C.S. Lewis addresses himself to the classical distinctions of love, linking them loosely at times to the four words used for love in the New Testament. But while his book is based in Christian theology, his discussion of the four loves is eminently practical. Through observations of the various virtues and pitfalls of each experience of love, Lewis provides important food for thought to a culture that is starving for love while being inundated with lust.

The reading is not necessarily as... (show more)

C.S. Lewis addresses himself to the classical distinctions of love, linking them loosely at times to the four words used for love in the New Testament. But while his book is based in Christian theology, his discussion of the four loves is eminently practical. Through observations of the various virtues and pitfalls of each experience of love, Lewis provides important food for thought to a culture that is starving for love while being inundated with lust.

The reading is not necessarily as accessible as some of his other works, but is no less insightful. Drawing on allusions from classical literature, pagan mythology and the Bible, Lewis traverses a good summary of our various experiences of love. The book becomes a valuable mirror of sorts for how we experience and engage in love.

At times however, Lewis' rich knowledge of pagan mythology comes in a bit inappropriately. In his treatment of eros, he likens the act of intercourse to some sort of re-enactment of pagan concepts of a Sky-Father and Earth-Mother, with man and woman assuming relative roles of dominance and submissiveness accordingly at an instinctual level. However, from a Biblical perspective, this is hardly a necessary or appropriate allusion. If mankind has devised many ways of talking about fertility, it does not mean that these are proper or appropriate, perverting in some ways great or small the fertility and creativity ultimately found in the triune God alone. I would have thought a much more appropriate analogy would have been that of the New Testament description of the Church as the bride of Christ, and how Paul asserts that this relationship is mirrored in a marital relationship.

Lewis does a good job of distinguishing the physicality of eros from the emotion as a whole, something that has been almost completely lost in contemporary culture. His analysis of affection and friendship are also very helpful since these relationships are often culturally neglected or denigrated in our imbalanced emphasis on eros.

While some may find this book less appreciable than Lewis' other, more overtly theological works, this remains a valuable and eminently practical guide to the various relationships we find ourselves in throughout our lives. Any field guide for how to better navigate a myriad of different relationships is much needed in my opinion! (show less)

This is an ancient book, a single essay by Francis Schaeffer on the troubling advent of man's ability - and growing inclination - to tweak with himself via technology. Written in 1971 as breakthrough's in technology were allowing eggs to be fertilized outside the womb, Francis ponders the possibilities that someday women might pay other women to bear their children for them. We know this today as surrogate maternity.

This little essay highlights the disturbing assumptions of leading scient... (show more)

This is an ancient book, a single essay by Francis Schaeffer on the troubling advent of man's ability - and growing inclination - to tweak with himself via technology. Written in 1971 as breakthrough's in technology were allowing eggs to be fertilized outside the womb, Francis ponders the possibilities that someday women might pay other women to bear their children for them. We know this today as surrogate maternity.

This little essay highlights the disturbing assumptions of leading scientists of the day - assumptions which more and more are becoming the point of view of the ordinary citizen thanks to constant, intentional exposure to specific worldviews and attitudes, while at the same time deliberate marginalization or exclusion of contrary opinions. if the possibilities available to us today in genetic modifications of the unborn child disturb you, you will find good company in the outrage and fear that Shaeffer expresses in 1971.

However, be forewarned that fear and outrage have causes, and causes can be analyzed and intellectually examined, and that is what this essay does. Similar to his other writings, Schaeffer keenly dissects the philosophical implications, whether implied or directly stated, in the assumption of some that mankind is nothing more than a machine, or a complex collection of electro-chemical reactions. He analyzes the paths such assumptions will inevitably lead people and society towards. You should find the scenery fairly familiar, as we have continued down some of these dangerous paths for close to 40 years.

As relevant today as it was almost 40 years ago, this small essay should give liberal and conservative Christians intellectual reason to seriously pause before aping the pop-science mantras of our day - or any day. (show less)