Agape ( or ; Classical Greek: ἀγάπη, ''agápē''; Modern ) is one of the Greek words translated into English as love, one which became particularly appropriated in Christian theology as the love of God or Christ for mankind. Many have thought that this word represents divine, unconditional, self-sacrificing, active, volitional, and thoughtful love. Although the word does not have specific religious connotation, the word has been used by a variety of contemporary and ancient sources, including Biblical authors and Christian authors. Thomas Jay Oord has defined ''agape'' as "an intentional response to promote well-being when responding to that which has generated ill-being." In his book, ''The Pilgrimage'', author Paulo Coelho defines it as "the love that consumes," i.e., the highest and purest form of love, one that surpasses all other types of affection. Contemporary philosopher Slavoj Žižek refers to it as "political love." Greek philosophers at the time of Plato and other ancient authors have used forms of the word to denote love of a spouse or family, or affection for a particular activity, in contrast to philia (an affection that could denote friendship, brotherhood or generally non-sexual affection) and eros, an affection of a sexual nature.

Although some sources claim ''agape'' appears in the ''Odyssey'' twice, the word is in fact not used there. Instead, two forms of the word ''agape'' may be found: ''agapêton'' and ''agapazomenoi''. ''Agapêton'' is found in Book 5 of the ''Odyssey'' and means "beloved" or "well-loved". ''Agapazomenoi'' is found in books 7 and 17 of the ''Odyssey'' and means “to treat with affection.”

The verb ''agapao'' is used extensively in the Septuagint as the translation of the common Hebrew term for love which is used to show affection for husband/wife and children, brotherly love, and God's love for humanity. It is uncertain why ''agapao'' was chosen, but similarity of consonant sounds (aḥava) may have played a part. The Greek concept may have originated as a transliteration from some Semitic tongue. This usage provides the context for the choice of this otherwise obscure word, in preference to other more common Greek words, as the most frequently used word for love in Christian writings. The use of the noun agape in this way appears to be an innovation of the New Testament writers, but is clearly derived from the use of the verb ''agapao'' in the Septuagint.

Christianity

A journalist of ''Time'' Magazine has described as "one of the most famous and well-known Bible verses. It has been called the 'Gospel in a nutshell' because it is considered a summary of the central doctrines of Christianity." The verb translated "love" in this verse is ''agapao''.

''Agape'' received a broader usage under later Christian writers as the word that specifically denoted "Christian" love or "charity" (), or even God himself (, ὁ θεὸς ἀγάπη ἐστίν, "God is Love").

The term ''agape'' is rarely used in ancient manuscripts, but was used by the early Christians to refer to the self-sacrificing love of God for humanity, which they were committed to reciprocating and practicing towards God and among one another (also see kenosis). When says "God is love," the Greek New Testament uses the word agape to describe God's love.

''Agape'' has been expounded on by many Christian writers in a specifically Christian context. C. S. Lewis, in his book ''The Four Loves,'' used ''agape'' to describe what he believed was the highest level of love known to humanity—a selfless love, a love that was passionately committed to the well-being of the other.

The Christian usage of the term ''agape'' comes almost directly from the canonical Gospels' accounts of the teachings of Jesus. When asked what was the great commandment, "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second ''is'' like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." ()

In the King James Version of the New Testament, the word ''agape'' is translated "charity" [in some places] which has a contemporary connotation of giving to meet needs of the less fortunate.

In Judaism, the first ("...love the LORD your God...") is the Shema, the second ("...love your neighbor...") is the second greater commandment.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said:

Christian writers have generally described ''agape'' as a form of love which is both unconditional and voluntary. Tertullian, in his 2nd century defense of Christians, remarks how Christian love attracted pagan notice: "What marks us in the eyes of our enemies is our loving kindness. 'Only look,' they say, 'look how they love one another' " (''Apology'' 39).

In the New Testament the word ''agape'' is often used to describe God's love. However, other forms of the word ''agape'' (such as ''agapao'') are at times used in a negative sense. Such examples include:

—"...for Demas has forsaken me, having loved [''agapao''] this present world...." —"for they loved [''agapao''] the praise of men more than the praise from God." —"but men loved [''agapao''] darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil."

Meal

The word ''agape'' in its plural form is used in the New Testament to describe a meal or feast eaten by early Christians, as in Jude , and 2nd Peter . It is sometimes believed to be either related to the Eucharist, or another term used for the Eucharist.

See also

Agape feast

Agapism

Brotherly love (biblical)

Compassionate love

Love styles

Loving-kindness

The Four Loves

Thomas Jay Oord

Martin Luther King

Judaism

Jewish views on love

Chesed, Hebrew word, given the association of kindness and love

Sephirot of Kabbalah

Dveikut

Eastern religions

Mettā Sanskrit word, given the association of "loving-kindness" or "friendliness"

Caritas

Notes

References

External links

"Agape" in Jewish Sources

Category:Greek loanwords Category:Christian terms Category:Philosophy of love

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name	Georgia Anne Muldrow
background	solo_singer
origin	Los Angeles, California, USA
genre	Experimental MusicFunkBluesElectroJazz fusionHip-Hop
years active	2006 – Present
label	Stones Throw Records, Ramp Recordings, Epistophik Peach Sound, Mello Music Group
website	MySpace Page
notable instruments	}}

Georgia Anne Muldrow is an American singer and musician signed to Stones Throw Records. She is the first female artist signed to the label and seems to be a close friend of fellow label artist Dudley Perkins. Her father is the late jazz guitarist Ronald Muldrow and her mother is Rickie Byars-Beckwith (www.rickiebyars.com/bio.html) Musical director of Agape Spiritual Center in Culver City, CA and Stepfather is Rev. Michael Beckwith who is best known for being a teacher in the Movie and book "The Secret" . Her early work involved collaborations with the Platinum Pied Pipers, Sa-Ra, Spinz and J*DaVeY. She is known for playing the majority of instruments featured on her recordings. Her vocal style and musical accompaniment often are free-form in nature. Most recently she produced and is featured with Dudley Perkins on an album for Mello Music Group titled SomeOthaShip: Connect Game due out in early 2008.

Discography

Georgia Anne Muldrow

''The Worthnothings EP'', (2006)

''Olesi: Fragments of an Earth'', (2006)

''Umsindo'', (2009)

''Early'', (2009)

''Kings Ballad'', (2010)

''Vweto'', (2011)

Jyoti

''Ocotea'', (2010)

Pattie Blingh and the Akebulan Five

''Sagala'' (2007)

From LA With Love

''Killa Peach'' (track on the album by Georgia Anne Muldrow) (2007)

G&D; (with Dudley Perkins)

''Message Uni Versa'' (2007)

''Eric Lau Presents Dudley Perkins & Friends'' (2006)

References

External links

MySpace

Ontario Beats - Live at Manifesto Soul Showcase - Georgia Anne Muldrow & Dudley Perkins (Look Records, USA)

RBMA Radio On Demand - Toronto Treasures - Georgia Anne Muldrow & Dudley Perkins (Look Records, USA)

July 2009 Interview with L.A. Record

Category:Year of birth missing (living people) Category:Living people Category:American female singers Category:Female rappers Category:Hip hop singers Category:Musicians from Los Angeles, California Category:Stones Throw Records artists

de:Georgia Anne Muldrow

Birth date	April 11, 1969
Birth place	Washington, North Carolina
Number	37
College	North Carolina State
Position	Safety
Draftedyear	1991
Draftedround	2
Draftedpick	48
Years	19911992-19961997-1998
Teams	Philadelphia EaglesNew York GiantsWashington Redskins
Databasefootball	CAMPBJES01
Pfr	CampJe20
Nfl	CAM394550 }}

Jesse Gilbert Campbell, Jr. (born April 11, 1969 in Washington, North Carolina) is a former American football safety in the National Football League for the Washington Redskins, Philadelphia Eagles, and the New York Giants. He played college football at North Carolina State University and was drafted by the Eagles in the second round of the 1991 NFL Draft. He is now a High School football coach for Gautier High School in Gautier, MS.

Category:1969 births Category:Living people Category:American football safeties Category:Philadelphia Eagles players Category:New York Giants players Category:Washington Redskins players Category:NC State Wolfpack football players Category:People from Beaufort County, North Carolina