theological virtue: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Academic, Theological
Quick answer
What does “theological virtue” mean?
One of the three virtues—faith, hope, and charity (love)—in Christian theology, believed to be infused by God rather than acquired by human effort.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
One of the three virtues—faith, hope, and charity (love)—in Christian theology, believed to be infused by God rather than acquired by human effort.
A fundamental moral quality in religious thought, specifically those virtues oriented toward God and regarded as essential for salvation, as distinct from cardinal (natural) virtues.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
None; term is identical in both dialects within religious contexts.
Connotations
Identical connotations of divine grace and foundational Christian ethics.
Frequency
Used with equal rarity and identical meaning in both UK and US theological/academic writing.
Grammar
How to Use “theological virtue” in a Sentence
The [theological virtue] of [faith/hope/charity]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “theological virtue” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Theologians often examine how grace might theological virtue infuse.
American English
- Theologians explore how God's grace infuses theological virtue.
adverb
British English
- The sermon focused theologically on virtue.
American English
- He spoke theologically about the virtues.
adjective
British English
- The theological virtue tradition is central to Thomistic ethics.
American English
- The theological virtue framework is key to Catholic moral teaching.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used in business contexts.
Academic
Used in theology, religious studies, and philosophy of religion departments.
Everyday
Very rarely used in everyday conversation, only among religiously educated speakers.
Technical
Precise technical term in systematic theology and moral theology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “theological virtue”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “theological virtue”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “theological virtue”
- Using 'theological virtue' to refer to any religiously-inspired good behaviour (e.g., honesty).
- Confusing it with 'cardinal virtues' (prudence, justice, temperance, fortitude).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are faith, hope, and charity (or love).
Theological virtues are believed to be infused by God and direct us toward Him, while cardinal virtues are acquired through human effort and govern our moral life in community.
In traditional Christian theology, these virtues are specifically gifts of God's grace, so their full possession is linked to divine revelation, though elements like hope and love may be experienced naturally.
The specific term and triad (faith, hope, love) are distinctly Christian. Other religions may have analogous concepts but not the identical term or classification.
One of the three virtues—faith, hope, and charity (love)—in Christian theology, believed to be infused by God rather than acquired by human effort.
Theological virtue is usually formal, academic, theological in register.
Theological virtue: in British English it is pronounced /ˌθiː.əˈlɒdʒ.ɪ.kəl ˈvɜː.tʃuː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌθiː.əˈlɑː.dʒɪ.kəl ˈvɝː.tʃuː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “the three theological virtues”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'THree HEavenly Oriented Love' (TH-eological): Faith, Hope, Charity.
Conceptual Metaphor
DIVINE GIFT IS A VIRTUE; GODWARD DIRECTION IS A PATH.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a theological virtue?