Seven heavenly virtues[edit]
A list of seven heavenly virtues, to oppose the
seven deadly sins, appeared later in an
epic poem entitled
Psychomachia, or
Battle/Contest of the Soul. Written by
Aurelius Clemens Prudentius, a Christian governor who died around 410 A.D., it entails the battle between good virtues and evil
vices. The enormous popularity of this work in the
Middle Ages helped to spread the concept of holy virtue throughout Europe. The virtues are identified as
chastity, temperance, charity,
diligence,
patience,
kindness, and
humility. Practicing them is said to protect one against
temptation from the seven deadly sins
Chastity | Castitas | Purity, knowledge, honesty, wisdom | Lust | Luxuria |
- Discretion of sexual conduct according to one's state in life; the practice of courtly love. Cleanliness through cultivated good health and hygiene, and maintained by refraining from intoxicants.
- To be honest with oneself, one's family, one's friends, to all of humanity, and to all of God's creations.
- Ignorance breeds suffering; education and self-betterment embraces moral wholesomeness and achieves purity of thought.
- The ability to refrain from being distracted and influenced by hostility, temptation or corruption.[3]
|
Temperance | Temperantia | Humanity, justice, honour, abstinence | Gluttony | Gula |
- Restraint, temperance, justice. Constant mindfulness of others and one's surroundings; practicing self-control, abstinence, moderation and deferred gratification.
- Prudence to judge between actions with regard to appropriate actions at a given time; proper moderation between self-interest, versus public-interest, and against the rights and needs of others.
|
Charity | Caritas | Will, benevolence, generosity, sacrifice | Greed | Avaritia |
- Generosity, charity, self-sacrifice; the term should not be confused with the more restricted modern use of the word charity to mean benevolent giving. In Christian theology, charity—or love (agäpé)—is the greatest of the three theological virtues.
- Love, in the sense of an unlimited loving kindness towards all others, is held to be the ultimate perfection of the human spirit, because it is said to both glorify and reflect the nature of God. Such love is self-sacrificial. Confusion can arise from the multiple meanings of the English word "love". The love that is "caritas" is distinguished by its origin—being divinely infused into the soul—and by its residing in the will rather than emotions, regardless of what emotions it stirs up. This love is necessary for salvation through Jesus Christ, and with it no one can be lost.
|
Diligence | Industria | Persistence, fortitude, effort, ethics, rectitude | Sloth | Acedia |
- A zealous and careful nature in one's actions and work; decisive work ethic, steadfastness in belief, fortitude, and the capability of not giving up.
- Budgeting one's time; monitoring one's own activities to guard against laziness.
|
Patience | Patientia | Forgiveness, mercy, sufferance | Wrath | Ira |
- Forbearance that comes from moderation; enduring the seemingly unbearable with patience and dignity.
- Building a sense of peaceful stability and harmony rather than conflict, hostility, and antagonism; resolving issues and arguments respectfully, as opposed to resorting to anger and fighting.
- Showing forgiveness and being merciful to criminals and sinners.
|
Kindness | Benevolentia | Satisfaction, loyalty, compassion, integrity | Envy | Invidia |
|
Humility | Humilitas | Bravery, modesty, reverence, altruism | Pride | Superbia |
- Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less. It is a spirit of self-examination; a hermeneutic of suspicion toward yourself and charity toward people you disagree with. Modest behavior, selflessness, and the giving of respect.
- The courage of the heart necessary to undertake tasks which are difficult, tedious or unglamorous, and to graciously accept the sacrifices involved. Reverence for those who have wisdom and those who selflessly teach in love.
- Giving credit where credit is due; not unfairly glorifying one's own self. Being faithful to promises, no matter how big or small they may be.
- Refraining from despair; the ability to confront fear and uncertainty, or intimidation.[4]
|