We often discuss the seven deadly sins associated with Christianity. Tensai Okamura’s anime series The Seven Deadly Sins (2014) is inspired by the Japanese manga series illustrated by Nakaba Suzuki. It has four seasons and ended in 2021. In the classic tale of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937), the seven dwarfs are each based on one of the sins. The significance of the sins can be seen in the different portrayals that live on today. But what about the seven virtues?
Because of the intense focus on what not to do, we often overlook the seven virtues and instead think about avoiding the seven sins. There is no show and not as wide of knowledge of the seven virtues associated with Christianity. These virtues intersect with Asian religious values and other religions’ central tenets of morality. While the seven deadly sins are lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy, and pride, the seven virtues are chastity, temperance, charity, diligence, patience, kindness, and humility. Aristotle and Plato, two influential international philosophers, identified the seven virtues as wisdom, temperance, the common good, fortitude, prudence, justice, and courage.
The virtues are divided into four natural virtues (old values that are part of humanity) and three theological virtues (values coming from the practice of Christianity as gifts from God). The four natural or cardinal virtues are prudence, temperance, fortitude, and justice. The other three are usually expressed as faith, hope, and love. Words like love and charity can be mixed and matched to denote the same meaning. Several people use different words to express the same sin or virtue.
Sins and virtues make way for moral theology, the theological discipline focused on identifying Christian principles in behavior. This type of thinking is different from ethics because it is associated with the teaching of Jesus Christ rather than wholly based on logical reasoning. Like Christianity and its virtues, most religions promote a lifestyle through teachings and common understanding permeated throughout their communities.
Taoism, for example, is a religion from Asia focused on following the way of the Tao. Taoism values include cultivating the Tao within oneself and being patient and peaceful rather than forceful and aggressive. The Taoist way of life, illustrated well by the yin-yang symbol, is to live in harmony with each other and the world. Taking initiative or action in Taoism means cultivating yourself and becoming a better example for others by changing within. The Tao Te Ching, or the religious canon for Taoists, emphasizes the paradox and constantly interchanging ways of life. When tranquility is the focus, people become free. When no action is taken, people become transformed. When no desires are followed, life becomes simple and fulfilling. It is a peaceful guide not to worry as much as life will maneuver how it should without force or redirection.
Christian values, Taoism, and other world religions emphasize temperance or avoiding extremes of behavior. Temperance involves stillness, lack of desire, and a peaceful presence that enjoys the here and now. We can start to appreciate and enjoy life’s small moments when we do not overdo our activities while acting with restraint and carefulness. Temperance bleeds into compassion and non-violence, allowing us to calm down and understand what we are truly passionate about while thinking about community. The yin-yang symbol within Taoism illustrates the power of riding life’s many waves with patience and understanding. The only constant in life is change, and that change will never end. Trusting the change and remaining poised and temperate is essential. The process of change and enjoying the change is the most transformative part. Enjoy the simple things. Less is more.