What kind of virtues are faith hope and charity

If it be understood of love, commonly so called, then each virtue is stated to be the order of love, in so far as each cardinal virtue requires ordinate emotions; and love is the root and cause of every emotion, as stated above I-II ; I-II ad 2 ; I-II ad 1.

If, however, it be understood of the love of charity , it does not mean that every other virtue is charity essentially : but that all other virtues depend on charity in some way, as we shall show further on Question 65, Articles 2 and 5 ; II-II Article 3.

Whether faith, hope, and charity are fittingly reckoned as theological virtues? It would seem that faith , hope, and charity are not fittingly reckoned as three theological virtues. For the theological virtues are in relation to Divine happiness , what the natural inclination is in relation to the connatural end. Now among the virtues directed to the connatural end there is but one natural virtue , viz.

Therefore there should be but one theological virtue. Further, the theological virtues are more perfect than the intellectual and moral virtues. Now faith is not reckoned among the intellectual virtues , but is something less than a virtue , since it is imperfect knowledge. Likewise hope is not reckoned among the moral virtues , but is something less than a virtue , since it is a passion. Much less therefore should they be reckoned as theological virtues.

Further, the theological virtues direct man's soul to God. Now man's soul cannot be directed to God , save through the intellective part, wherein are the intellect and will. Therefore there should be only two theological virtues , one perfecting the intellect , the other, the will. On the contrary, The Apostle says 1 Corinthians : "Now there remain faith , hope, charity , these three.

Now the latter happens in respect of two things. First, in respect of the reason or intellect , in so far as it contains the first universal principles which are known to us by the natural light of the intellect , and which are reason's starting-point, both in speculative and in practical matters. Secondly, through the rectitude of the will which tends naturally to good as defined by reason. But these two fall short of the order of supernatural happiness , according to 1 Corinthians : "The eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man , what things God hath prepared for them that love Him.

First, as regards the intellect , man receives certain supernatural principles, which are held by means of a Divine light: these are the articles of faith , about which is faith. Secondly, the will is directed to this end, both as to that end as something attainable—and this pertains to hope—and as to a certain spiritual union, whereby the will is, so to speak, transformed into that end—and this belongs to charity.

For the appetite of a thing is moved and tends towards its connatural end naturally ; and this movement is due to a certain conformity of the thing with its end. The intellect requires intelligible species whereby to understand: consequently there is need of a natural habit in addition to the power.

But the very nature of the will suffices for it to be directed naturally to the end, both as to the intention of the end and as to its conformity with the end. But the nature of the power is insufficient in either of these respects, for the will to be directed to things that are above its nature. Consequently there was need for an additional supernatural habit in both respects.

Faith and hope imply a certain imperfection: since faith is of things unseen, and hope, of things not possessed. Hence faith and hope, in things that are subject to human power, fall short of the notion of virtue.

But faith and hope in things which are above the capacity of human nature surpass all virtue that is in proportion to man , according to 1 Corinthians : "The weakness of God is stronger than men. Two things pertain to the appetite , viz.

Hence there must needs be two theological virtues in the human appetite , namely, hope and charity. Article 4. Whether faith precedes hope, and hope charity? It would seem that the order of the theological virtues is not that faith precedes hope, and hope charity. For the root precedes that which grows from it. Now charity is the root of all the virtues , according to Ephesians : "Being rooted and founded in charity.

Further, Augustine says De Doctr. But if he believes and loves, by doing good works he ends in hoping. Further, love is the principle of all our emotions, as stated above Article 2, Reply to Objection 3. Create a personalised content profile. Measure ad performance. Select basic ads. Create a personalised ads profile. Select personalised ads.

Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. Share Flipboard Email. Scott P. Catholicism Expert. Richert is senior content network manager of Our Sunday Visitor. Updated January 20, Cite this Article Format.

Richert, Scott P. Therefore, faith also obligates us to be obedient to Him by way of following what the Church prescribes for us. Faith requires both solitude and community. We must be able to find God in the solitude of our hearts and participate in intimate relationship and love with Him there. As individuals we can seek God out in the truth of His revelation by reading, studying, and asking questions.

We can seek Him out in the beauty of nature, art, and music. We can find Him in the goodness of the world through the observation or participation in the good works we see being done all around us. However, faith cannot exist alone and survive without a communal component as well. As members of the Body of Christ, we must cooperate in expressing our faith. Faith requires communal worship in liturgy and an acknowledgement of the Communion of Saints as unseen members of our Body.

Community creates an atmosphere for discipline and obedience as we hold ourselves accountable to one another and the Church which He created. The intimacy between God and humanity is expressed through faith and authentic faith requires action.

In loving our neighbor, we serve as a witness to our faith and demonstrate our love for God. Hope is the virtue by which we desire and seek our ultimate good and happiness which is eternal life in the kingdom of heaven.