An article from the Cathedral Times
by the Very Reverend Samuel G. Candler,
Dean of the Cathedral of St. Philip
It is time to review the virtuous life! And we can start with temperance. Yes, you remember temperance. It has been the likely target of our sarcasm and mischief since Victorian and prohibition days. Unfortunately, temperance has become the stereotypical label for prudes and puritans. Temperance is assigned to those people who simply do not have fun!
Like several of you, I was reminded of our society's need to re-visit temperance a few weeks ago, when, in the space of a few shorts days, the newscasts reported at least three sudden and ill-considered outbursts from popular figures; one was a politician, one was a tennis star, one was a musician. Each of them simply lost it. Maybe it was the heat of the moment. Maybe it was something else. But each outburst was intemperate.
Temperance, however, is just one of the seven capital virtues of life. It may be time to re-visit all the qualities and character of the virtuous life. Here they are, in their classical format:
The 4 Cardinal Virtues:
Prudence
Justice
Temperance
Fortitude
The 7 Capital Virtues:
Humility
Liberality
Kindness
Meekness
Chastity
Temperance
Diligence
(and The 7 Deadly Sins!)
Pride
Avarice
Envy
Wrath
Lust
Gluttony
Sloth
From the middle of October through the end of November, the Dean's Forum will be taking a deeper look at these classically defined virtues. There will be some guests, including Richard Rohr on October 25. But, by Advent, perhaps we will be refreshed in our will and desire for virtue. Join us!
The Very Rev. Sam Candler