The Twentieth Century Encyclopedia of Catholicism Faith, Hope and Charity
Type
Book
Authors
Category
Catholic Spirituality
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Publication Year
1962
Publisher
Volume
27
Pages
143
Tags
Description
Is it necessary for the Christian to know the true meaning of faith, hope and charity? Who are the true owners of these virtues and how are they attained?
In this illuminating volume, the author has undertaken to make the meaning of these virtues clear and to offer guidance as to how we may best prepare ourselves to receive these virtues.
The Catechism says that these three "are called the theological virtues because they relate immediately to God." It is only through these virtues that we can attain God; they bring us to Him in Himself, not merely in image or effect, but in His very life.
These then are the key virtues, for their purpose is to introduce us to eternal life. They cannot, however, be acquired through effort but are given to us as a gift from God. The author cautions that we "must not wait for these virtues to be given" but must strive toward putting ourselves in the proper state to receive them. To achieve this state it is essential that we understand the nature and significance of these virtues thoroughly. Moreover, we must understand the interrelation of the three, for "there can be no living faith and hope without charity; no divine charity without hope and faith."
To demonstrate the interdependency of the three, the author describes faith as the "virtue of the threshold," hope as the "virtue of the road" and charity as the "virtue of the goal." Thus to achieve charity is to reach the goal through which eternal life is communicated to us in time.
Henry Bars was born in Lannion, France, in 1911 and became a priest in 1933. He taught philosophy until 1953, when he retired to devote himself entirely to his literary works. The best known of these are Croire ou l'Amen du Salut, l'Homme et Son Ame and Maritain en Notre Temps.
PJ Hepburne-Scott translated Faith, Hope and Charity from the French.
This is Volume 27 under section II: The Basic Truths.
Taken from the inside flaps.
In this illuminating volume, the author has undertaken to make the meaning of these virtues clear and to offer guidance as to how we may best prepare ourselves to receive these virtues.
The Catechism says that these three "are called the theological virtues because they relate immediately to God." It is only through these virtues that we can attain God; they bring us to Him in Himself, not merely in image or effect, but in His very life.
These then are the key virtues, for their purpose is to introduce us to eternal life. They cannot, however, be acquired through effort but are given to us as a gift from God. The author cautions that we "must not wait for these virtues to be given" but must strive toward putting ourselves in the proper state to receive them. To achieve this state it is essential that we understand the nature and significance of these virtues thoroughly. Moreover, we must understand the interrelation of the three, for "there can be no living faith and hope without charity; no divine charity without hope and faith."
To demonstrate the interdependency of the three, the author describes faith as the "virtue of the threshold," hope as the "virtue of the road" and charity as the "virtue of the goal." Thus to achieve charity is to reach the goal through which eternal life is communicated to us in time.
Henry Bars was born in Lannion, France, in 1911 and became a priest in 1933. He taught philosophy until 1953, when he retired to devote himself entirely to his literary works. The best known of these are Croire ou l'Amen du Salut, l'Homme et Son Ame and Maritain en Notre Temps.
PJ Hepburne-Scott translated Faith, Hope and Charity from the French.
This is Volume 27 under section II: The Basic Truths.
Taken from the inside flaps.
Number of Copies
1
