Intimacy, Sexuality, and Love in Culture

Consider…

•What are some different types of love we commonly see in culture?•When seen through the eyes of our culture, love may become jaded. What factors contribute to love being seen as jaded?

The Five Kinds of Love

1. Hetaireia

• It is otherwise known as companionship love• It is the love that one has for an associate, a classmate, or a comrade in an adventure• It is the sharing of common interests or goals• Emotional closeness is not involved

2. Eros

• It is otherwise known as romantic or sexual love• It is a passionate, pleasurable, spontaneous, and instinctive kind of love

3. Storge

• It is otherwise known as family love• It is the love children have for their parents and parents have for their children• It is often not earned, and is often quite emotional, with deep attachments

4. Philia

• It is otherwise known as friendship love• It is the warm and tender affection felt between two friends• A love between friends is mutual and supportive

5. Agape

• It is otherwise known as unconditional or charity love• It is the highest form of love• It is not dependent on emotions•One wishes others well even when they do not do anything in return• It is a love that is willing to sacrifice• Jesus is an excellent model of agape love

Intimacy vs Sexuality

Intimacy• It is the close bond that exists

between human beings• Intimacy is always sexual, but

it does not necessarily involve having sexual relations• We cannot divide the spirit

from the body• Intimacy involves the whole

person

Sexuality• It is the force and energy

to be creative in response to life• We experience this force

both spiritually and bodily• It orients us to others• Sexuality underlies our

desire for love, friendship, community, and family

Textbook Work

• Read p. 118 (Christian Marriage: Where Eros and Agape Meet) and then answer the questions at the bottom of the page• Read p. 118-119 (Peter, do you love me?) and then answer the questions at the bottom of p. 119