Explores diverse periods and examples from the theological and philosophical texts of figures such as Augustine, Luther, and Feuerbach to intellectual movements like Roman
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“Lindberg’s readable and enjoyable history is framed by an account of eros and agape.” (International Journal of Systematic Theology, 19 June 2015)
"Overall, Lindberg offers a significant work, one which will be helpful for pastors, seminarians, graduate students, and interested lay people." (Lutheran Quaterly, 2011) "Lindberg has written an excellent book that deserves a wide readership. Its vastness of scope is breathtaking and its selection of topics comprehensive.." (Reviews in Religion & Theology, 2010)
“Any scholar or general reader who wishes to grapple with the nature of love may find this book and its bibliography a fine place to start.” (The Catholic Historical Review, January 2009)
"A wonderful overview of the ways in which the theme of love has been presented and reflected upon from biblical times to the late 20th century." (Church Times, November 2008)
Table of Contents
Preface. 1. The Language of Love.
2. Biblical Views of Love.
3. A World Without Love? The Greco-Roman World and Early Christianity.
4. Caritas: The Augustinian Synthesis of Biblical Agape and Hellenistic Eros.
5. Love and the Individual: Abelard and Bernard.
6. Mystics and Troubadours.
7. Faith Formed by Love: Scholasticism.
8. Faith Active in Love: Reformation.
9. Love as Service: Pietism and the Diaconal Movements.
10. Love in the Modern World.
Conclusion: Concluding Unscientific Postscript.
Bibliography.
Index
