It is necessary to observe and see for yourself what the continued indulgence of vice does to your mind, life, and happiness, and decide if working toward virtue is worth a try.Ĭhastity is purity, found buried within the sin of lust. The strange thing is how vices seem normal, healthy, and universal, while the virtues seem out of touch, fussy, old-fashioned, or even oppressive and dangerous. The vices take us off the path with the promise of reward without effort or sacrifice. The vices on the other hand are off-kilter, slightly twisted or sideways, distorted. They are aligned with a higher purpose, the connection between Heaven and Earth is in the proper configuration. In the above painting by Giotto di Bondone, and in other similar classical works of art, the virtues are characterized as upright and centered. In this way the virtue is alive, intrinsic, well-earned, a bit of the grace of God shining on Earth. Virtue is earned through the work of becoming conscious of our psychological defects, and through comprehension and repentance ( metanoia, “renewal of mind”) liberating the virtue. In gnostic psychology, the virtue exists within the vice, and must be extracted as a precious stone is extracted from raw ore. Second, virtue is in relativity with vice, or sin ( hamartia, “to miss the mark”). Virtues can be taught and gained through practice, but only if they are first known and valued.
Virtue has two keys.įirst, virtue comes from within, from internal rather than external motivation. The concept of virtue ( virtutem, “force, power, strength, high character, valor”) is important, giving a meaningful structure with which to build one’s life around. The seven virtues are a teaching of ancient psychology, which came through the Greek philosophies of Plato and Aristotle and into Christian theology.
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