Agape love : a tradition found in eight world religions

The tradition of agape, or unconditional love, is not exclusive to any one religion. Actually, it is a major underlying principle found in religions worldwide. The concept of altruistic love is one that challenges the spiritual person to "love your enemies," or to "love without thought of return." It is a love that flows out to others in the form of compassion, kindness, tenderness, and charitable giving. Buddhists have a path of compassion, where caring for others becomes the motivating force behind existence. Hindus have a branch of yoga, the heart-centered path, that leads to enlightenment through an overwhelming love for God that takes the form of loving all of humanity. Eastern religions, such as Taoism and Confucianism, see transcendent love as an essential part of true wisdom. The Jewish faith carries the essential message of agape in this passage from Leviticus: "You shall not hate your brother in your heart... but you shall love your neighbor as yourself." — Lev. 19:17f. This is very similar to the New Testament passage: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." — Matthew 22:39. The universal theme of love is found in all religious traditions, whether Buddhist, Christian, Islam, or others. As we begin to realize that all religions have at their core this spiritual principle of love, we can develop a sense of common humanity. The religious tradition of agape love examined in this book will serve as an inspiration for those who are learning to grow in compassion and love for all people. The tradition of agape, or unconditional love, is not exclusive to any religion. It is a primary underlying principle found in religions worldwide. The concept of altruistic love challenges the spiritual person to "love your enemies" or to "love without thought of return." It is a love that flows out to others through compassion, kindness, tenderness, and charitable giving. Buddhists have a path of compassion, where caring for others becomes the motivating force behind existence. Hindus have a branch of yoga, the heart-centered path, that leads to enlightenment through an overwhelming love for God that takes the form of loving all humanity. Eastern religions, such as Taoism and Confucianism, see transcendent love as essential to true wisdom. Love is a universal theme of love found in all religious traditions, Buddhist, Christian, Islam, or others. As we realize that all religions have this spiritual principle of love at their core, we can develop a sense of shared humanity. The religious tradition of agape love examined in this book will inspire those who are learning to grow in compassion and love for all people. A beautiful gift book for inspiration and guidance about the tradition of agape, or unconditional love. Agape is not exclusive to any one religion. Actually, it is a major underlying principle found in religions worldwide. This book includes Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, Confucianism and Native American spirituality.

About the Author:

Sir John Templeton is known as one of the world's most successful financial investors and founder of the Templeton mutual funds. Since 1990 he has devoted his time to philanthropy and research in spiritual progress through the John Templeton Foundation. For twenty-five years he has funded the Templeton Prize for Progress in Religion, which recognizes individuals who have made contributions to the world's understanding of God.

Agape Love......Page 2 Contents......Page 6 Introduction......Page 8 Judaism......Page 16 Christianity......Page 28 Islam......Page 40 Hinduism......Page 50 Buddhism......Page 64 Taoism......Page 74 Confucianism......Page 86 Native American Spirituality......Page 94 Concluding Thoughts......Page 106 References and Further Reading......Page 110 About the Author......Page 112