Because these virtues exist in us solely through the goodness of God’s grace, the only way for them to increase is by grace. Our understanding and practice of them depend upon God’s grace. God is the beginning, end, and motivation of these virtues. These virtues are “theological” because they are gifts that are given to us by God at Baptism, and their purpose is to lead us back to God. In addition to the four cardinal virtues, there are three theological virtues: faith, hope, and love (charity). The reason is because both come from God, who cannot contradict Himself. not only does not in the least destroy the natural order, to which pertain the other rights mentioned, but elevates the natural and perfects it, each affording mutual aid to the other, and completing it in a manner proportioned to its respective nature and dignity.

The natural virtues (prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance) practiced in the power of God’s grace help us meet not only our natural good but our supernatural end-eternal bliss in heaven with God. Therefore, God in His goodness has elevated the natural virtues by His grace (CCC 1810). However, as Christians, the goal that we are striving for is not merely a good life here on earth, but rather eternal life in heaven. The moral virtues are gained through human efforts, and the natural purpose of the practice of these virtues is a good life. They are prudence (wisdom), justice, fortitude (courage), and temperance (self-control). Accordingly, the Church has developed a theology of the virtues, building on what the ancients discovered through natural law and what God revealed through divine inspiration.Ĭatholic tradition recognizes four cardinal virtues that are also known as human, natural, or moral virtues. They are the building blocks for Christian moral living. The virtues help us habitually do what is good.

The Catechism has defined virtue as “habitual and firm disposition to do good” (1833). However, the virtues are the basic stuff of the Christian moral life. Most of us mistakenly think that the virtues are academic categories reserved for philosophers and theologians. I am willing to bet this was a difficult task for most-I can’t remember the last time I heard a meaningful definition of a virtue given in everyday circumstances. What is virtue? Go ahead and try to come up with a definition-and don’t cheat by looking at the rest of this article! Stacy Mitch is the author of the highly popular Courageous Women Bible study series.

Virtue & vanity by astrid jane ray