theological virtues: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Academic, Theological
Quick answer
What does “theological virtues” mean?
The three foundational virtues in Christian theology—faith, hope, and charity (love)—considered to be divinely infused and directed toward God.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The three foundational virtues in Christian theology—faith, hope, and charity (love)—considered to be divinely infused and directed toward God.
A set of ideal character traits, derived from Christian doctrine, that guide a person's relationship with the divine; sometimes used more broadly to refer to aspirational spiritual qualities.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is used identically in theological contexts.
Connotations
Strongly associated with formal religious education, theological discourse, and classical Christian literature.
Frequency
Equally rare in general usage in both regions, confined primarily to religious or academic writing.
Grammar
How to Use “theological virtues” in a Sentence
The theological virtues are...to possess the theological virtuesa treatise on the theological virtuesVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “theological virtues” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The catechism seeks to inculcate the theological virtues.
- One must strive to embody the theological virtues.
American English
- The pastor emphasized cultivating the theological virtues.
- Theologians debate how the theological virtues are infused.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Almost never used.
Academic
Used in theology, religious studies, philosophy, and literature courses discussing Christian ethics.
Everyday
Extremely rare outside of religious communities or discussions.
Technical
Specific term in systematic theology and moral theology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “theological virtues”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “theological virtues”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “theological virtues”
- Using 'theological virtues' in the singular (*a theological virtue).
- Confusing 'charity' in this context with modern charitable giving.
- Listing virtues other than faith, hope, and charity as 'theological virtues'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are faith, hope, and charity (love), as defined in Christian theology.
Theological virtues are believed to be given by God and orient a person toward God, while cardinal virtues (prudence, justice, fortitude, temperance) are seen as human moral virtues governing earthly life.
In traditional theological English (from Latin 'caritas'), 'charity' specifically denotes the selfless, divine love (agape) for God and neighbour, which is broader than the modern sense of almsgiving.
Rarely. It is a specifically Christian doctrinal term, though it might be used descriptively in comparative religion studies.
The three foundational virtues in Christian theology—faith, hope, and charity (love)—considered to be divinely infused and directed toward God.
Theological virtues is usually formal, academic, theological in register.
Theological virtues: in British English it is pronounced /ˌθiːəˈlɒdʒɪkəl ˈvɜːtʃuːz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌθiːəˈlɑːdʒɪkəl ˈvɜːrtʃuːz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Faith, hope, and charity”
- “The greatest of these is charity”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'For Heaven's Sake' – Faith, Hope, and Charity are the virtues directed toward God (Heaven).
Conceptual Metaphor
THEOLOGICAL VIRTUES ARE A FOUNDATION FOR SPIRITUAL LIFE; THEOLOGICAL VIRTUES ARE DIVINE GIFTS.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT one of the theological virtues?