The Nature of Love, a book review:

The Nature of Love by Thomas J. Oord

I hate to start a review negatively but there is one aspect of the authors arguments that sets the tone for the book. Others may take my only major critique as a “feeling” rather than fact, but I cannot disassociate myself from the way a book makes me feel. His ideas would be much more approachable had Dr. Oord chosen to define the book with those theologies with which he agrees with rather than those he does not. While I realize that showing the way one disputes a theology can be an effective way to present ideas, is a little disconcerting that his arguments for the “ theology of love” are presented as disagreements.

That being said, he does make a convincing case that Christian theology, the church if you will, needs to return love as the center of their teachings. He makes the point that love (promoting the over-all well-being of others) is central to the works, teaching and ministry of Jesus Christ.

Using insightful definitions of the Greek words used in the Bible: “Agape (an intentional response to promote well-being when responding to that which has generated ill-being)”, “Eros (acting intentionally, in response to God and others, to promote overall well-being by affirming and/or seeking to enhance value )” and “Philia (acting intentionally, in response to God and others, to promote overall well-being by seeking to establish deeper levels of cooperative friendship)” he demonstrates love’s primacy in the Bible. He then goes on to offer a reason that the theologians have all but ignored it. Love is not an easy word in that we don’t all mean the same thing when we use it. Many feel they know love and yet no one has really articulated a good solid definition. Contrary to what media would have us believe, love is not a feeling so much as a chosen action.

Dr. Oord introduces us to his theology “Essential Kenosis” (kenosis being the Greek word for emptiness). Love is God's nature. God does not force us, He persuades us. Essential Kenosis provides that God loves us perfectly. It is against His nature to override the freedom of choice He gave us at creation (that, in itself, is an act of love, the giving of Himself). He knows of the evil in the world, He could do something about it, but does not because of this act of love, this freedom. The self-giving nature of God is the foundation for everything else there is to know and say about God.

While I did critique the style of the authors arguments, I would recommend this book for the insight into the nature of God and His relationship with us.
#SpeakEasyLove