In Christianity, the theological virtues are faith, hope and charity or love/ agape, a list which comes from 1 Corinthians 13:13. These are said to perfect one's love of God and Man and therefore (since God is super-rational) to harmonize and partake of prudence.
The Seven Virtues were derived from the Psychomachia('Contest of the Soul'), an epic poem written by Aurelius Clemens Prudentius (c. 410) entailing the battle of good virtues and evil vices. The intense popularity of this work in the Middle Ages helped to spread the concept of Holy Virtue throughout Europe. Practicing these virtues is alleged to protect one against temptation from the Seven Deadly Sins, with each one having its counterpart. There are two distinct variations of the virtues, recognised by different groups.
Ranked in ascending order of sanctity, the seven holy virtues are:
- Chastity (Latin, virtus) (courage, opposes lust) —
Courage and boldness. Embracing of moral wholesomeness and achieving purity of thought through education and betterment.
- Liberality (Latin, liberalis) (will, opposes greed) —
Willingness to give. A nobility of thought or actions.
- Abstinence (Latin, frenum) (self-control, opposes gluttony) —
Constant mindfulness of others and one's surroundings; practicing self-control, abstention, and moderation.
- Diligence (Latin, industria) (ethics, opposes sloth) —
A zealous and careful nature in one's actions and work. Decisive work ethic.
- Kindness (Latin, humanitas) (satisfaction, opposes envy) —
Charity, compassion, friendship, and sympathy without prejudice.
- Humility (Latin, humilitas) (modesty, opposes pride) —
modest behavior, selflessness, and the giving of respect.
The Roman Catholic church recognises the seven virtues as opposites to the seven sins. According to Dante's The Divine Comedy the sins have an order of greatness, shown below from lowest to highest.
Catholic Encyclopedia - Virtue
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