Infused virtues

Definition

Infused virtues are qualities or traits that are bestowed upon a person by divine grace, enabling them to act in ways that align with moral goodness and spiritual growth. These virtues differ from acquired virtues, which are developed through practice and personal effort. In the context of Pneumatology, infused virtues emphasize the role of the Holy Spirit in the transformation and sanctification of believers across various Christian traditions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Infused virtues are not simply human traits but are believed to be gifts from God that empower believers to live righteously.
2. The three primary theological virtues—faith, hope, and charity—are considered infused virtues that are essential for spiritual growth.
3. Different Christian traditions have varying interpretations of how infused virtues operate and their significance in the believer's journey.
4. In many traditions, infused virtues are seen as essential for living a life that reflects God's character and intentions.
5. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in imparting these virtues, leading to a transformative experience for the believer.

Review Questions

• How do infused virtues differ from acquired virtues in the context of Christian teachings?
  • Infused virtues are directly given by God through divine grace, enabling believers to act in ways that reflect moral goodness. In contrast, acquired virtues are developed through individual effort, practice, and personal experience. This distinction highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers to live out their faith, emphasizing that true virtue comes from God's intervention rather than solely human effort.
• Discuss the importance of the theological virtues as infused virtues within various Christian traditions.
  • The theological virtues—faith, hope, and charity—are central to understanding infused virtues because they represent the foundation of a believer's relationship with God. In many Christian traditions, these virtues are seen as gifts from the Holy Spirit that enable individuals to grow spiritually and live according to God's will. This perspective underscores the belief that spiritual life is not solely about moral actions but also about receiving God's grace and allowing it to transform one's heart.
• Evaluate how the concept of infused virtues contributes to the overall understanding of Pneumatology across different Christian traditions.
  • The concept of infused virtues plays a significant role in Pneumatology by illustrating how the Holy Spirit actively engages in the lives of believers. In various Christian traditions, this notion emphasizes that spiritual transformation is not merely a human endeavor but involves divine action. Understanding infused virtues allows for a deeper appreciation of how believers experience sanctification and develop a closer relationship with God through grace, shaping their identity as followers of Christ in diverse ways.

Related terms

grace: A free and unmerited favor from God, often seen as the means by which infused virtues are granted to individuals.

theological virtues:

Three key virtues (faith, hope, and charity) that are considered foundational for Christian life, believed to be infused by God through the Holy Spirit.

sanctification: The process of becoming holy or set apart for God’s purpose, which is facilitated by the presence of infused virtues in a believer's life.