Hello friends, and welcome back to the St. Michael’s Group podcast, where we dive into timeless truths to guide us in these turbulent times. I’m Dr. Currie Myers, an applied criminologist and a college professor, I write and opine often on the impact of faith, family, and formation in our human development and how it can impact criminality. In my book, “The Advent of Feral Man” that is available at drcurriemyers.substack.com, I provide valuable information on the causal reasons for crime. I started this podcast to focus on those three important pillars of society, so we can reignite faith, family, and formation make into our lives.
Today we’re opening the door—quite literally—to a life of moral clarity by exploring the Cardinal Virtues.
These four virtues are called cardinal from the Latin cardo, meaning "hinge". Why? Because the moral life of a Christian hinges on them. They aren't just philosophical ideals—they’re habits, disciplines, and muscles for the soul that shape how we live.
And understanding these virtues isn’t just helpful—it’s essential, especially when we consider the three pillars this podcast is built on: Faith, Family, and Formation.
· For Faith: Without the Cardinal Virtues, our spiritual life becomes impulsive, disordered, and prone to error. Virtue gives structure to our beliefs and the courage to live them out. As St. James says, “Faith without works is dead.” The Cardinal Virtues help us put faith into action.
· For Family: In a time where the family is under relentless pressure, these virtues help us become better husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters. Justice teaches us how to love rightly. Temperance keeps peace at the dinner table. Fortitude gets us through the tough times. Prudence? Well, that helps us not say the wrong thing at the wrong time. That’s a virtue we all need at home.
· For Formation: Whether we’re forming young minds, mentoring others, or shaping our own character, these virtues act like guardrails. They train the will and educate the conscience. Without them, formation is shallow, unstable, and self-centered.
So, grab your Bible, maybe a cup of coffee or your favorite cigar, and let’s get into it.
THE FRAMEWORK – Scripture and the Words of the Church
The Catechism of the Catholic Church lays this out plainly in paragraph 1805:
“Four virtues play a pivotal role and accordingly are called ‘cardinal’; all the others are grouped around them. They are prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. If anyone loves righteousness, wisdom’s labors are virtues; for she teaches temperance and prudence, justice, and fortitude.” (CCC 1805)
That last line quotes Wisdom 8:7, where the sacred text highlights the cardinal virtues as the fruits of true wisdom.
Let’s unpack them one by one.
PRUDENCE – The Charioteer of the Virtues
Prudence is called the “charioteer of the virtues” by St. Thomas Aquinas in his Summa Theologiae. Why? Because it guides all the other virtues—it knows where the chariot is supposed to go.
Prudence isn’t cowardice or indecision—its right reason applied to action.
Proverbs 14:15 says: “The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.”
And Proverbs 27:12: “The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.”
We need prudence in a world that thrives on knee-jerk reactions, especially in our justice system and public discourse.
As St. Augustine wrote, “Prudence is the knowledge of what to seek and what to avoid.”
This virtue reminds us that doing the right thing is not always about boldness—it’s about clarity.
JUSTICE – Giving What Is Due
Next, we come to Justice, which Aquinas defines as “the constant and perpetual will to render to each one his right.”
Psalm 106:3 says: “Blessed are they who observe justice, who do righteousness at all times!”
This isn't just about courtrooms. Justice is about honoring our obligations: to God, to our family, to the poor, to the unborn, to the imprisoned, to the victim.
Micah 6:8 teaches: “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
Justice is the heartbeat of community and covenant. Without it, society devolves into power games and anarchy.
And as St. Ambrose once said: “Justice is the virtue which assigns to each man his due.”
FORTITUDE – The Inner Armor
Now to Fortitude—the virtue of courage, resilience, and holy grit. This is the virtue that keeps you going when prudence and justice demand sacrifice.
Joshua 1:9 reminds us: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Fortitude isn’t just physical bravery. It’s moral courage. It’s standing in the gap when your knees are knocking.
Psalm 31:24: “Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!”
St. Gregory the Great wrote: “Fortitude is not the absence of fear, but the refusal to let fear control you.”
This is the virtue of the martyr, the whistleblower, the honest cop, and the single mom holding the line for her kids.
TEMPERANCE – Mastery of the Self
Finally, Temperance—the virtue that says “no” when the world screams “yes.” It moderates our appetites and aligns our passions with our purpose.
Proverbs 25:28 says: “A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.”
The world tells us indulgence is freedom. The Church teaches us: true freedom is self-mastery.
1 Corinthians 9:25: “Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable, so I do not run aimlessly.”
Temperance brings order to our disorder and makes room for peace and joy.
St. John Chrysostom said: “No one can harm the man who does himself no wrong.”
Think about that. We often sabotage ourselves—not through our enemies, but through our excesses.
Now, these Cardinal Virtues aren’t just philosophical relics. They’re boots-on-the-ground tools for every man and woman trying to live virtuously in a world gone morally blind.
They are natural virtues, yes—but with grace, they become infused virtues. Meaning: The Holy Spirit doesn’t just ask you to be prudent, just, brave, and moderate—He empowers you to be.
And as the Catechism says in paragraph 1810:
“The moral virtues grow through education, deliberate acts, and perseverance in struggle. Divine grace purifies and elevates them.”
Let me say that again: perseverance in struggle. That’s real. That’s daily. And that’s doable—with Christ.
So, here’s my challenge this week:
· Practice prudence in your decision-making—pause before reacting.
· Live justice in your dealings with others—speak truth, even if it costs you.
· Exercise fortitude—especially when you're tired and tempted to compromise.
· Embrace temperance—in food, drink, speech, and digital consumption.
In a world chasing comfort, chaos, and compromise—you be the hinge. Swing the door open to truth.
Welcome to the St Michael’s Group! In a world facing a decline in religious belief and an increase in moral confusion, the need to reignite our faith has never been more critical. Religion’s capacity to offer meaning, foster ethical behavior, and build cohesive communities is vital for countering the spread of spiritual apathy and the influence of evil. By renewing our commitment to faith, we can combat the forces that seek to divide and weaken us. Reigniting our faith lives, therefore, is not just a personal endeavor but a collective responsibility. It is essential for preserving the moral and spiritual fabric of our society, ensuring that love, compassion, and justice continue to be the guiding principles of human existence.
This is why I started the St. Michael’s Group Substack and Podcast. Join us today stmichaelsgroup.substack.com and let’s start a movement of reigniting faith, family, and formation back into our lives.
This is Dr. Currie Myers. I am an applied criminologist and criminal justice ethicist. I have been on faculty in the criminology department at Benedictine College for over 13 years and was a career law enforcement officer for 24 years. Most importantly I have a beautiful family. My wife and I have been married for 37 years, and we have five children and 10 grandchildren. You can view my work on applied criminology at drcurriemyers.substack.com. Have a great and blessed week and please subscribe and share this podcast with others. And more importantly, if you are struggling in life and need someone to talk to, we have a chat function that you can contact me directly. And if you wish for me to speak at one of your events, please contact (catholicspeakers.com) to schedule.
Thanks for joining me! Stay rooted in faith, sharpened by virtue, and courageous in truth. God bless you, and I’ll see you next time on The St. Michael’s Group Podcast.
Dr Currie Myers, America's Criminologist - Former Agonistic turned Convert to the Catholic Faith. Dr. Myers is a published author and speaker. Contact (catholicspeakers.com) for Dr. Myers to speak at your event!
Are you interested in helping to fund our work? Go to this link About - St Michael's Group and you can visit our PayPal QR Code, or you can reach out to me in our chat function for further directions. It would be much appreciated!
Share this post