The understanding of what is good in these two philosophies is distinct. Aristotle believes that good, "has rightly been declared to be that at which all things aim" (35). Aristotle believes that all actions are performed toward some good. To Aristotle there is no specific good because good is happines

Virtue is the result of being good, and it is another aspect that both Christianity and Aristotle outline in their moral philosophies. Aristotle believes in two kinds of virtue, the intellectual and the moral. The intellectual virtues are developed by teaching and instruction, "intellectual virtue in the main owes both its birth and its growth to teaching" (49). Aristotle also believes that "moral virtue comes about as a result of habit" (49), that we are not born with moral virtue. He distinguishes between the two, because moral virtue is much more difficult to achieve. Only through repetition of committing virtuous acts with no hesitation or self interest can moral virtue be accomplished. Christianity does not seem to have the same understanding, since there is only one true virtue in Christianity. Righteousness and virtue go hand in hand in Christianity, and achieving this righteousness is the only way to be blessed and accepted into the gates of heaven. Christianity's virtue comes from following the proper conduct of a Christian and God's word, which is outlined in the Sermon on the Mound, especially the Beatitudes. Aristotle on the other hand understands that virtue actually comes from doing virtuous acts and therefore it becomes a habit. Furthermore a virtuous act is not necessarily in accordance with virtue, if it is an accident or if the person who committed the act was not aware what he is doing or why, then it is not truly virtuous. Aristotle states, "Those things, then, are thought involuntary, which take place by force or owing to ignorance" are the not considered virtuous. Christianity agrees with this virtue because God also knows when someone is being truly virtuous or is doing it for personal gain. Prophets in Christianity are tested and used as examples to all others so that true virtue can be understood. Job who was considered "blameless and upright" (129) was severely punished as a test of his faith and true virtue. Even though he was punished for no apparent reason, Job never denounced God. Many can say that they are virtuous and do some virtuous acts, but few are truly on the right path. Aristotle also understands this and states, "For men are good in but one way, but bad in many".

In both Christianity and Aristotle moral philosophy, there must be a balance of everything; there should not be excess or deficiency. To Aristotle any moral quality, like courage can have excess and deficiency. Too much courage would be rashness and a deficiency

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Approximate Word count = 1673
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)