Love: A Brief History Through Western Christianity

Love in all its guises has been debated since the beginning of recorded history. Its fascinating evolution in Western culture is traced here in this concise history; one which spans the depth and complexity of this elusive topic. By examining the significant lives, works, and movements associated with love, this enlightening little book contributes valuable insights into one of history’s most inexhaustible and timeless topics. From the theological and philosophical texts of figures such as Augustine, Luther, and Feuerbach to intellectual movements like Romanticism and tragic historic figures like Abelard and Heloise, Love: A Brief History Through Western Christianity propels the reader across 3,000 years of the idea of love.

Preface. 1. The Language of Love. 2. Biblical Views of Love. 3. A World Without Love? The Greco–Roman World and Early Christianity. 4. Caritas: The Augustinian Synthesis of Biblical Agape and Hellenistic Eros. 5. Love and the Individual: Abelard and Bernard. 6. Mystics and Troubadours. 7. Faith Formed by Love: Scholasticism. 8. Faith Active in Love: Reformation. 9. Love as Service: Pietism and the Diaconal Movements. 10. Love in the Modern World. Conclusion: Concluding Unscientific Postscript. Bibliography. Index

Carter Lindberg is Professor Emeritus of Church History at Boston University School of Theology. He is the author of numerous books, including A Brief History of Christianity (2005), The Pietist Theologians (2004), The Reformation Theologians (2001), and The European Reformations (1995), all published by Wiley–Blackwell.

"Overall, Lindberg offers a significant work, one which will be helpful for pastors, seminarians, graduate students, and interested lay people." (Lutheran Quaterly, 2011) "Lindberg has written an excellent book that deserves a wide readership. Its vastness of scope is breathtaking and its selection of topics comprehensive.." ( Reviews in Religion & Theology , 2010)"The text is a model of a clear and elegant prose.... [Readers] will find numerous insights in this short but informative publication." ( Journal for the study of Marriage & Spirituality , Autumn 2009) “Any scholar or general reader who wishes to grapple with the nature of love may find this book and its bibliography a fine place to start.” ( The Catholic Historical Review , January 2009) "A wonderful overview of the ways in which the theme of love has been presented and reflected upon from biblical times to the late 20th century." ( Church Times , November 2008)