This paper presents a critical review of C.S. Lewis’ work on the various forms of love.
The paper begins by listing Lewis’ four types of love – affection, friendship, romantic love and charity, and by emphasizing that no form of natural love can outlive charity (Agape), the love that comes from God as divine. It outlines the main theme of the book and distinguishes between these forms of love using quotes from the book to illustrate its points. Next the paper turns to the philosophy of divine love (love from God) a form different to all other types of love. It explores why it is the most important form of love for the spiritual development of an individual. It looks at the love relationship between God and man, elucidating how a healthy relationship involves need on the part of humans; and explains how a relationship with God, not based on need, could be perilous.
Table of Contents
The Theme
Distinguishing the Forms of Love
The Philosophy of Divine Love
The Element of Need
A Human’s Love for God without Need
Conclusion
Table of Contents
The Theme
Distinguishing the Forms of Love
The Philosophy of Divine Love
The Element of Need
A Human’s Love for God without Need
Conclusion
The Four Loves by C.S. Lewis focuses to develop the reader’s comprehension of the various forms of love. Explaining from the biblical, as well as the modern perspective, Lewis enlightens that there are four forms of love: affection, friendship, romantic love and charity. In Greek, the affection between people and for things is called Storge; fraternal love and friendship is known as Phileo; Eros is the name given to romantic or sexual love; and charity or the love of God, in its divinity is termed Agape. With straightforwardness and cordiality, C.S. Lewis elucidates the ambiguity in one of the most shared and influential experience of human relationships. Lewis emphasizes that no form of natural love can outlive without Agape, the love that comes from God as divine.”