Eros, Philia und Agape

Nowadays, many people find it difficult to understand the Christian concept of love because, in modern times, the term love is primarily associated with erotic love. Since love plays a central role in Christianity, this also leads to a sense of alienation from the Christian worldview in society. Therefore, this work aims to explore the roots of the Christian concept of love in order to make it, and consequently the Christian understanding of God, more comprehensible. Because the Christian understanding of love has been shaped not only by the Bible but also by the Church Fathers and Greek philosophy, it will be important to examine Eros according to Plato, philia according to Aristotle, the meaning of 'ahab in the Old Testament and agape in the New Testament, as well as the understanding of amor, caritas, and dilectio according to Augustine. Ultimately, an attempt will be made to create a synthesis.