Love That Works
The Art and Science of Giving
This original, highly readable book poses a clear distinction between our customary form of love, which almost guarantees failure, and higher, more generous ways of loving that can succeed and enrich both individuals and society as a whole. Love That Works draws on history, psychology, and the theology and science of love to offer a proposal on how to be successful in love and romance. It starts by showing why love fails to meet expectations, often ending sadly or even tragically. It offers fresh insights on:
- How to know what love is and if you’re really in love
- Understanding romance (eros), friendship (philia), and altruism (agape)
- Love that leads to spiritual health and emotional well-being
- Love “problems” related to the general disintegration of our culture
Acknowledgments / xi
Part I: Love in the Dark / 1
1. Love vs. Decency? / 3
2. Modern Romance / 7
3. Love Foredoomed / 14
4. Love Befuddled / 18
5. Love in History / 25
6. Love among the Scientists / 37
7. Love Damaged / 47
8. Love Lost / 55
Part II: Love for Life / 73
9. Love Rediscovered / 75
10. Eros Aglow / 83
11. Eros Awry / 91
12. The Cozy Love / 103
13. The Highest Love / 112
14. Overcoming Love’s Enemies / 128
15. Why Love? / 139
16. Rising to Love / 145
Bibliography and Further Reading / 153
Index / 157
About the Author / 163
I have over thirty books in my personal library that deal with some aspect of love and without any exaggeration this is one of the finest I have read. . . . This book will become required reading for my students. I know that anybody who wants to experience love at deeper, richer, and more meaningful levels will clearly benefit from this wonderful and much-needed book.
Bruce Brander has written an absolutely splendid book which highlights the many problems associated with a culture that primarily thinks of love in the context of fleeting romantic attractions.