Lindsley speaks of the centrality of love to Jesus' message, not in general vague terms, but in concrete ways. He writes, "Love requires commitment, character, conscience, community and courage. ... Love is never sure apart from commitment. Love is never sane apart from conscience. Love is never safe apart from character. Love is never stimulated apart from community. Love is never seized apart from courage" (26).
Throughout the book, he spars with atheism and New Age philosophies. Atheism, rooted in autonomy, does not require us to commit ourselves to anything. Atheists may do so, but not because their philosophy compels them. Likewise, nothing in New Age spirituality compels them to love. If everything is essentially one, then nothing need change. Why concern oneself with the environment, since the world is nondistinct and illusory? Furthermore, no objective self exists to love. There is no separate ego to love. In fact, the ego itself is an illusion.
Christianity teaches that the world is real and good, though fallen, and that individuals are worthy of dignity, respect, and love. Christians may fall short of these truths, but their system calls them to a wholesome and firm love.
Leave a comment