The Prolegomena of Agapology -- an Emergent World Journal

 taken from Chapter 5 of The Mystical Theology of the Eastern Church ( St Vladimir's Seminary Press: Crestwood, New York, 1976 - pp. 91-113. ) Our Identity as Relational Beings It is often forgotten that the creation of the world is not a truth of a philosophical order, but rather an article of faith. Ancient philosophy knows nothing of creation in the absolute sense of the word; the demiurge of Plato is not a creator-God, but rather an ordainer of the universe, a craftsman, a fashioner of the kosmos, a word itself implying order and comeliness. 'Being' in Hellenistic thought signifies existence in some ordered manner, the possession of an essence . The demiurge creates substances giving form to amorphous matter which exists eternally and independently of himself as a chaotic and unqualifiable mass, capable of receiving every possible form and quality. In itself, matter is thus non-being, a pure potentiality of being , of becoming something; it is [the  Relative Non-Being]...

According to the Christian faith “the greatest virtue is love” (1 Cor 13.13). Love is the “fulfilling of the law” of God (Rom 13.10). For God Himself is Love. Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God, and he who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God; for God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent His only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the expiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No man has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and His love is perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His own Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent His Son as the Savior of the World. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. ...

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...

   “. . .as you love yourself” What does this mean to love neighbors as we love ourselves ?  Does this phrase insinuate a self-centered love?  No. Of course not! The phrase “ Love your neighbors as you love yourself ” emphasizes a love that is deeply rooted in selfless care and compassion . This love is not about self-indulgence but about recognizing the inherent value and dignity of every person -- including ourselves -- as created in the image of God. Here are some key points from this lesson: Practical Care: Loving oneself means taking care of one’s basic needs (e.g., eating when hungry, resting when tired). Similarly, loving your neighbor involves actively addressing their needs and ensuring their well-being. Self-Respect and Gratitude: One should love oneself by being faithful to God and grateful for the life given. This self-love is about recognizing one’s unique importance in the eyes of God and extending that same recognition to others. Moderation and Balan...

Applications of Agaposofia Agaposofia, rooted in selfless, unconditional love (agape), offers profound insights and practical tools for personal, communal, and societal transformation. Here are its key applications: Personal Relationships   Practice of Selfless Love: Agaposophy inspires individuals to embrace empathy, compassion, and understanding in interactions with family, friends, partners, and strangers. Fostering Meaningful Connections: By prioritizing unconditional love, individuals cultivate deeper, more authentic relationships, grounded in mutual respect and care.   Community Building   Supportive Environments: Agaposophy advocates for inclusive and uplifting community dynamics, especially through faith-based initiatives and grassroots efforts. Service to the Marginalized: It emphasizes volunteerism and community service, particularly aimed at supporting those most vulnerable in society. Conflict Resolution   Empathetic Approaches: Agaposophy encourages...

What is Agaposofia? Amo, ergo sum — I love, therefore I Am Introduction   "Wisdom cannot be divorced from love" finds its fullest expression in the concept of the Wisdom of Love—a harmony where understanding and compassion unite in a life-giving synergy. In this vision, wisdom is not merely intellectual acuity or practical skill, but a relational knowledge that flows from love and is oriented toward the good of the Other. The Wisdom of Love affirms that love, when infused with wisdom, becomes intentional and discerning, avoiding sentimentality or impulsiveness. Conversely, wisdom, when imbued with love, transcends calculation and becomes transformative, capable of illuminating the truth in a way that edifies and heals. Together, they reflect the divine Logos, where love (Agape) and wisdom (Sophia) coalesce as the foundation of all creation and human purpose. In Agaposofia, this integration is seen as essential to authentic relational being. The Wisdom of Love is a partici...

The Fundamental Values of Agaposofia As a form of Personalism: Agapic Ontological Personalism The philosophy of Agaposofia, or Agapic Ontological Personalism, is founded upon values that illuminate the divine and relational nature of human existence. These fundamental values can be summarized as follows: 1. Selfless Love (Agape) Agaposofia places agape —selfless, unconditional love—at the core of personal and communal life. This love inspires compassion, empathy, and altruism, guiding individuals to act with a genuine concern for the well-being of others. Agape transcends self-interest, fostering harmonious relationships and mutual care.  Not everyone is capable of true agape  but everyone in their journey is at one degree or another upon the Spectrum of Love. 2. Human Dignity Every human being possesses inherent worth and dignity as a reflection of the eikon theou (image of God). Agaposofia calls for deep respect for this divine imprint within each person, regardless...