A BRIEF SURVEY OF DIVINE LOVE IN HISTORICAL THEOLOGY
Plato’s Conception of Love
The purpose of this survey is to introduce the main themes and issues regarding divine
love and provide a glimpse of the long history that will offer context for this study. To serve this purpose, major figures have been selected that demonstrate the nature of the issues involved. The issue of divine love in systematic theology has a long history, including a discernible connection to Greek philosophy. Therefore, the roots of the discussion of divine love generally begin with Plato. At least three main points of Plato’s doctrine are essential to this study: (1) his ontology of the two worlds, the supersensible and sensible, especially the veneration of timelessness, simplicity, immutability, self-sufficiency, and perfection; (2) the notion of the highest love as rational desire for the Good, the proton philon; and (3) the prominence of insufficiency and need as conditions of desirous love, which is limited to human love in contrast to divine love.
This interpretation is referred to as "panentheism," which posits that God is both transcendent (existing beyond the world) and immanent (existing within the world). God is seen as intimately connected to and present in the world, while also surpassing it.
The messenger god referred to is Hermes, who is known for his speed and agility. The term "hermeneutics" can be traced back to this god due to the concept of interpretation and communication associated with Hermes.
The apostle who laid his head on Jesus' shoulder during the Last Supper was John. He is often referred to as the "disciple whom Jesus loved." This intimate gesture symbolized the close relationship between Jesus and John.
The law of God's covenant is often referred to as moral law, divine law, or simply God's law. It encompasses the ethical and moral principles that govern the relationship between God and humanity as defined in religious scriptures.
St. John the Apostle was one of Jesus' twelve disciples, often referred to as the "beloved disciple." He is traditionally believed to be the author of the Gospel of John, three epistles in the New Testament, and the Book of Revelation. St. John is also known for his close relationship with Jesus and his emphasis on love and spirituality in his writings.
A saved workbook is referred to as a file in Microsoft Excel. This file typically has a .xlsx extension and contains all the data, formatting, and calculations that have been input into the workbook.
The relationship of length to width in asbestos is referred to as the aspect ratio.
It is referred as a predator to prey relationship.
It is referred to as an interval.
This is referred to as the problem of cultural appropriation. It involves borrowing elements from a culture without understanding or respecting its significance, often resulting in misrepresentation or stereotypes.
A nonsexual relationship is often referred to as a platonic relationship.
A watershed case is a legal case that sets a precedent or marks a significant turning point in the interpretation or application of the law. It is often influential in shaping future decisions or laying the foundation for new legal standards.
The study and interpretation of tree discs in this manner is referred to as dendrochronology
the relationship era
parasite or predator
Social consciousness. This term represents the understanding and recognition that an individual's actions and beliefs are interconnected with the larger social context in which they exist. It involves being mindful of one's impact on society and being actively engaged in promoting social well-being and justice.
It is a problem of interpretation.
Such would be termed an incestuous relationship, and may be specifically referred to as an Oedipal relationship (after the Greek myth of Oedipus).