Defining Love: A Philosophical, Scientific, and Theological Engagement

by Thomas Jay Oord

Overview

Some scientific studies suggest that human beings are innately selfish and that Christian virtues like self-sacrifice are a delusion. In this intriguing volume, esteemed theologian Thomas Jay Oord interprets the scientific research and responds from a theological and philosophical standpoint, providing a state-of-the-art overview of love and altruism studies. He offers a definition of love that is scientifically, theologically, and philosophically adequate. As Oord helps readers arrive at a clearer understanding of the definition, recipients, and forms of love, he mounts a case for Christian agape and ultimately for a loving God.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781587432576
Publisher:	Baker Publishing Group
Publication date:	06/01/2010
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Thomas Jay Oord (PhD, Claremont Graduate University) is ordained in the Church of the Nazarene. He taught for many years at Northwest Nazarene University. Oord is the author of Science of Love and the editor of The Altruism Reader.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments ix

Preface xiii

1 Love and the Science-and-Theology Symbiosis 1

2 Love's Diverse Forms and Multiple Recipients 31

3 Love and the Social Sciences 65

4 Love and the Biological Sciences 97

5 Love and Cosmology 137

6 A Theology of Love Informed by the Sciences 173

Author Index 213

Subject Index 219