The Nine Virtues - Fertility

Dictionary Definition

noun

1. The state or quality of being fertile.

Biology

2. The ability to produce offspring; power of reproduction: the amazing fertility of rabbits.

3. The birthrate of a population.
Dictionary.com 

ADF Definition

Bounty of mind, body and spirit involving creativity and industry, an appreciation of the physical and sensual, nurturing these qualities in others.
Dedicant Manual .mobi Version Downloaded 6.15.11

My Understanding

I freely admit that my personal understanding of the term fertility is far more applicable to the dictionary definition than the ADF definition. I can understand what the ADF is arguing by the term fertility as in fertility of spirit etc, the ability to create and be productive beyond child bearing, to embrace the body in a natural joyful way, and to assist others in these acts. I'm still not sure that fertility is the right word for this virtue. I do, however, see it as a virtue. Much of our culture (American) villifies or objectifies the body particularly the female body. Additionally as a consumer culture we've fallen out of touch with the act and satisfaction of creation. This virtue encourages us to reconnect with that primal joy and appreciate and embrace our physical bodies as we nurture and embrace the spiritual aspect of that physical self.