What are the supernatural virtues 2024?

As an expert in the field of theology and philosophy, I often delve into the intricate and profound concepts that underpin the human experience. One such concept is the notion of supernatural virtues, which are central to many religious and spiritual traditions. These virtues are considered to be infused into the human soul by a divine act of grace, transcending the natural capacities of human beings and pointing towards a higher purpose and a deeper connection with the divine.
Supernatural virtues are often associated with the three theological virtues of Christianity: faith, hope, and charity. These virtues are seen as gifts from God, which are not earned or merited by human effort, but are rather received through grace. They are considered supernatural because they exceed the natural capabilities of human nature and are directed towards the ultimate end of union with God.
Faith is the belief in the divine, the acceptance of divine truths, and the trust in God's promises. It is a virtue because it involves a commitment to truth and a willingness to accept that which is beyond human understanding. Faith is not simply a matter of intellectual assent; it is a deep, personal trust and reliance on God.
Hope is the confident expectation of divine blessings and the eternal happiness that comes from union with God. It is a virtue because it involves a steadfast trust in God's goodness and a willingness to endure suffering and hardship in the belief that God will bring about a greater good. Hope is not mere wishful thinking; it is a confident and active anticipation of the fulfillment of God's promises.
Charity, often referred to as love in the theological context, is the greatest of the theological virtues. It is an active, selfless love for God and for others. Charity is a virtue because it involves a self-giving that seeks the good of others and the ultimate union with God. It is not a feeling or an emotion; it is a deliberate choice to love as God loves, which transforms the individual and draws them closer to the divine.
The origin of theological virtue can be traced back to the teachings of the early Christian Church, which sought to articulate the nature of the Christian life and the path to salvation. The concept of supernatural virtues was developed to explain how human beings, who are limited by their natural capacities, can participate in the divine life and attain eternal happiness.
In contrast to natural virtues, which are virtues that can be cultivated through human effort and are directed towards the natural good of human flourishing, supernatural virtues are seen as necessary for the attainment of the supernatural good of union with God. Natural virtues, such as temperance, courage, and justice, are important and can lead to a life of moral excellence, but they do not, on their own, lead to salvation.
The infusion of supernatural virtues into the human intellect and will is often described as a special grace of God. This grace is not something that can be earned or deserved; it is a free gift that is given to those who open themselves to it. The cultivation of supernatural virtues involves a process of sanctification, which is a lifelong journey of growth in holiness and closer union with God.
In conclusion, supernatural virtues are a profound and essential aspect of the spiritual life. They represent the divine's intervention in human nature, offering a path towards the ultimate end of union with God. Through faith, hope, and charity, individuals are called to transcend their natural limitations and to embrace a life that is oriented towards the divine.

one of the three graces: faith, hope, or charity, infused into the human intellect and will by a special grace of God. Expand. Also called supernatural virtue. Compare natural virtue. Origin of theological virtue.