Our next class will be Sunday, November 17.
No class this Sunday.
Last time:
At our last class meeting, we began by reviewing four different kinds of love, or four different but related ideas that in English all go by the same name of "love"; the Greek names of storge (affection), philia (friendship), eros (romantic), and agape (self-giving) allow us to distinguish them easily. Note that these are different kinds of love. We also discussed how they may operate at four different levels, corresponding to the levels of happiness and success that we previously studied. As you might suspect, love at levels 3-4 is more challenging but also much more mature and fulfilling.
Next, we considered 6 principles that follow naturally from a Level 3 - 4 worldview. In other words, if one accepts that higher levels lead to greater personal happiness and fulfillment, then certain principles logically follow:
- Levels 3 and 4 are more worthy of our time and energy.
- Anything that makes us reject levels 3 and 4 in order to focus more on the lower levels should be avoided.
- Success is defined by how much we have made a difference to other people and how much we have surrendered to God.
- The highest quality of life comes from experiencing the love of human relationships and the love of God.
- True love seeks the ultimate good of the other person over lesser goods for oneself.
- The Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
These principles can be applied to all kinds of decisions and social issues. I explained our plan to understand and respond to issues beginning with the above 6 principles, and then adding more principles -- of reason, ethics, and justice -- as we continue our studies this year. Those will allow us to respond to more concerns, and more completely.
We also briefly went over definitions of key terms including abortion, euthanasia, and assisted suicide.
Finally, we began to listen to the audio drama of the play Robert & Emma: Choosing Andrew. Next time, we'll begin where we left off and find out what happens after Emma gets to the hospital.
Class handouts: "Six Principles," and "Choosing Andrew: Discussion Guide"
Homework:
- What steps could you (or anyone) take to get to living Level 4 Love?
- What could you do to help move the culture into L3 and L4 views of love?
Also, bring to class arguments that you have heard in support of abortion, euthanasia, or assisted suicide, especially ones that you would like help with answering. We will work out solid responses to them beginning next class.
If you missed the class or want to review, please see the information at the top of the resources post for this class. Some of the resources you'll find are:
- How much does God love you?
- An amazing video.
- Moving to a Level 4 view of success.
- Books where you can learn much more about the four kinds of love.
Class schedule:
The complete schedule is pinned at the top of the class blog.
As always, please feel free to contact me with questions or concerns.
Blessings,
Suchi / Mrs. Myjak