Abstract

The article approaches the phenomenon of love from a theoretical perspective in which the interconnectedness of religions is constitutive of every religion, including Christianity, in its relative singularity. It explores a historical context in which Christianity with its unique message of love does not stand alone among the religions of the world, and a theoretical context that could account for that historical context, without abandoning or diluting the Christian vision, but enriching it, adding depth to the notion ‘Christianity’ in its most essential sense. The argument is developed by first introducing seven religious perspectives on love. This is followed by metaphysical-mystical reflections in which the concept ‘Infinitude’ features. The argument proceeds concentrically outwards, starting from Christianity as centre, seen as one magnificent dewdrop reflecting an infinite net of interdependence.

Highlights

  • In Christian mysticism the Holy One is Love and the process of human sanctification is growth in love

  • This article will view the Christian vision of love, as exemplified in St Bernard of Clairvaux (1090–1153), in a perspective in which the interconnectedness of religions is not a tentative addon, but a point of departure, constitutive of Christianity and its notion of love

  • It will explore a historical context in which Christianity with its unique message of love does not stand alone among the religions of the world, and a theoretical context that could account for that historical context, without abandoning or diluting the Christian vision, but enriching it, adding depth to the notion ‘Christianity’ in its most essential sense

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Summary

Original Research

Read online: Scan this QR code with your smart phone or mobile device to read online. The article approaches the phenomenon of love from a theoretical perspective in which the interconnectedness of religions is constitutive of every religion, including Christianity, in its relative singularity. It explores a historical context in which Christianity with its unique message of love does not stand alone among the religions of the world, and a theoretical context that could account for that historical context, without abandoning or diluting the Christian vision, but enriching it, adding depth to the notion ‘Christianity’ in its most essential sense. The argument is developed by first introducing seven religious perspectives on love This is followed by metaphysical-mystical reflections in which the concept ‘Infinitude’ features. The argument proceeds concentrically outwards, starting from Christianity as centre, seen as one magnificent dewdrop reflecting an infinite net of interdependence

Introduction
St Bernard of Clairvaux
Open Access
Hasdai Crescas
Jalaluddin Rumi
Avatamsaka Sutra
San religion
Theoretical context

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