The Nature of Love: A TheologyGod is love. Consequently, shouldn't love exist at the center of Christian theology? When love is at the center, theology is understood differently than it has typically been understood. Some theologians have placed faith at the center, others God's sovereignty, still others-the Church, but Dr. Oord places the emphasis on love. God's love for us, revealed in Christ, in the Church, and in creation, and our love for God and others as ourselves-must be afforded its rightful place. Beginning with the foundation of "love" is what differentiates the Christian faith from others.a loving God. Dr. Oord defines love as: "To love is to act intentionally, in sympathetic/empathetic response to God and others, to promote overall well-being." Is this not what has defined Christians throughout history? |
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action adequate theology Agape and Eros Anders Nygren argues Augustine Augustine's believe Bible biblical witness biblical writers Christian love Christian theology claim Clark Pinnock coerce coercion coercive covenant created creatio ex nihilo creation theology creaturely freedom creaturely love David Ray Griffin define love definition of love divine love doctrine eschatology Essential Kenosis theology everlastingly express love form of love God’s God's love God's nature Grand Rapids human Ibid idea intentionally Jesus Christ John kenotic love commands love for creation love requires love the world loves creation loves creatures Moved Mover nature is love necessarily loves Neoplatonic Old Testament Open theology Paul philia philosophy Press prevenient grace prevent genuine evil problem of evil Process theology promote overall well-being promoting well-being relation relationship response resurrection says Pinnock self-limited steadfast love Theodicy theologians theology of love things Thomas Jay Oord time-full timeless tradition Trinity word