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The seven Christian virtues are the practical attitudes and habits adopted in obedience to the principles of morality. The natural virtues are sometimes known as the four cardinal virtues (from Latin cardo, “hinge”) because on them all lesser attitudes hinge.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Apr 4, 2024 · The most significant virtue that defines a Christian life is integrity. Integrity means being honest and maintaining strong moral principles in all aspects of life. It means aligning our actions with our beliefs, even when no one is watching.
- Graeme Richards
These core Christian values act as a guide for believers to live a purposeful life that reflects their faith. They provide a framework for making decisions, resolving conflicts, and building relationships based on love, compassion, forgiveness, humility, and integrity.
In Christian tradition, the seven heavenly virtues combine the four cardinal virtues of prudence, justice, temperance, and fortitude with the three theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity. The seven capital virtues, also known as seven lively virtues, contrary or remedial virtues, are those opposite the seven deadly sins.
- The Seven Heavenly Virtues
- History of The Seven Heavenly Virtues
- Heavenly Virtues in The Bible
- Heavenly Virtues from Christian Tradition
- Seven Heavenly Virtues in Other Religions
- Should We Follow The Seven Heavenly Virtues?
Chastity
The word chastity means “the quality of being morally pure.” Note that chastity can relate to either sexual interactions or conduct, behavior, and intention generally. Synonyms of being chaste include purity, modesty, and virtue. Usually, we think of chastity as abstaining from immoral sexual activities. Chastity also has a less-known meaning related to personal integrity.
Temperance
Temperance, or self-control, presents as an inward spiritual virtue exhibited outwardly through restraining or controlling one’s total being (thoughts, speech, actions). Self-control is not just about being submissive but being in control of your emotions, words, and actions. As a characteristic of the fruit of the Spirit, it is allowing the Holy Spirit to guide you so that you do not sin.
Charity
The virtue of charity is often synonymous with love, particularly the selfless, unconditional love that God shows to humanity. One of the most famous passages about charity is found in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7(NIV): "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trus...
Fifth-century writer Prudentius listed the original seven heavenly virtues in his poem Psychomachia. The virtues responded to the popular and somewhat better-known seven deadly sins. The seven deadly sins were initially listed as lust, idolatry, greed, discord, indulgence, wrath, and pride. People believe that these particular sins led to spiritual...
Each of the seven heavenly virtues can be found in the New Testament. Chastity, keeping oneself sexually pure, is explained in 1 Corinthians 6, dealing with sexual misconduct in the church. Paul explains that since the Holy Spirit resides in the Corinthian believers individually and corporately, they shouldn’t sully the privilege of being the house...
The argument could be made that the latter list of heavenly virtues is more legalistic than the original. Unity and faith are incredibly important concepts in the New Testament. By the time of Pope Gregory, the Roman Catholic structure and organization controlled culture, society, and even government. We can’t know the minds of the popes and religi...
Moral standards aren’t new. One of the first written documents was the Babylonian legal code written by King Hammurabi almost 2,000 years before Jesus. Hammurabi claimed he got the laws from Shamash, the Babylonian god of Justice. Even the Bible has an ancient code of morality. The Ten Commandments were written by God himself, with his finger on st...
The seven heavenly virtues, and all of the morals expressed in the Scripture, are good and true. Still, they are not the core problem. The seven deadly sins are only symptoms of a deeper disease. Increased morality is superficial and can’t dig deep enough to fix the disease. Our righteousness is but filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6), and even knowing what ...
May 6, 2024 · The theological and historical basis of the Seven Christian Virtues is integral to understanding their importance in the Christian faith. By cultivating these virtues, one can live a life of righteousness, draw closer to God, and attain eternal salvation.
Aug 28, 2024 · The four cardinal virtues are the principal moral virtues. All other virtues hinge on these four: prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance.
