Theological Virtues: Faith, Hope, Charity

Theological Virtues

Theological virtues, also known as infused virtues, constitute the core of Christian moral life. They are considered virtues because they make individuals more like God. These three virtues — faith, hope, and charity — play essential roles in our spiritual lives as followers of Jesus Christ.

Faith

Faith is the first theological virtue, which allows us to know, love, and serve God above all things. It enables us to believe in divine revelations with our whole heart. Faith helps us receive the grace that we need from God, rather than trying to rely only on ourselves. As St. Thomas Aquinas explains, faith permits us to see beyond the transitory world into the reality of eternal life.

Types of Faith

There are two main types of faith: germinal and acquisitive:

1. Germinal faith refers to the initial inclination towards believing in God. This type of faith can be found naturalistically within human beings since God's existence has been imprinted upon us through His creative power.

2. Acquired faith occurs when one actively seeks deeper knowledge of God and fosters the virtues needed to live out this commitment. In this sense, acquired faith becomes not just intellectual assent, but transforms into active trust in God and living according to His will.

Hope

Hope is the second theological virtue. According to Catholic doctrine, it is defined as "ardor and diligence in the pursuit and attainment of something, which is a good to us". Its root meaning comes from the Latin word 'spes', which means 'to wait'. Therefore, hope is closely associated with waiting patiently for what God promises to give us.

As Catechism of the Catholic Church explains, hope is the "theological virtue by which we desire and hope for eternal life with everlasting beatiutude". It serves as a bridge between our present situation and the ultimate end of our earthly journey, where we shall encounter God face-to-face.

Charity

Charity, often referred to as love, is the third theological virtue. According to St. Thomas Aquinas, charity is the theological virtue by which we love God above all things for His own sake and our neighbor for the sake of God. In this sense, charity is the highest form of love that transcends our earthly experiences and becomes centered on God Himself.

Types of Charity

There are two main types of charity: supernatural and natural:

1. Supernatural charity is the love we have for God and our neighbor out of the abundance of grace that has been bestowed upon us. This supernatural form of love is rooted in our encounter with God and strengthened through participation in the sacraments.

2. Natural charity refers to the love we have for our fellow human beings due to our inherent dignity as children of God. This kind of love seeks the wellbeing of others and recognizes them as part of our shared humanity.

In conclusion, theological virtues — faith, hope, charity — serve as the foundation of Christian moral life, guiding us towards God and fostering spiritual growth. By cultivating these virtues, we allow ourselves to become more receptive to divine grace and enhance our capacity for loving both God and our neighbors.