Theological ~ The Two Intersecting Paths of Eros and Agape

Per Pope Benedict XVI's "Deus Caritas Est," the two primary facets of love (eros/agape), are made for each other.

Here, additional thoughts on their ultimate unity, particularly in the light of many "paths to holiness."

"Paths to holiness".....

The idea that if we undertake anything and truly strive to do it well, we will ultimately find and know God in the process, for only in our relationship with Him can we succeed at and understand the various undertakings of life.

Let's say we start out on the path of eros, and truly seek to satisfy our desires. This is the path of nature, the gentile, the Greek (in New Testament language). After some exploration, we will come to recognize deeper, inexplicable desires that transcend our known, temporal existence. Pursuing these will likely require sacrifice. The choice to pursue will be ours. We may look to "religious" people for inspiration.

Or, we could start out on the path of agape. Traditionally, this is the path of religion and self-denial. We will discover that doing the will of God involves living life well. We can't "skip" nature, though we may try to in a spirit of misguided piety. No, we must grow in natural virtue. We must cultivate those desires that connect us meaningfully to creation, whom we are called to love and serve. We may look to "the gentile" for inspiration.

No matter where we start out in life and what life path we choose, to live well, we will need to mature in the fullness of truth, which is love. We will need to mature in both eros and agape.