The orthodox approach to human love
Article summary proposed by the Contacts review with LLM assistance
This article is the transcript of a paper by the Greek theologian and philosopher Christos Yannaras, presented at a conference in Saint-Laurent-sur-Sèvre. The author develops a reflection on the nature of love from the perspective of Orthodox theology. The central idea is the distinction between love as a natural impulse and love as a mode of existence, in the image of the Trinitarian God. Yannaras shows that the Johannine definition "God is Love" grounds an ontology of the person that is irreducible to any sentimental or individualistic morality. Drawing on the Church Fathers, particularly Saint Maximus the Confessor, he articulates eros and agape, apophaticism and pastoral care, obedience and freedom. The major theological contribution lies in the critique of the confusion between natural love and ecclesial love, illustrated through a rereading of the sacrament of marriage and spiritual direction practices.
This article has not been translated yet — it is available in its French version here.
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