VIRTUE ACCORDING TO CATHOLIC CHURCH

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Image of Virtues
Image of Virtues 

By Edward Matulanya 

Explore the four cardinal virtue; prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance and their role in shaping Catholic moral character.

1. Introduction of Virtues in the Catholic Church

Virtue are habitual and firm dispositions to do good that perfect human faculties and orient actions toward moral goodness, enabling freedom ordered toward truth and love (Catholic Church, 1997, CCC §1803). For example; a person who consistently chooses honesty, even at personal cost, has formed a virtuous character. The lesson is; Virtue is not merely about isolated good acts but about becoming a good person through stable moral habits (Catholic Church, 1997).

2. The Definition of Virtue in Catholic Theology

In Catholic theology, virtue is a stable quality of the soul that aligns human reason and will with God’s moral law and disposes a person to act according to the good (Catholic Church, 1997, CCC §§1803–1804; Aquinas, 1981). For example; a person trained in patience responds calmly rather than angrily to provocation. The lesson is; Virtue grows through repeated good actions, grace, and cooperation with God (Catholic Church, 1997).

3. The Three Theological Virtues Faith, Hope, and Charity

Theological virtues are infused by God and direct the soul toward Him. They form the foundation of Christian moral life and enable participation in divine life (Catholic Church, 1997, CCC §§1812–1813). For example; a believer who trusts God in suffering, believes His revelation, and loves others selflessly lives these virtues. The lesson is; these virtues unite the soul directly to God and are essential for salvation (Catholic Church, 1997).

3.1. Faith; Believing in God and His Revelation

Faith is the theological virtue by which we believe in God and all that He has revealed, because He is Truth itself (Catholic Church, 1997, CCC §1814; Hebrews 11:1, NRSV-CE). For example; belief in Christ’s Real Presence in the Eucharist. The lesson is; faith must be nourished through prayer, Scripture, and the Sacraments (Catholic Church, 1997, CCC §1816).

3.2. Hope; Trusting in God’s Promises

Hope is the theological virtue by which we desire heaven and eternal life, placing our trust in Christ’s promises and relying on the help of the Holy Spirit (Catholic Church, 1997, CCC §1817). For example; a person trusting God’s mercy despite personal failure. The lesson is; Hope guards against despair and presumption (Catholic Church, 1997, CCC §§2091–2092).

3.3. Charity; The Greatest Christian Virtue

Charity is the theological virtue by which we love God above all things and our neighbor as ourselves for the love of God (Catholic Church, 1997, CCC §1822; 1 Corinthians 13:13, NRSV-CE). For example; forgiving an enemy out of love for Christ. The lesson is; without charity, no virtue is spiritually complete (Catholic Church, 1997, CCC §1826).

4. The Four Cardinal Virtues According to the Catholic Church

The cardinal virtues are Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance, which are the foundation of moral life. They are called “cardinal” because all moral virtues hinge upon them (Catholic Church, 1997, CCC §1805). The lesson is; they structure moral life and prepare the soul to live the theological virtues.

4.1. Prudence; Right Reason in Action

Prudence disposes practical reason to discern the true good in every circumstance and to choose the right means of achieving it (Catholic Church, 1997, CCC §1806). For example; seeking wise counsel before major decisions. The lesson is; Prudence guides all other virtues and forms conscience (Catholic Church, 1997).

4.2. Justice; Giving Each Their Due

Justice is the moral virtue that consists in the constant and firm will to give God and neighbor what is owed to them (Catholic Church, 1997, CCC §1807). For example; paying fair wages and honoring God through worship. The lesson is; faith must be lived socially through justice and integrity (Catholic Church, 1997).

4.3. Fortitude; Courage in Pursuit of the Good

Fortitude ensures firmness in difficulties and constancy in the pursuit of the good (Catholic Church, 1997, CCC §1808). For example; defending Christian truth despite opposition. The lesson is; with God’s grace, believers can persevere through trials (Catholic Church, 1997).

4.4. Temperance; Self-Mastery and Balance

Temperance moderates attraction to pleasures and ensures balance in the use of created goods (Catholic Church, 1997, CCC §1809). For example; moderation in food, drink, and technology. The lesson is; self-control leads to true freedom and joy (Catholic Church, 1997).

5. Difference Between Theological and Cardinal Virtues

Theological virtues relate directly to God and are infused by Him, while cardinal virtues regulate human moral life and are acquired through practice and grace (Catholic Church, 1997, CCC §§1812, 1804). The lesson is together they form a complete Christian moral framework.

6. How Virtues Shape the Catholic Moral Life

Virtues form conscience, guide moral freedom, and dispose the person to choose the good consistently, leading toward holiness and union with God (Catholic Church, 1997, CCC §§1803–1805). The lesson is; holiness grows through consistent moral choices strengthened by grace (Catholic Church, 1997).

7. Virtues and Sin; Moral Growth

Sin weakens or destroys virtue, while repentance, grace, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation restore and strengthen the moral life (Catholic Church, 1997, CCC §§1849–1851, 1422–1424). The lesson is; God’s mercy always invites conversion and renewal (Catholic Church, 1997).

8. Practicing Virtues in Daily Catholic Life

Virtues grow through prayer, moral effort, participation in the Sacraments, and imitation of Christ (Catholic Church, 1997, CCC §§1810–1811; Matthew 16:24, NRSV-CE). The lesson is; grace and cooperation with God are essential for growth in virtue (Catholic Church, 1997).

8. Virtues in the Catechism of the Catholic Church

The Catechism of the Catholic Church provides authoritative and systematic teaching on the virtues as central to Christian moral life (Catholic Church, 1997, CCC §§1803–1845). The lesson is; the Church offers clear moral guidance rooted in Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition (Catholic Church, 1997).

9. Why Virtues Matter for Salvation

Virtues conform the believer to Christ and prepare the soul for eternal life by shaping actions according to love and truth (Catholic Church, 1997, CCC §§1812, 2013–2015; Matthew 5:48, NRSV-CE). The lesson is; virtue is the ordinary path of sanctification and growth in holiness (Catholic Church, 1997).

10. Teaching Virtues to Children

Virtues are taught through example, moral instruction, prayer, and loving discipline within the family and the Church (Catholic Church, 1997, CCC §§2221–2223; Deuteronomy 6:6–7, NRSV-CE). The lesson is; children learn holiness most effectively through lived faith and consistent witness (Catholic Church, 1997).

11. Summary of Virtues

The virtues are both theological and cardinal as they form a unified moral vision in Catholic teaching. Perfected by grace and practiced through daily life, they shape the believer into the likeness of Christ and lead the soul toward holiness and eternal communion with God.

References

Catholic Church. (1997). Catechism of the Catholic Church (2nd ed.). Libreria Editrice Vaticana.

Holy Bible, New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition. (1989). National Council of the Churches of Christ.

Aquinas, T. (1981). Summa Theologica (Fathers of the English Dominican Province, Trans.). Christian Classics. (Original work published 13th century)

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (n.d.). Moral virtues. USCCB.

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