Cardinal vs. theological virtues

[sw85]

Would it be useful/accurate/appropriate to say that the theological virtues derive specifically from the Christian God, having Him not only as their object and end but also their source and strength, where the cardinal virtues do not (and so may be cultivated even by pagans)?

In other words, is it appropriate to say that the cardinal virtues are man’s “natural” virtues, while the theological virtues are essentially “supernatural” virtues?

 

[RyanBlack]

Would it be useful/accurate/appropriate to say that the theological virtues derive specifically from the Christian God, having Him not only as their object and end but also their source and strength, where the cardinal virtues do not (and so may be cultivated even by pagans)?

In other words, is it appropriate to say that the cardinal virtues are man’s “natural” virtues, while the theological virtues are essentially “supernatural” virtues?

Yes.

 

[hicetnunc]

In other words, is it appropriate to say that the cardinal virtues are man’s “natural” virtues, while the theological virtues are essentially “supernatural” virtues?

HI sw85…

Virtues are distinguished between acquired and infused virtues. The acquired virtues are those that we can achieve on our own efforts, and they facilitate a good earthly life. Infused virtues on the other hand are brought about by grace and they enable us to perform works meritting eternal life with God.

St Thomas Aquinas tells us that the cardinal virtues can be either acquired or infused. Properly speaking, the word virtue only applies to the infused virtues and analogically to the acquired virtues. Both the theological and cardinal virtues can be infused and divinizing on account of the work of grace.