Philosophy, Theology, and Christian Virtue

This chapter contains a preliminary discussion of the importance and centrality of humility for the Christian moral life, and examines some initial ways of understanding the nature of this virtue, including a discussion of the biblical term tapeinophrosune. This word can be translated as humility or lowliness of mind. There are different ways of understanding the nature of humility, i.e., there is controversy over what it is and what it requires of those who seek to exemplify this trait. The main focus of the chapter is an explanation and defense of analytic moral theology, the methodological approach the book takes in its analysis of the moral virtue of humility. This chapter argues that analytic moral theology can help to clarify the nature of humility in a way that is conducive to moral and spiritual formation, if it is done with these ends in mind.