The Greeks had a word for it, but the Watchtower didn't

Nathan Natas

I recall as though it was only 60 years ago, sitting in the Kingdom Hall on those horrible chairs, learning of the FOUR forms of love: Agape, Philia, Storge and Eros.

The Watchtower never mentioned Pragma.

Pragma: This is a committed, compassionate love that often grows as two partners continue to cherish and care for each other. This type of love is associated with being together for a long time. In some cases, the passion of eros can grow into pragma over time, this forging a lasting bond.

I think I know why; the Watchtower isn't into committed, compassionate, cherishing and caring, are they?

OH! I WAS 60 years ago!

Nathan Natas

Hold the presses! Hold the presses!

There were two other linds of love the Greeks knew but the Greek scholars at The Watchtower didn't:

Ludus: This word is associated more with flirtation and casual infatuation with a potential partner. This type of love is meant to be fun and playful.

Philautia: While self-care seems like a modern concept, the ancient Greeks were well aware of its importance. In fact, it was so important, that they had an entire word that was devoted to describing the love and care for one’s self. If you’re a caregiver, self-care is extremely important not only for your own well-being but also for the well-being of those under your care.

Ah, you flirt! Don't touch me there!

https://youtu.be/0w-HpBPJC1I

road to nowhere

I went from ludus to eros to pragma and am damn proud of it. Philautua entered as I HAD to maintain sanity to carry on pragma.

slimboyfat

Is it used in this sense anywhere in the NT? But then, neither does Eros?

Journeyman

Interesting topic. Yes, apparently there are 8 types of love theorised by Greek philosophy, not just four.

A quick Google search shows even some other sites about philosophy, love or psychology only refer to 5 or 6, so there seems to be some confusion or cherry-picking about the exact number that "matter", but it appears the total number was 8:

Agape - unconditional love
Eros - romantic love
Ludus - playful love
Mania - obsessive love
Philautia - self-love
Philia - friendly love
Pragma - committed love
Storge - familial love

Except... again, a ninth type is mentioned in the Wikipedia article on the subject, which leaves out three of the others (Ludus, Mania, Pragma), giving only a total of 6:

Xenia - hospitable love

So was it 8 or 9? Perhaps a Greek, or someone with knowledge of Greek philosophy, will be able to clarify?

I did a quick search of the WT online library and can find no mention of "Pragma" or "Xenia" on there, but 88 for "Agape", a dozen for "Storge" and even about 40 for "Eros".

While I can understand that Ludus, Mania and Philautia are not mentioned by the GB, it's curious that the org has never made mention of Pragma or Xenia, since they seems to fit well with Christian principles. Yet the GB never even mention them in passing.

EDITED: I discovered later that "Xenia" is also known as "Philoxenia" - love of strangers. Apparently, the latter word IS in the WT online library about six times on the subject of hospitality. Still no "Pragma" though!

Blotty

I believe most of the Watchtowers references to the different forms of "love" is itself to Barclays Book - Who also I don't think references this particular word (I may be wrong.)

Vidiot

The fewer types of (acknowledged) love there are, the easier it is dictate which kinds will be used to compel a sense of duty.

Phizzy

From Bible Hub :

" In the New Testament, "pragma" generally refers to a matter or affair, often with a focus on practical or concrete aspects. It can denote a business transaction, a legal matter, or a deed. The term emphasizes the tangible or actionable nature of the subject in question."

New day

The Greek word "pragma" in modern Greek simply means "a thing"." Που είναι τα πράγματα μου" translates as "where are my things?" We also have "pragmatic" in English with the idea of making something work logically or in the best way possible, which fits nicely, I think, with the pragma form of love mentioned as a committed form of love, making it work long term.

blondie

I noticed some time ago that the WTS no longer shares the exact Greek word they mention. Once the WTS prided itself on showing their Greek knowledge by using the exact term often. Started long ago, dumbing down? For example e'ros has been replaced with "romantic love."

The Greeks had a word for it, but the Watchtower didn't

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