The Four Loves, by C.S. Lewis
AGAPE – “Godly love,” Storge, Philia, and Eros are not self-sufficient in and of themselves. Decency and commonsense to goodness to one particular relationship, only God can sustain love.
EROS – “between man and woman,” that part that is unique to humans, beyond biological impulse (though not excluding it), two as one in heart and mind.
PHILIA – “friendship,” the most un-natural of the loves, the least needed and recognized, and real friendship is rare!
STORGE – “affection,” as a parent to a child or a person to their pet. It is the humblest, most modest and comfortable of the loves.
"To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly be broken." C.S. Lewis
For most it is not a struggle between loves and which love will get our attention, but between ourselves and love.
P.S. Listen to a recording of Prof. Lewis reading "The Four Loves." It is always good to hear the author speak.
In Christ's love,
Fr. Robert Pax
