kinds of perfection
Perfection is the complete possession of an attribute, a state of supreme excellence to which nothing is lacking.
We may distinguish four principal types.
- Metaphysical perfection is unlimited being, complete reality; when this obtains without any conceivable limitation, as with God, it is absolute; when it signifies this completeness in only one phase of reality, it is relative or partial, such as perfect adaptation to an end, or realization of our own essence.
When a perfection is intrinsically limited, like sentient life, it is called mixed; intrinsically without limit, like goodness, it is simple.
Only these latter may be predicated of God.
- Moral perfection is the full attainment of the moral ideal, the complete fulfilment of the moral law.
- Christian perfection is a state of union with God through charity.
- Religious perfection is a condition of observance of the Evangelical Counsels through the triple vows.
See also Christian perfection.
New Catholic Dictionary
