Teaching virtue is a challenge. In some sense, the very idea of “teaching virtue” is sort of a misnomer. I can’t really teach someone *to be* virtuous. I can only offers reasons why virtue is to be desired, what virtue is, and the foundational elements of good character. Many curriculums offer only a list of foundational elements without addressing the other components. With that sort of coverage virtue training degenerates into a list of do’s and do not’s that may or may not persuade or encourage a child to choose appropriately. Categories or lists of virtuous characteristics are excellent, but lose their effectiveness if not grounded and communicated within a larger framework.

Perhaps the reasons most approaches offer lists is because the authors themselves have forgotten that virtue is *not* about good behavior. Well, it is, but only indirectly. Virtue is concerned with living up to one’s full potential or, more broadly, the fulfillment of function. Some of the ancient philosophers understood that all things had an intended use. This included human beings. Religion’s of the world echo this same sentiment. Generally this purpose could mean something like the golden rule. This simple rule is loaded with theological depths and a multitude of applications. Some would say this summary is our mission and ultimate purpose. It is in this summary where we realize our full potential as human beings and image bearers of the divine. Virtue then is the mechanism by which we become who we ought to be.

Understanding this, virtue becomes a much richer and vibrant endeaver that enables us to truly achieve our potential. The lists become the guides to this goal and with the complete framework in place produces individuals who become serious about their mission. No more will individuals be driven solely by do’s and do not’s, but instead will be driven by becoming.

In the search for this framework I believe, at a minimum, it must answer these questions:

1) What is virtue?

2) Why should I be virtuous?

3) What does virtuous behavior look like?

4) What are the foundational elements of virtue?