On Tue, 13 Feb 2007 12:46:24 GMT, Short Wave Sportfishing
wrote:

Reginald P. Smithers III wrote:

Love is a many splendid thing.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

There are a number of different Greek words for love, as the Greek
language distinguishes how the word is used. Ancient Greek has three
distinct words for love: eros, philia, and agape. However, as with other
languages, it has been historically difficult to separate the meanings
of these words. Nonetheless, the senses in which these words were
generally used are given below.

Eros (???? ér?s) is passionate love, with sensual desire and longing.
The Modern Greek word "erotas" means "(romantic) love". Plato refined
his own definition. Although eros is initially felt for a person, with
contemplation it becomes an appreciation of the beauty within that
person, or even becomes appreciation of beauty itself. It should be
noted Plato does not talk of physical attraction as a necessary part of
love, hence the use of the word platonic to mean, "without physical
attraction". Plato also said Eros helps the soul recall knowledge of
beauty, and contributes to an understanding of spiritual truth. Lovers
and philosophers are all inspired to seek truth by eros. The most famous
ancient work on the subject of eros is Plato's Symposium, which is a
discussion among the students of Socrates on the nature of eros.

Philia (????? philía), means friendship in modern Greek, a dispassionate
virtuous love, was a concept developed by Aristotle. It includes loyalty
to friends, family, and community, and requires virtue, equality and
familiarity. In ancient texts, philia denoted a general type of love,
used for love between family, between friends, a desire or enjoyment of
an activity, as well as between lovers.

Agap? (????? agáp?) means "love" in modern day Greek. The term s'agapo
means "I love you" in Greek. The word "agapo" is the verb "I love". In
Ancient Greek it often refers to a general affection or concern, rather
than the physical attraction suggested by "eros"; agape is used in
ancient texts to denote feelings for a good meal, one's children, and
the feelings for a spouse. The verb appears in the New Testament
describing, amongst other things, the relationship between Jesus and the
beloved disciple. Many Christian scholars have consequently argued that
the verb's use in the New Testament is simply to describe God's love for
humanity (compare with Spinoza's amor intellectualis Dei, the
intellectual love of God). In the end, "agape" is differentiated from
"eros" above. In biblical literature, its meaning and usage is
illustrated by self-sacrificing, giving love to all--both friend and
enemy. The word "agape" is not always used in the New Testament in a
positive sense. II Timothy 4:10 uses the word in a negative sense. The
Apostle Paul writes,"For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this
present world...." The word "loved" here is a form of the root word
"agape". Thus the word "agape" is not always used of a divine love or
the love of God. Generally, in the New Testament it refers to a total
commitment or self-sacrificial love for the object loved. The word seems
to contain more of a mental or intellectual element than the other Greek
words for love. It is a rational love that is not based on total
self-interest. By this a Christian is required to love (agape) someone
who is not necessarily lovely or loveable. The Christian by God's grace
and mercy is required to "love" someone that he may not necessarily like
or love in the sense of having warm fuzzy emotional feelings toward. It
is a love that acts in the best interest of the other person. The
classic biblical text on this self-sacrificial love is the well-known
biblical verse, John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his
only begotten Son...." A Christian is required to love his enemies
("...Love your enemies..." Matthew 5:44). Thus, the Christian is
required always to do good and have the best interest of his enemies in
view when he acts.

Storge (?????? storg?) means affection in modern Greek; it is natural
affection, like that felt by parents for offspring. Rarely used in
ancient works, and then almost exclusively as a descriptor of
relationships within the family.

Tom, go back to bed. Put your Wikipedia under your pillow.
--
***** Have a super day! *****

John H