I teach a class on meditation and I’ve entitled one of the sessions as, “The first obligation of love is listening.” What is your reaction to this statement?
This question can easily be answered by both theist and atheists alike. So feel free to strike any mushy minded metaphysical interpretation to this question if you feel so inclined.
2006-07-17 13:57:34 · 8 answers · asked by Pablito 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Does love have “obligations”? At first glace it seems to be a contradiction, or at least an inconsistency with the term love from a Christian perspective. It appears to have been born of modern pop psychology rather than from Biblical teaching. But as I meditate on it further I see that love does have obligations. In the great Biblical chapter which defines love, I Corinthians 13, I learn that love does indeed oblige me to suffer long, be kind, envy not, not be puffed up, think no evil and a host of other things, but it does not mention listening. While listening is a good practice and perhaps even a manifestation of love, I wouldn’t go quite as far as your statement and making it obligatory. But thought provoking nonetheless. Thank you.
2006-07-17 15:53:21 · answer #1 · answered by michael s 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think you are onto something but are missing some very basic
truths. The concept has merit but when you use the words "love" and "obligation" it tends to communicate the wrong idea.
The word "love" has too many different interpretations and the word "obligation" implies constraint ( word root: to bind, to tie to ...) which you probably don't really mean.
Understanding is comprised of 3 things:
Affinity, Reality and Communication. These 3 form a interconnected triangle. By increasing one corner you will increase the other two.
The third corner, Communication , is, in human relationships, more important than the other two. Communication is the solvent of all things. It dissolves things.
Here is a full definition of Communication:
"The consideration and action of impelling an impulse or particle from source- point across a distance to receipt-point, with the intention of bringing into being at the receipt-point a duplication and understanding of that which emenated from the source-point."
A "particle" is the thing being communicated. It can be an object, a written message, a spoken word or an idea.
"Duplication" is the act of reproducing something exactly.
Without "duplication" there is no understanding.
"Listening" is a vital part of any communication for this above exact reason.
2006-07-17 23:19:19 · answer #2 · answered by thetaalways 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's an interesting way to look at it. When you love someone it's important to listen to what they have to say and what's important to them.
2006-07-17 21:04:40 · answer #3 · answered by K S 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hummmm gud question.. i wudn say itz an OBLIGATION tho.. itz a part of a lovin relationship, yes, but its not n obligation =)
2006-07-17 21:01:13 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I really like it. It got my attention,it has a real nice ring to it. Like
reality.
2006-07-17 21:03:41 · answer #5 · answered by Linda R 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say it is to be kind and generous and giving and selfless actually.
2006-07-17 21:02:29 · answer #6 · answered by Island Queen 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yeah i agree with you but along with listening you have to have trust.. if i do not trust someone i am not going to be listening to good...
2006-07-17 21:02:28 · answer #7 · answered by sanangel 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What?
2006-07-18 21:56:12 · answer #8 · answered by go_to_girl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋