Nygren and Oord on Love: A Critique

Abstract

This article offers a critique of Anders Nygren’s influential theory of love, which radically distinguishes among eros, agape, and philia. By contrast, a defense is offered of Thomas Jay Oord’s view, which I label “kenotically donated love” or “full-Oorded” love. Comparisons are developed of related biological relationships like mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism.