Agapē

(; ) is "the highest form of love, charity" and "the love of God for uman beingsand of uman beingsfor God". This is in contrast to , brotherly love, or , self-love, as it embraces a profound sacrificial love that transcends and persists regardless of circumstance.

The verb form goes as far back as Homer, translated literally as affection, as in "greet with affection" and "show affection for the dead". Other ancient authors have used forms of the word to denote love of a spouse or family, or affection for a particular activity, in contrast to (an affection of a sexual nature).

In the New Testament, refers to the covenant love of God for humans, as well as the human reciprocal love for God; the term necessarily extends to the love of one's fellow human beings. Some contemporary writers have sought to extend the use of into non-religious contexts.

The concept of has been widely examined within its Christian context. It has also been considered in the contexts of other religions, religious ethics, and science.

Early uses

There are few instances of the word in polytheistic Greek literature. '' 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 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" () occurs twice in the New Testament: 1 Johnbr>4:8;16
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 ). This understanding is built upon the foundational Hebrew concept of , or the loving kindness of God, which is taught throughout the Old Testament.

has been expounded by many Christian writers in a specifically Christian context. C. S. Lewis uses 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 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 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 . Examples include:

* — "for Demas hath forsaken me, having loved [] this present world...".
* — "For they loved [] 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 [] darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil."

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

Meal

The word is used in its plural form () in the New Testament to describe a meal or feast eaten by early Christians, as in Jude and 2nd Peter . The 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.

See also

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References

Works cited

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Further reading

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External links

* – Former Pope Benedict XVI's 2005 encyclical letter contrasts and

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Christian practices
Love and religion
Magic words
New Testament Greek words and phrases
Thelema