The four Cardinal Virtues are:
- Prudence: The ability to distinguish what is good and bad in a given situation and to take appropriate action. St. Thomas Aquinas considered prudence the primary cardinal virtue as it pertains to the intellect.
- Justice: Assisting individuals in dealing equitably with others.
- Temperance: One of the earliest definitions of cardinal virtues by the 4th-century theologian Ambrose.
- Fortitude: This virtue is about having the moral strength to do what is right in the face of challenges or dangers.
The fruits of practicing the Cardinal Virtues include self-mastery and the joy that comes from living a moral life. They create an openness to receiving God's love and serve as the foundation for the Theological Virtues.
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Theological virtues
The seven heavenly virtues of Christianity are a combination of four cardinal virtues and three theological virtues. The three theological virtues are faith, hope, and charity (or love).
Faith is the virtue that enables Christians to believe in God and believe what He has revealed to be true because He is the Truth. This compels Christians to turn their lives to Him and act accordingly.
Hope is the virtue by which Christians desire and seek their ultimate happiness in the kingdom of heaven. It enables Christians to trust in Christ's promises and rely on the grace of the Holy Spirit.
Charity, or love, is the virtue that allows Christians to fulfill the two greatest commandments revealed by Jesus: to love God and to love their neighbors as themselves. Charity is considered a choice, and choosing love when it is difficult or undeserved is part of the practice of this virtue.
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Capital virtues
The seven capital virtues, also known as the seven lively virtues, contrary virtues 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.
These four virtues are called cardinal because they are primary virtues, with all other virtues grouped around them. They may be attained through human effort, with the help of God. They are:
Prudence
Prudence is the virtue of discerning the true good in all things and ascertaining the right way to accomplish that good. It is the grace to form correct judgments. An example of prudence is knowing how and when to speak up about an issue, and when to keep silent.
Justice
Justice is the virtue that assists us in dealing equitably with others.
Temperance
Temperance is also known as "moderation".
Fortitude
Fortitude is also referred to as "courage".
The seven capital virtues combine the four cardinal virtues with the three theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity. These theological virtues are considered the most important characteristics in a Christian's life. They are called theological virtues because they pertain to one's relationship with God.
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Faith, hope and charity
Faith, hope, and charity are the three theological virtues in Catholicism. They are considered the most important characteristics in a Christian's life and are thus called theological virtues.
Faith
Faith is the virtue by which humans believe in God and believe all that he has revealed to us. By faith, humans freely commit themselves entirely to God and seek to know and do God's will. Faith is considered a gift from God that remains with the person who has not sinned against it. However, faith without works is dead, and when deprived of hope and love, it does not fully unite the believer with Christ.
Hope
Hope is the theological virtue by which Christians desire the kingdom of heaven and eternal life. They place their trust in Christ's promises and rely on the help of the Holy Spirit, rather than their strength. Hope responds to the aspiration for happiness that God has placed in the human heart and purifies their hopes, ordering them towards the Kingdom of Heaven. It sustains people during difficult times and preserves them from selfishness, leading them to the happiness that comes from charity.
Charity
Charity is the theological virtue that moves people to love God fervently and above all else. It also intensifies their love for their neighbours. Charity is benevolent, disinterested, and generous, bringing forth friendship and communion. It is considered superior to all other virtues and is the source and goal of their Christian practice. Charity is described as patient, kind, and enduring. It is not jealous, boastful, arrogant, or rude. According to St. Paul, without charity, he is nothing, and he gains nothing.
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Frequently asked questions
The Catholic Church categorizes virtues into Cardinal Virtues, Theological Virtues, and Capital Virtues.
Cardinal Virtues are the foundation for all other virtues. They include prudence, justice, temperance, and fortitude.
The greatest virtue is considered to be charity or love. St. Paul tells us that love is the greatest of the three theological virtues.
