Theological virtues

VirtudesBraga

Theological virtues are a group of virtues that are central to Christian theology and philosophy, which are directly related to God and are believed to be infused in humans by God's grace. They are three in number: faith, hope, and charity (or love). These virtues are foundational for living a Christian life and are mentioned together in the New Testament, specifically in the First Epistle to the Corinthians, written by Apostle Paul.

Faith

Faith is the first of the theological virtues. It is the virtue by which one believes in God and all that God has said and revealed to humans, as well as everything the Church proposes for belief. Faith is seen as the starting point of the human's relationship with God, a firm trust and belief in God's infinite power, mercy, and love, without necessarily seeing or understanding the divine plan fully.

Hope

Hope is the second theological virtue, which is characterized by a confident expectation of the fulfillment of God's promises of eternal life and happiness. It is not merely an optimistic outlook; rather, it is a firm assurance in the attainment of good, based on the faithful and steadfast nature of God. Hope in Christian theology is closely linked with faith, as it is through faith that one can maintain hope in the face of trials and tribulations.

Charity (Love)

Charity (or love) is considered the greatest of the theological virtues. It refers to the love of God above all things for His own sake, and the love of one's neighbor as oneself for the love of God. This virtue is what enables humans to love God and their neighbors in a selfless, sacrificial manner. Charity is often seen as the virtue that perfects and completes the other virtues, including the theological virtues of faith and hope, as well as the cardinal virtues of prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance.

Interrelation and Importance

The theological virtues are interrelated, with each one informing and sustaining the others. Faith informs hope, and charity encompasses both, as one cannot truly love God and neighbor without faith and hope in God's promises. These virtues are considered essential for the Christian moral life, guiding believers in their journey towards God and enabling them to act in a manner that reflects their faith.

In Christian Theology

In Christian theology, the theological virtues are gifts from God, infused into the souls of the faithful to make them capable of acting as His children and of meriting eternal life. They are distinct from the cardinal virtues, which are acquired through human effort. The theological virtues, therefore, highlight the importance of divine grace in the Christian life and the belief that human beings need God's grace to live out the virtues fully.

Conclusion

The theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity play a central role in Christian ethics and spirituality. They are seen as the foundation of a moral life that is pleasing to God and are essential for salvation. By living out these virtues, Christians aim to deepen their relationship with God and reflect His love and goodness in the world.