The concept of Virtue in Christianity
Synonyms: Moral excellence, Goodness, Righteousness, Integrity, Honor, Moral quality, Morality, Rectitude, Uprightness, Ethics, Worthiness, Nobility
In Dutch: Deugd; In Finnish: Hyve; In Spanish: Virtud; In German: Tugend; In Malay: Kebajikan; In Swedish: Dygd; In French: Vertu
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Christian concept of 'Virtue'
From: Summa Theologica (English translation)
(1) Virtue is defined as something that makes its possessor good and renders his action good, and it is used to describe truth, which can be considered a moral virtue, specifically when a person says what is true.[1] (2) Virtue is characterized as a voluntary habit and is described as something moderated by reason, forming the essence of human behavior, and the opposite of vice.[2] (3) Virtue is a quality that helps to safeguard the good of reason against things that hinder it, and it is considered essential for removing special hindrances to reason, like intoxicating drink.[3] (4) Virtues perfect man in relation to reason, and they are rules of the human will, according to the provided text.[4] (5) Virtue can be applied to one that answers imperfectly to the idea of virtue and does not require rectitude of the appetite, because it merely confers the faculty of doing well without causing the good deed to be done.[5]
From: The city of God
(1) The text states that a person's reputation for virtue was the reason for their deification, and this was the highest reputation.[6] (2) This refers to moral excellence, and the text suggests that human sloth would take no steps to be disentangled from sin, and would only desire to be rescued by the merits of other people.[7] (3) The mind in which this resolution is well grounded suffers no perturbations to prevail with it in opposition to reason, and administers a reign of virtue.[8] (4) The arts called virtues teach how people may spend their lives well and attain endless happiness, which are given to those in the kingdom by God's grace.[9] (5) These are the concepts that are subjected to Pleasure, and they watch her nod, that they may do whatever she shall command, according to the provided text.[10]
From: The Writings of St. Francis of Assisi
(1) These are considered to be holy qualities, including wisdom, simplicity, poverty, humility, charity, and obedience, and are the subjects of a specific salutation.[11]
From: Works of St. Anselm
(1) Virtue is a characteristic shared by the Son, Father, and Spirit, indicating a common quality that links them together, as expressed within the provided text.[12]
From: The Little Flowers of St. Francis
(1) The devil was unable to withstand this, along with humility, of St. Francis, leading to his departure, and highlighting the spiritual power.[13]
From: Ante-nicene Fathers
(1) Virtue is what we are adapted for, not so as to be possessed of it from our birth, but so as to be adapted for acquiring it, and it is also the toil of justice.[14] (2) This is portrayed as a constant, unwavering quality that persists without interruption, suggesting the permanence of the soul that embraces it, and is in direct opposition to vices.[15] (3) Virtue is attainable with more ease and speed through previous training, but it is not unattainable without it, suggesting that learning and practice are important.[16] (4) This is something that has a defense, even if it has no foundation, and it is considered necessary and useful; these things make people better.[17] (5) This is a trait that is exclusive to humans, and it is honorable, and it is able to allow a person to neither fear want, nor be alarmed at exile, nor dread imprisonment, nor shrink from pain, nor refuse death.[18]
From: Hymns for Christian Devotion
(1) Virtues should be displayed, with the intent to illuminate the divine nature of the teachings, acting as evidence of their validity and influence.[19] (2) The virtues are the qualities that are being proclaimed and remembered, associated with the savior during the sacred meal.[20] (3) Positive attributes of character that are strengthened through divine grace.[21]
From: Expositions of Holy Scripture
(1) The virtue is a panacea for all diseases of the Christian life, which is the homely virtue that leads to all success, and is the great thing to be convinced of that there are no mysteries about the conditions of healthy Christian living.[22] (2) This word is presented as a concept, encompassing traits like truth, reverence, justice, and purity, which are deemed worthy of contemplation.[23] (3) Moral excellence, a positive trait, that can be developed, and the passions, desires, and affections of the soul can lead to virtue or vice, and they require direction and cultivation.[24]
From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)
(1) Moral qualities and behaviors embodying righteousness that are encouraged for a fulfilling Christian life.[25]
From: A Cyclopedia of Biblical literature
(1) Virtue is a quality that is often proved and augmented by trials, and not only proved, but produced, so that they would have had no existence without them, and some virtues are their own present reward.[26]
Gnostic concept of 'Virtue'
From: The Gnostics and Their Remains
(1) The virtues of the numeral five are expressed by the Delphic e, which conveyed the same meaning to the Grecian philosopher.[27] (2) The virtue is a quality, of the gem, to which the Persians believe, and it is associated with the name Phiruz.[28] (3) This term actually figures in all the Gnostic lists of Emanations, and the great Aeon, Pistis-Sophia, upbraids herself for having quitted her male partner in her proper habitation.[29]
The concept of Virtue in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Virtue" describes the qualities of Hilda, exemplifying how her strengths emerged through her weaknesses, serving as an inspiring model for others throughout her life.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The text states that the man who has succeeded in getting the love of a chaste wife has succeeded in his religion and has all the virtues.[30] (2) This is a positive quality or trait, representing the subject's goodness, indicating that they should continue to act with goodness.[31]
From: Bede's Ecclesiastical History of England
(1) The virtue refers to the qualities of Hilda, which were made perfect in weakness, and which she demonstrated throughout her life, and which was an example to others.[32]