Holiness: Eros or Agape? On the Concept of Holiness in the Ancient and Christian Thought (trans. P. Mikulska)

Giovanni REALE

John Paul II Institute, Faculty of Philosophy, John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Al. Racławickie 14, 20-950 Lublin, Poland , Poland

Patrycja MIKULSKA

John Paul II Institute, Faculty of Philosophy, John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Al. Racławickie 14, 20-950 Lublin, Poland , Poland

Abstract

Comparing the ancient Greek and Christian concepts of holiness, the author claims that the difference between them can be expressed in terms of the difference between the respective concepts of love: the Greek idea of eros and the Christian idea of agape. He describes eros as acquisitive, driven by the desire to posses, while agape, as selfless, expressed in the will to give. The argument includes a discussion of the pre-philosophical notion of holiness as the fulfilment of human nature, and the groundbreaking idea of holiness as the imitation of God, introduced by Socrates and Plato. The latter’s insight into the essence of the mystical experience expressed in the Symposium and St. Augustine’s reflection on love against the background of the Christian teaching on the Holy Trinity are also presented. The paper concludes with a synthetic glance on the life and work of John Paul II interpreted in the key of self-donating love.

Summarized by Patrycja Mikulska

Keywords:

holiness, acquisitive love, self-donating love, Socrates, Plato, St. Augustine, John Paul II, mystical experience, Holy Trinity