[Rio]

from a better-researched article on this: http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=142672005

It is thought that the Greek theologian, Evagrius of Pontus, first drew up a list of eight wicked human passions, which were then whittled down by the 6th century pope, Gregory the Great, to the seven vices he thought were most at odds with divine love.

I had always wondered about where they came from... did not recall finding them in the Bible anywhere.

[yankeedame]

The Seven Virtues

When Pope Gregory defined the seven deadly sins that we should avoid, he also included a counter-balancing set of values that we should espouse and adopt. These are:

• Faith: belief in the right things (including the virtues!).
• Hope: taking a positive future view, that good will prevail.
• Charity: concern for, and active helping of, others.
• Fortitude: never giving up.
• Justice being fair and equitable with others.
• Prudence: showing carefulness and forsight, avoiding rashness.
• Temperance: moderation of needed things and abstinence from things which are not needed.

  The first three of these are known as the Spiritual Virtues, whilst the last four are called the Chief or Natural Virtues.

  The Natural Virtues had already been defined by Greek philosophers. The Spiritual Virtues are a slight variation on St. Paul's trio of Love, Hope and Faith (strange how love has disappeared!).

  There are also a number of other sets of seven virtues, including:

  The Seven Contrary Virtues which are specific opposites to the Seven Deadly Sins:

  • Humility against pride
  • Kindness against envy
  • Abstinence against gluttony
  • Chastity against lust
  • Patience against anger
  • Liberality against envy, and
  • Diligence against sloth.

    The Seven Corporal Works of Mercy are a medieval list of things you can do to help others:

    • feed the hungry,
    • give drink to the thirsty,
    • give shelter to strangers,
    • clothe the naked,
    • visit the sick,
    • minister to prisoners, and,
    • bury the dead.

      The Seven Bushido Virtues:

      • Right decisions,
      • Valor,
      • Benevolence,
      • Respect,
      • Honesty,
      • Honor, and
      • Loyalty.

        ---

        http://changingminds.org/explanations/values/seven_virtues.htm