Agape

Early uses

Liddell–Scott–Jones (LSJ) Lexicon lists many instances of the word grc in polytheistic Greek literature. Three basic descriptions appear: (1) "greet with affection," (2) to be fond of, prize, desire," and (3) "to be well pleased, contented."LSJllh/lwn&d=Perseus:text:1999.01.0175:text=Lysis:section=215a&i=1#lexicon) Also, Bauer's Lexicon mentions a sepulchral inscription, most likely to honor a polytheistic army officer held in "high esteem" by his country.

Christianity

The word grc received a broader usage under later Christian writers as the word that specifically denoted Christian love or charity (), or even God himself. The expression "God is love" (ὁ θεὸς ἀγάπη ἐστίν) occurs twice in the New Testament: 1 John 4:8;16. grc was also used by the early Christians to refer to the self-sacrificing love of God for humanity, which they were committed to reciprocating and practicing towards God and among one another (see grc). This understanding is built upon the foundational Hebrew concept of he, or the loving kindness of God, which is taught throughout the Old Testament.

grc has been expounded by many Christian writers in a specifically Christian context. C. S. Lewis uses grc in The Four Loves to describe what he believes is the highest variety of love known to humanity: a selfless love that is passionately committed to the well-being of others.

The Christian use of the term comes directly from the canonical Gospels' accounts of the teachings of Jesus. When asked what was the great commandment, "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." () In Judaism, the first "love the thy God" is part of the Shema (), while the second "love thy neighbour as thyself" is a commandment from .

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said:

Tertullian remarks in his 2nd century defense of Christians that Christian love attracted pagan notice: "What marks us in the eyes of our enemies is our loving kindness. 'Only look,' they say, 'look how they love one another (Apology 39).

Anglican theologian O. C. Quick writes that grc within human experience is "a very partial and rudimentary realization," and that "in its pure form it is essentially divine."

In the New Testament, the word grc is often used to describe God's love. However, other forms of the word are used in an accusatory context, such as the various forms of the verb grc. Examples include:

• — "for Demas hath forsaken me, having loved [grc] this present world...".
• — "For they loved [grc] the praise of men more than the praise of God."
• — "And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved [grc] darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil."

Karl Barth distinguishes grc from grc on the basis of its origin and depth of devotion without want. With grc, humanity does not merely express its nature, but transcends it. grc identifies with the interests of the neighbor "in utter independence of the question of his attractiveness" and with no expectation of reciprocity.

Meal

Main article: Agape feast

The word grc is used in its plural form (grc) in the New Testament to describe a meal or feast eaten by early Christians, as in Jude and 2nd Peter . The grc love feast is still observed by many Christian denominations today, especially among Brethren and other Plain, Anabaptist churches. For example, among the Old Order River Brethren and Old Brethren, a weekend is still set aside twice a year for special meetings, self examination and a communal Love Feast as part of their three-part Communion observance.

Thelema

In Thelema, a new religious movement developed by Aleister Crowley in the early 20th century, the term agape holds significant importance. Derived from Greek, agape traditionally denotes a selfless, unconditional love. In Thelemic practice, agape represents the highest form of love and is often associated with True Will and the central tenet of the religion: "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law. Love is the law, love under will." Within this context, agape is seen as the expression of one's divine will and the harmony of individual purpose with universal love. It encompasses both love for others and the self, transcending personal desires and attachments. In Thelemic rituals, the term is invoked to cultivate a sense of unity, compassion, and spiritual connection among practitioners.

References

Works cited

References

1. (1901). "A Greek-English Lexicon". Clarendon Press.
2. (2011). "agape".
3. Nygren, Anders. (1953). "Eros and Agape". Harper & Row.
4. Templeton, John. (1999). "Agape Love: Tradition In Eight World Religions". Templeton Foundation Press.
5. (1996). "For the Love of God: Agape". Journal of Religious Ethics.
6. (2001). "A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature". University of Chicago Press.
7. Quick, O.C.. (1938). "Doctrines of the Creed". Charles Scribner's Sons.
8. (1958). "Church Dogmatics".
9. (2018). "Thelema: An Introduction to the Life, Work & Philosophy of Aleister Crowley". [[Llewellyn Worldwide]].