Whether religion is a virtue?
Objections
❌ Objection 1 : It would seem that religion is not a virtue. Seemingly it belongs to religion to pay reverence to God. But reverence is an act of fear which is a gift, as stated above (Question [19], Article [9]). Therefore religion is not a virtue but a gift
❌ Objection 2 : Further, every virtue is a free exercise of the will, wherefore it is described as an "elective" or voluntary "habit" [*Ethic. ii, 6]. Now, as stated above (Article [1], ad 3) "latria" belongs to religion, and "latria" denotes a kind of servitude. Therefore religion is not a virtue.
❌ Objection 3 : Further, according to Ethic. ii, 1, aptitude for virtue is in us by nature, wherefore things pertaining to virtue belong to the dictate of natural reason. Now, it belongs to religion "to offer ceremonial worship to the Godhead" [*Cf. Article [1]], and ceremonial matters, as stated above (FS, Question [99], Article [3], ad 2; FS, Question [101]), do not belong to the dictate of natural reason. Therefore religion is not a virtue.