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The Four Loves Review

I'll admit that I haven't read a ton of work by Lewis, but of the work I have read, The Four Loves felt the most scholarly, moreso even than my recollections of Mere Christianity. In The Four Loves, Lewis breaks down the concept of love and analyzes it from a moral and Christian perspective.

He uses familiar scholarly concepts from Plato's day by breaking love into the same four main segments that the Greeks used: Affection, Friendship, Eros and Charity. He adds to this the Christian scriptural reference that "God is Love" and then explores the religious aspects of love.

Some of the scholarly breakdown twisted my brain a little bit and took multiple readings to try and untangle...as he expounded on "Need Love" versus "Gift Love", I was right there with him, but when he started putting forth various in-depth analysis between Venus (sexuality) and Eros (romantic 'being in love'), things started to get muddled...and when he broke into the chapter on Charity, there were a number of theoretical and rhetorical leaps that were difficult for me to follow at times.

Overall though and in spite of moments of confusion, the general message of the book was good and well presented. He provided great insight into the differences between each of the categories presented. The concept of Affection vs Friendship in terms of what makes a 'real friend' was rather intriguing, especially as he continued his examples through love's progression to show how and why friendships are formed or fail to be formed, how and why friendships can grow into romantic relationships or not, and what aspect Charity plays in all of this.

As with Lewis's other books, there is plenty of theological discussion going on. I don't agree with everything he had to say, which is fine, but I think he made some great points. During the last chapter or so as he speaks on Charity, he provides some great nuggets for us to think on as we think about our own charitable behaviors. He also talks about the idea of Charity being both a 'need love' and a 'gift love' and that as we engage in that paradox, we are growing nearer to God's love.

I enjoyed the message of the book and the well thought out and well expressed arguments Lewis makes. The tone of the book was a little too scholarly at times which made it occasionally hard to read (since I've just finished school and am enjoying the break *grin*).

Still, I really like Lewis's insights, research and writing. I enjoyed "Mere Christianity" and "Screwtape" and I'm looking into a few of his other 'theological'/'scholarly' works. He has a nice style and presents great messages without being overly preachy.

****
3.5 out of 5 stars

The Four Loves Overview

In his classic book The Four Loves, Lewis describes the four basic kinds of human love--affection, friendship, erotic love, and the love of God. Since this is the only commercial recording of C. S. Lewis that is available today, fans of his writing will desire to add this impressive recording to their collection.

While Lewis's writings have impacted more evangelical Christians than perhaps any other writer, this audio product of the author's reading of this classic book will undoubtedly expand the theological understanding of the nature of love to a much wider audience. He explores the love between parents and children, the love of friends, the love of men and women for each other, and the love of God that may enrich all love. He also goes in-depth into questions of sex, possessiveness, jealousy, pride, false sentimentality, manners in loving, and the need for more laughter between lovers.

Lewis's wise and candid reflections on the virtues and dangers of love draw on sources from Jane Austen to Saint Augustine.

This recording features a new audio introduction and commentary by Chuck Colson.

The CD will also include a study guide--perfect for individual or group use.

The Four Loves Specifications

The Four Loves summarizes four kinds of human love--affection, friendship, erotic love, and the love of God. Masterful without being magisterial, this book's wise, gentle, candid reflections on the virtues and dangers of love draw on sources from Jane Austen to St. Augustine. The chapter on charity (love of God) may be the best thing Lewis ever wrote about Christianity. Consider his reflection on Augustine's teaching that one must love only God, because only God is eternal, and all earthly love will someday pass away:

Who could conceivably begin to love God on such a prudential ground--because the security (so to speak) is better? Who could even include it among the grounds for loving? Would you choose a wife or a Friend--if it comes to that, would you choose a dog--in this spirit? One must be outside the world of love, of all loves, before one thus calculates.

His description of Christianity here is no less forceful and opinionated than in Mere Christianity or The Problem of Pain, but it is far less anxious about its reader's response--and therefore more persuasive than any of his apologetics. When he begins to describe the nature of faith, Lewis writes: "Take it as one man's reverie, almost one man's myth. If anything in it is useful to you, use it; if anything is not, never give it a second thought." --Michael Joseph Gross

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Customer Reviews

Interesting book, makes you think. - Haley -
The Four Loves by CS Lewis has taken me a while to get through but is very interesting and challenging. CS lewis is a very deep thinker.

Kindle Version not edited after OCR - William Lueg - Fort Worth, TX USA
I'm trying to read what should be an excellent book on my Kindle Reader on my iPhone 4. The punctuation is missing on half the sentences. For a paragraph or two, this might be readable, but I can't do this for a whole book! I'm sending it back if possible.

Great book. Dreadful ebook! Truly pathetic work by the publisher. - J. Motter - Atlanta, GA
I am excited every time a book by C.S. Lewis is released in either Kindle or Apple iBook format. Make no mistake: THIS IS A GREAT BOOK. I would give C.S. Lewis 10 stars for the original writing, if possible. However, Mariner Books recent release of this as a Kindle book is absolutely dreadful!

By the time I read just the first few pages I had found SO MANY typos that it is wholly distracting. Countless sentences lack a period at the end. Many words are improperly capitalized or hyphenated. It is patently obvious, Mariner Books did not assign anyone to proofread this text prior to its release in ebook format. It is shameful, and an affront to the great man's legacy.

MARINER, STEP UP TO YOUR RESPONSIBILITY AS A PUBLISHER! FIX THIS AND ISSUE AN UPDATE TO ALL WHO PURCHASE THIS BOOK!

AMAZON, HOLD YOUR EBOOK PROVIDERS ACCOUNTABLE FOR PRODUCT QUALITY!
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UPDATE

When I first submitted my review (above) it was the ONLY review for the Kindle version. Since then Amazon has buried my review among a tidal wave of older hard copy reviews. Amazon, this is inappropriate!!!

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Sep 08, 2010 01:19:05

Books Religion & Spirituality

Tuesday, September 7, 2010