Thanks for the references. To save the effort of your readers, this is how to do referencing in a scholarly manner:
- Give the source/citation.
- Provide the URL link to the source if available.
- Indent the quoted text.
- Bold the relevant keywords that are important to the point that you are making.
- Be concise and to the point.
I do this for others who read my posts. It is a standard high-school scholarship. If you practice this, I guarantee it will sharpen your analytical thinking. In any case, no one is required to do it. I prefer to debate with people who do.
The main point in my message was that from the 9th century until the 20th century, the Slavic translations used the word “love”, not “mercy” or “charity”. Although this was done in a different religious tradition - Eastern Orthodox.
Church Slavonic translation: "
Любы долготерпитъ, милосeрдствуетъ,
любы не завидитъ,
любы не превознсится, не гордится"
Первое послание св. апостола Павла к Коринфянам на церковнославянском языке. The "
Любы" word is translated into English as "
love". This translation (with minor regional variations) has been used in services in churches in Bulgaria, Serbia, Montenegro, Ukraine and Russia from the 9th century to the present day.
Russian translation of the 19th century (Synodal): "
Любовь долготерпит, милосердствует,
любовь не завидует,
любовь не превозносится, не гордится...". The "
Любовь" word is translated into English as "love".
Ukrainian translation: "
Любов довготерпить, любов милосердствує, не заздрить, любов не величається, не надимається...". The "
Любовь" word is translated into English as "
love".
That is, all traditional Slavic translations, starting from the 9th century, translated this word as love. But in the interpretations they wrote that “agape” and “eros” are different types of love.
Here is one interpretation: “The Greek word agape is used primarily in the New Testament to describe divine love. It is the word that the Apostle Paul uses in Galatians 5:22 when he says that “the fruit of the Spirit is love...” This is the highest stage of love, there is no love better, purer, higher and higher than agape love.
Moreover, the word agape is so deep, polysemantic and multifaceted that it is one of the most difficult words to understand in the New Testament. Its translation has always caused difficulties. However, I am trying to clarify its meaning.
Agape love involves recognizing, understanding, and appreciating someone. He treats the object of his love with great respect, respect, camaraderie, pure motives, awe, delight and amazement. Selfless love for this person, deep respect awakens in his heart, and he can no longer help but love him. His love is so strong that it will not overcome anything or anyone.
The best example of the use of agape love in the New Testament is found in 1 John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, who always believed in him, who does not perish but has eternal life.” " The Lord looked at humanity with reverence, although people were mired in sins. God admired man, admired him, and held him in high esteem. Humanity was at that moment in captivity of Satan, but still God saw His likeness in people. He values the person so much and loves him so much that he wanted to do everything possible to save him. Agape love prompted God to create." More details here:
Что такое любовь АГАПЕ? - Твоя Библия
"Agape is sublime, pure and selfless love. Eros is sensual and passionate love. Philia – friendly love, sympathy and acceptance. Storge is kindred, family love.". More details here:
Сколько видов любви знали греки?
