1. The Life of Virtue
Chapter 15

2. Virtue Virtue is the disposition of the soul to do good
It is formed by habit

3. Characteristics of Virtue
Ease
Love
Strength

4. 2 types of Virtue Natural: through repeated actions
Also called moral virtues
Supernatural: through God
Also called theological virtues

5. Opportunities for Virtue

6. Cardinal Virtues
Cardinal means “Hinge”: all other moral virtues hinge on these
Purpose: to enable us to act rightly in our conduct with others
Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, Temperance

7. Prudence The chief moral virtue Also called the “practice of wisdom”
Prudence enables us to determine what action is required in a given situation and moves us to do that action

8. Justice
Justice prompts us to give to others what is due to them

9. Fortitude
Fortitude enables us to confront difficulties and dangers with courage and hope

10. Temperance Helps us to control our passions and desires
Allows us to act moderately and reasonably

11. Theological virtues Supernatural virtues of Christians
Infused by God at Baptism
We exercise these virtues with the help of God’s grace
Come from God; direct us to God
Faith, hope, & charity

12. Faith
The virtue by which we believe all that God has revealed to us through Christ and his Church

13. Hope
The virtue by which we trust in God’s promises of eternal salvation

14. Charity
The virtue by which we love God above all things, and our neighbor for love of God
Luke 10:25-28

15. Moral Virtues These stem from the cardinal virtues
Many of these help us counteract the capital sins

16. Humility-pride
Liberality-covetousness
Chastity-lust
Meekness- anger
Moderation-gluttony
Brotherly love- envy
Diligence-sloth

17. Humility Having a just opinion of one’s self
Enables us to give credit to God for his gifts and our successes
(vs pride)

18. Liberality Enables a person to give freely of his riches
(vs covetousness)

19. Chastity
The genuine and true expression of love
(vs lust)

20. Meekness
Enables us to be patient under insult and injury
(vs anger)

21. Moderation Using goods sensibly: proper amounts at proper times
(vs gluttony)

22. Brotherly Love Desiring the best for our neighbor
Allows us to show our true love for our neighbor
(vs envy)

23. Diligence
Enables us to work efficiently and fulfill our religious duties with joy and devotion
(vs sloth)

24. Saint