Cardinal Virtues for Today

The classic cardinal virtues are those described in C.S. Lewis’ Mere Christianity, as listed below:

Prudence: Using one’s wisdom to do the right act.

Temperance: Moderation in all things.

Justice: Acting fairly to everyone, and making sure that everyone obtains fairness.

Fortitude: The courage to stand strong in virtue.

What is rarely recognized, however, is that these virtues are not particularly Christian. They have been espoused as Christian virtues, but this short list is just as comfortable in Greek or Roman society as they are in modern Christian society. Plato describes them, and every Roman schoolboy would have them memorized as well as other virtues. These are classic ancient virtues, not specifically Christian ones.

I think that these are chosen by the Christian church because of their ability to be used in almost every circumstance. However, they, by themselves, do not always lead to right actions. It is a common joke when thinking of Aristotle’s principles, “Moderation in all things” to say, “I wish to be moderate in my adultery, or in my drunkenness.” And this is exactly the kind of thinking that we end up in seeing these four virtues as the primary or “cardinal” virtues.

Jesus was not moderate in all things. He died for our sins, which was not a temperate act. It may have been prudent, but not in the short term. And if dying for our sins is an example of fortitude, then what is walking through the crowds, unharmed, when they are looking for your blood? Also, was it just for Jesus to have sent the rich man to hell, in his parable, when the rich man was only using his justly gotten gain in accord with his desire?

I am not saying Jesus was in opposition to these virtues. I am saying that we can use these virtues to enact a life that is the opposite of what Jesus stood for. Thus, if these virtues are “cardinal”, then they are not the Christian cardinal virtues, but the virtues for the classical West.

I would make a suggestion for a new set of cardinal virtues, ones that reflect characteristics that are particular to Jesus and ones that are seen to assist one in passing the Final final exam on the day of judgment.

a. Compassion: This is also called “empathy”. It is seeing with another’s eyes, and experiencing the suffering of another. However, the virtue of compassion does not just feel, but it acts and it acts in a way that truly benefits the other person. A compassionate person will not give a homeless person in the cold a dollar (which does little for the homeless person, but salves a guilty conscience), but will take them to a motel room and give them a place to sleep.
b. Forgiveness: This is restoring one who has wronged against a person or a community back into relationship. It is not just the surrender of bitterness—that is obtaining personal healing, not granting healing to another. Forgiveness is recognizing a wrong done, and deciding to retain relationship despite that. If a spouse decides to remain married to an adulterous partner, that is forgiveness.

c. Humility: This is taking a lower social position than is deserved. Humility could be something as small as accepting a social snub, or as large as being killed as a criminal when one was innocent.

d. Sacrifice: This is surrendering what one needs for another who has a greater need. This is what Jesus called the “greatest love”.