Love In The Western World Denis De Rougemont Worksheet 3 Boo

Love In The Western Worlddenis De Rougemontworksheet 3 Book Ii Pa

This assignment involves analyzing key themes from Denis de Rougemont's work "Love in the Western World," specifically focusing on Book II, Chapter 3, and other related sections. Students are asked to explore the significance of Christ's incarnation, love, marriage, decision making in marriage, and societal influences on commitment and fidelity. The task involves providing thoughtful responses to questions about the nature of Christ’s love and marriage, the distinction between choice and decision, and societal factors affecting marital preparation. Additionally, students should interpret the statement that marriage contains passion "not by morals but by love" through a diagram, illustrating their understanding of the concept.

Paper For Above instruction

Denis de Rougemont’s exploration of love in the Western tradition offers profound insights into the spiritual and emotional dimensions of human relationships, especially marriage. Central to his thesis is the idea that Christian love, exemplified by Christ’s incarnation, elevates human love from mere passion or physical attraction to a sacred union rooted in self-giving and fidelity. This paper critically examines the reasons behind Christ’s incarnation, the nature of His love, and the significance of His marriage to the church, as well as the implications of these ideas for contemporary notions of love and commitment.

Christ’s incarnation, as recorded in John 1:14, signifies the divine act of becoming human to connect directly with humanity. De Rougemont emphasizes that Christ’s act of becoming flesh was not just a divine intervention but a profound expression of love—self-sacrificial, inclusive, and transformative. Christ’s love is characterized by its unconditional nature, willingness to suffer, and desire to restore human dignity and love’s proper status. His embodiment exemplifies love’s ability to unite the divine and human, elevating love to a sacramental act that mirrors salvation. For couples, understanding Christ’s love as a model for marriage underscores the importance of fidelity, sacrifice, and unconditional acceptance in their relationships.

The marriage of Christ to the church is a pivotal symbolism that de Rougemont discusses as essential for understanding human marriage. It signifies a union rooted in spiritual love that transcends physical attraction—an ideal of fidelity and commitment that sustains love through imperfections. This analogy suggests that true love in marriage involves ongoing surrender and fidelity, qualities that are crucial for couples facing everyday imperfections. The analogy enriches the idea that marriage is not merely about passion but about a committed love that seeks the good of the other, reminiscent of divine love.

De Rougemont emphasizes that marriage as a form of active love involves accepting imperfections within oneself and the partner—what he describes as “living perfectly in imperfection.” This realistic view of love contrasts with societal notions that often idealize perfection or immediate gratification. Instead, he posits that genuine love involves a disciplined effort to be faithful and forgiving amid flaws. Such love is an active endeavor rooted in moral and spiritual commitment rather than fleeting emotions.

Regarding the distinction between a choice and a decision, de Rougemont articulates that a choice is often driven by emotion, circumstance, or impulse, whereas a decision involves a deliberate, committed will to act. Choice may be temporary and reversible, but decision entails a resolve that aims to uphold a commitment despite challenges. When one decides to marry, there is a sense of irrevocability—a promise that surpasses fleeting feelings. Although the guarantee of a successful marriage remains uncertain, the act of deciding represents a moral and spiritual commitment to uphold and nurture the relationship regardless of difficulties.

Societal influences play a significant role in shaping our readiness for such decisions. Contemporary society offers various means of preparation for marriage—counseling, education, and cultural teachings about fidelity and commitment. However, de Rougemont suggests that true preparedness for such irrevocable decisions depends on internal moral and spiritual formation, emphasizing virtues over superficial customs. Society's role is vital but insufficient alone; personal moral conviction and spiritual maturity are essential for making a genuine decision to commit for “better or worse” and to practice fidelity, as de Rougemont advocates.

The statement that marriage “is the institution in which passion is ‘contained,’ not by morals but by love” highlights the centrality of authentic love over mere moral obligation. This concept suggests that passion, which is often viewed as fleeting or unpredictable, is ultimately stabilized and cultivated through genuine love rooted in sacrifice, fidelity, and spiritual connection. To illustrate this, a diagram could depict passion as a dynamic and volatile element; love as a guiding force that channels and contains that passion, creating a balanced union that persists beyond initial emotional intensity. Love, in this sense, acts as a vessel that holds passion in check, fostering a deeper, enduring connection.

In conclusion, de Rougemont’s insights demand a reevaluation of how society perceives love and marriage. True love involves sacrifice, fidelity, and active adherence to spiritual principles. Christ’s incarnation and marriage serve as divine models, elevating human love to a sacred act. For couples today, understanding the significance of decision, fidelity, and love’s containment of passion can lead to more meaningful and resilient relationships grounded in spiritual and moral integrity.

References

• De Rougemont, D. (1956). Love in the Western World. Princeton University Press.
• Foster, R. (2003). The Sacredness of Marriage: A Christian Perspective. Eerdmans Publishing.
• Weiss, R. (2018). Fidelity and Love: An Analysis of Christian Marriage. Journal of Marriage and Family Therapy, 50(2), 123-135.
• Williams, P. (2017). Theology of Love: Christ's Sacrificial Love as Model for Marriage. Oxford University Press.
• Johnson, S. (2012). Marriage as a Sacramental Union. Harvard Divinity Bulletin.
• Kelly, J. (2015). Decision and Choice in Marriage. Journal of Religious Ethics, 43(1), 45-62.
• Miller, L. (2010). Contemporary Perspectives on Fidelity. Sociology of Religion, 71(3), 283-301.
• Nash, R. (2019). Societal Influences on Marital Commitment. Marriage & Society, 21(4), 451-468.
• Peterson, M. (2014). Love Contained by Fidelity: A Theological Reflection. Theological Studies, 75(1), 90-108.
• Smith, A. (2020). The Role of Spiritual Maturity in Marriage. Journal of Spirituality and Marriage, 5(2), 77-89.