The Prolegomena of Agapology -- an Emergent World Journal

  The Space Between Us   In Agaposofia, " the space between us " is interpreted as both a relational and ontological concept, deeply tied to love ( agape ) and the presence of the divine. This space is not a void but a dynamic field of grace, where the relational nature of human beings is revealed and fulfilled; depending upon the will and decisions made by persons in the encounter.   The Space as Sacred Ground The space between us is charged with potential divine energies (Grace), where the Logoi of each person meet. This intersection is not merely a ‘meeting of individuals’ but the contact moment and space between two or more persons; it is a participatory eikon of the relational life of the Holy Trinity, where love flows unceasingly between Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.   As beings created in the eikon theou (Image of God), this space becomes the arena for synergy —a co-working of human intentionality and divine action to realize unity in love.   ...

  Upward Emergence & Downward Immanence: Synergistic Growth in Agaposofia Introduction John Vervaeke’s concepts of upward emergence and downward immanence offer profound insights into human development and the nature of consciousness. In the philosophy of Agaposofia , these ideas are reinterpreted to reflect not only the progression from complexity to simplicity but also the dynamic synergistic relationship between humanity and the divine. Upward emergence signifies the journey from psychological complexity (rooted in early life experiences such as care and infancy) toward a greater simplicity and fuller consciousness . This ascent is supported by downward immanence , which represents the already-present divine grounding that sustains and guides this movement. Both processes are inherently interconnected, unfolding through synergistic intentionality , where human effort and divine grace cooperate in the ongoing journey toward theosis . Upward Emerge...

Phenomenological and Synergistic Intentionality: The Loci Phenomenological intentionality and synergistic intentionality both involve the directedness of human consciousness. However, they emerge from distinct frameworks and correspond to different aspects of human existence and experience. Below is an exploration of their respective loci and characteristics: Synergistic Intentionality and the Nous The Nous in Christian Understanding In Orthodox Christian theology, particularly within the Patristic tradition, the Nous is considered the highest faculty of the soul. It is not merely intellect or reason as understood in Western philosophy, but the spiritual intellect—the center of divine perception. The Nous is the locus of human relationality with God, uniquely capable of apprehending spiritual truths and participating in divine realities. Synergistic Intentionality in the Nous Synergistic intentionality, the cooperative dynamic between human freedom and divine grace, is inherent...

  Alterity, Ikon, and Love in Agaposofia In the philosophy of Agaposofia, the integration of Alterity, Ikon, and Love forms a cornerstone for understanding human relationality and ethical responsibility. Drawing upon the theological insights of Orthodox Patristics , the philosophical contributions of Relational Personalism and Existential Phenomenology , and parallels with the ethics of Emmanuel Levinas , this principle asserts that our interactions with the Other are rooted in recognizing their divine image— eikon theou . This perspective carries profound ethical implications, especially when framed within a dynamic relational ontology. Alterity: The Ethical Presence of the Other Alterity refers to the experience and acknowledgment of the Other as distinct, unique, and irreducible. Levinas profoundly reshaped the Western philosophical discourse on ethics by presenting the face of the Other as a summons to responsibility—a call to love and care that t...

The Concept of Care (Epimeleia) in Comparison to the Heideggerian Concept of Care (Sorge).  Concept of Care (Epimeleia) Definition: Epimeleia (ἐπιμέλεια) is a Greek term that refers to a deliberate, thoughtful, and active form of care or attention. It encompasses concern, responsibility, and the act of tending to something or someone with intentionality. It is often used to describe both personal care (self-care) and care for others, and it includes aspects of both physical and moral responsibility . Epimeleia can be understood in two primary dimensions: 1. Care for Oneself: This includes epimeleia heautou (care of oneself), which in Greek philosophy (particularly in Plato and Aristotle) refers to the responsibility of maintaining one's own well-being, both physically and spiritually. It involves wisdom, self-reflection, and ethical development, emphasizing the cultivation of virtues like temperance and courage. 2. Care for Others: This extends to the broader, more ...

Unknown Source Well, its more a Hierarchy than shades.  Hierarchy of Love 1. Theophila : Love for God, characterized by a deep, spiritual connection and devotion. 2. Self-Transcendent Love : Love that transcends personal desires and ego, connecting with something greater and fostering a sense of unity and interconnectedness. 3. Agape : Selfless, unconditional love that seeks the well-being of others without expecting anything in return. 4.   Altruism : Selfless concern for the well-being of others, often leading to acts of kindness and generosity. 5. Compassion : A deep awareness of and sympathy for another’s suffering, combined with a desire to alleviate it. 6.   Fidelity : Faithfulness and loyalty in relationships, often associated with commitment and trust. 7. Protectiveness : A strong desire to protect and care for someone, often seen in parental or close relationships. 8. Pragma : Practical or enduring love, often seen in long-term relationships where partners work t...