The Four Loves

By: C.S. Lewis

Libby audiobook 2 hours

Published: 1960 (this edition 2011)

Genre: non-fiction, theology

 

This was recommended by a speaker at April's Equip conference. I'm a fan of Lewis' writing, so I was curious to "read" it. I loved hearing Lewis read his own work, but I was less thrilled about Chuck Colson's commentary. Whenever I hear his voice, I think of Watergate and people in power who lie and cheat. I know he has his own story and strives to glorify God, but just the sound of his voice is repellent to me.

 

Lewis identifies four different types of love: storge (affection), philia (friendship), eros (romantic), and agape (charity - unconditional "God" love).  I confess I took very few notes, mostly just listening to his voice.

 

storge - (pronounced "store - ghee") - affection, especially between parents and children / family / pets! 

 

I liked his explanation of  "charity" as a kind of love. I love the sound of his voice.

 

At one point, I thought he was being old-fashioned (eros - that's fair), but then he talked about sex and sensuality as different from true eros love. It was fascinating. 

 

Eros - face to face / Philia - side by side

 

philia - NOT homosexuality / Inklings as an example

 

"I do not like Colson's blurbs between the different sections. Am I just too hard-hearted and judgmental?" (one of my notes)

 

philia - talked about less because some people do not experience it!

 

I'm so grateful for all the love in my life - all four types of love! I don't really have anything profound to say about this book, but it was interesting. The fact that he wrote this over sixty years ago and yet it is very much relevant says a lot.