Introduction to Morality: Moral Law, Grace & The Virtues

chapters 1-3 (and i think some of other chaps too) of textbook The Moral Life In Christ from the Sophia Institute

Moral Law

Roadmap of objective standards for human behavior established by God and supported by the Church. Since the ultimate goal of the human life is happiness, God gives us this as guidelines to achieve that happiness in Him.

Virtue

Habitual and firm disposition to do good that must be practiced in order to improve. There are cardinal and theological of these.

Cardinal Virtue

Virtues which the moral life hinges on and are strengthened when put into action.

Theological Virtue

Virtues infused into our soul at Baptism that enable us to relate to God.

Prudence

Cardinal virtue resembling practical wisdom, and the ability to look ahead and make the right decision.

Justice

Cardinal virtue which helps us give what is right to others and treat others fairly.

Fortitude

Cardinal virtue granting us courage to do the right thing, even if it is difficult, and persisting.

Temperance

Cardinal virtue of moderation, where we limit ourselves to an honorable amount of something instead of giving in to our desires.

Faith

Theological virtue which helps us believe in the truths that Christ revealed to us and the Church teaches.

Hope

Theological virtue that grants us the ability to trust in salvation and that things will get better (in Heaven with God).

Charity/Love

Theological virtue represented by loving everyone in the same way that Christ loves us, in the giving of the entire self despite the sins of others.

Moralistic

Misguided behavior which reduces faith to a checklist of sorts. This disposition induces pride on those who “check off all the boxes” as they feel they are morally superior.

Grace

Free and undeserved help God gives us.

Actual Grace

God’s intervention in our daily lives to give us strength and knowledge in what is right.

Sanctifying Grace

Presence of God’s life in our souls received in the sacraments.

Rational Soul

How we are made in the image and likeness of God and are made distinct from the rest of creation. This grants us intellect and free will, and the ability to be in communion with God.

Intellect

Ability to reason.

Free Will

Ability to act on knowledge.

Protoevangelium

The first annunciation of the Messiah and salvation just after the Fall in Genesis 3:15.

Vocation

One’s calling: everyone has this calling to be holy and to be saints, which means we must live lives of heroic virtue and sacrificial love.

Fiat

Saying yes to God and His plan/calling.

Vice

Bad habit built up from sin.

Incarnation

The fact that God became man to save us, show us the love of God, be a model of holiness, and make us partners of divine nature.

Paschal Mystery

Jesus’ Passion, Death, Resurrection and Ascension that saves us from sin and death and opens the gates of Heaven.

Concupiscence

Inclination to sin.

Happiness

Ultimate goal of the human life that can only be found in God, as St. Augustine said: “Our hearts are restless until they rest in you.” We were made for God’s love, and won’t truly be happy without Him. So, God gives us the moral law to achieve this happiness by following Him. As Jesus says in John 10:10, “I have come so that you may have life-and have it to the full.”