Dear TRA Families,
I’m not a charismatic person and I can’t say I have ever had a word from the Lord. But I did have an epiphany recently, and the more I have ruminated on it, the more I think is an interesting theory. It has to do with our current world and all the craziness that is modern day. I wonder if you will agree with me. But before I give you my theory - let me ask you a question:
What do you believe is the single biggest problem in America today?
I believe the single biggest problem in America today is that we have adopted a wrong view of love (I know, appropriately themed on Valentines day, right?), and I think I know how we got here.
In his book The Abolition of Man, C.S. Lewis criticizes a trend he sees in the textbooks of his day. What he observes is that textbook authors (likely unknowingly) had begun to replace objective language with language that instead appealed to subjective feelings and emotions. Lewis argues that this subtle change will result in the “Abolition of Man.” And while Lewis’ argument applies to more than just the notion of love, I believe his observations of the trend in his day are a definite cause of trends in our current day—especially around the concept of love.
In this image by Raphael which we have looked at the past few weeks, I find the depiction of charity (love) very interesting. Charity is depicted by the little Putti (much like a cherub, but without wings) which is gathering fruit from the tree in order to give it to Fortitude (who is likely preparing for a battle).
According to Raphael, love (charity) is doing something on behalf of the other and not the self. In other words, love traditionally—and I would argue biblically—is fundamentally self sacrificial. The Apostle Paul would agree when he says, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.” (I Corinthians 13:4-8)
Notice how all the language is oriented toward others and not the self.
If our modern understanding of love was that it was fundamentally self-sacrificing, would some of the trends we are seeing in our modern day be different? C.S. Lewis believed that a move away from objective to subjective language, feelings-based language in education would lead to a number of negative consequences, which would ultimately result in the downfall of society.
I can’t help but wonder if our modern sense of love as a feeling more than an act which sacrifices oneself is a byproduct of this trend which started almost a century ago.
I am grateful we are seeking to reclaim a biblical view of love here at The River Academy.
Have a great week!
Eric
