St. Thomas Aquinas' was a philosopher and doctor of the Catholic Church who wrote passionately on matters of faith and reason. People who follow his philosophy today are called "Thomists" and he is as popular today as he was in the earlier centuries. This is an exposition of his seven cardinal virtues which are faith, hope, love, prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance.

Faith is often thought of as the belief in things unseen, but that does not mean things unknown. It is belief in God and revelation, and trust in them. It means fidelity to one's promises, as well as duty and alligence to someone or something deserving loyalty. It could also mean complete confidence in something or someone who would otherwise be open to question. This kind of trust is built upon an ability to know personally those we can trust or have faith in based upon experience that our belief is true.

Hope is the desire of obtaining our promises or wishes with complete expectation of their fulfillment. It is also trust and reliance upon what we expect to happen or have. In theology school I was often reprimanded for choosing words like "I hope" or "I wish" because they are not factually certain. Be cautious therefore when speaking about things you know in your heart to be true. False hope is no hope at all. True hope is not wishful thinking.

Love in this instance is, of course, agape love. It is unconditional deep affection and care beyond reason or circumstance. There is instinctual love, maternal and paternal love, fraternal love, and passionate love, but St. Thomas Aquinas is speaking here about a love that transcends space, time and one's own imagination or merit.

Prudence is the ability to discipline and regulate oneself through the exercise of reason. One is expected to exercise skill in the management of resources like money, business and family. Conducting oneself wisely and judiciously with caution. It also means being discreet, cautious and circumspect - not rashly making decisions.

Justice is the administration of reward and punishment which is equitable and merited sometimes by following rules of law both civic and spiritual. It means rectitude and integrity, or right action. It also means to grant mercy or license upon another. King Solomon was an example of a Supreme Justice who could try and decide controversies based upon evidence seen, but he also had the wisdom to decipher what is unknown or based upon probabilities.

Fortitude means firmness or strength of mind in meeting adversity or danger. It may also be enduring with a certain resoluteness. Standing one's ground despite any obstacles, having courage even in fear and without which the other virtues could not be exercised.

Temperance is moderation of the appetites and passions. This can also mean perhaps abstinence, self-control or healthy habits. No indulging or overdoing.

Why Aquinas picked these and not so many other virtuous behaviors is a source of mystery, however, I do believe he has picked the most important. I would add to his list "random acts of kindness" or charity without reward such as altruism. If more people put their faith into action and these behaviors were "paid forward" just think how much better our world would be.

Learn more about this author, Cynthia Smaagaard.
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