This is a print on demand book and is therefore non- returnable. Using the same exacting scholarship that has characterized his other books and commentaries, Leon Morris here offers a thorough and instructive analysis of love in the Bible -- a topic that he believes has been neglected and misinterpreted by most biblical scholars. Morris is particularly concerned with eliminating the cultural and personal biases he finds in many interpretations of love in the Bible. Striving for a truly biblical interpretation, he scrupulously examines the various Hebrew and Greek forms of the word in both the Old and New Testaments, concluding that love is the basis of God's dealing with men and that Christians ought to demonstrate more authentic biblical love within and without the Christian community. In the Old Testament, claims Morris, God's loving actions are very apparent, even though the word love is seldom used. He points out that even in the prophetic books God obviously loves his people despite their frequent disobedience. And in the New Testament, the definitive expression of God's love on the cross demonstrates that "God's love is not simply a beautiful but detached emotion -- it is a love that pays a price." Other topics discussed by Morris include natural affection, friendship, passion, eros, and agape. Throughout the study, he refers to specific biblical passages and supplements the text with abundant footnotes that summarize and evaluate helpful additional information from scores of sources.
"Leon Morris, with his usual breadth and precision, has given us another of his thorough biblical studies, this time on the theme of love, human and divine. Concise yet complete, studded with a galaxy of fine quotations, written in sprightly style, this book leads us through most everything important the Bible tells us about the wonder and power of love." - Lewis Smedes, Fuller Theological Seminary "With his usual vigorous scholarship and careful attention to the text, Leon Morris here presents a highly rewarding study of the biblical idea of love as set forth in both testaments. He provides an invaluable guide for the student who would explore this central theme of the Bible and a vast repertoire for the minister seeking to instruct his congregation in the nature of divine and human love." - Kenneth Kantzer, Former Editor, Christianity Today "There are few concepts more frequently misunderstood than the Biblical concept of love. Dr. Morris's work is the most compreh