Book(let) Review: Creating True Agape

Cassie Celestain over at TrueAgape.com contacted me just over a week ago to ask if I could review her booklet. As is my policy, I never turn down the opportunity to read a resource that might help marriages, and if I think it will help, I’ll write up a review and post it. So that’s just what I did. The full title of the booklet (as far as I can tell) is: Creating True Agape, 20 at home dates designed to cultivate communication, intimacy and growth. It is a short (78 page) booklet with 20 at home dates that you can do with nothing more than writing & coloring implements, scissors and tape (and perhaps a couple other minor household items).

Now, for those that don’t know, in the Bible there are 5 Greek words used for “love” (and another 3 in Hebrew). The word “Agape” is one of these 5 Greek words. They are:

Mania – This would be best translated as “lust” or “obsession”. Same root as “maniac”.

Eros – This is the emotional feeling of romantic and/or sexual love. Same root as “erotic”.

Philos – This is the feeling of “brotherly” (or sisterly) love. Love between friends that is platonic. This the root of the city name “Philadelphia” (the city of brotherly love).

Storge – this is the love a parent has for their children, or anyone for some dependent type structure. I’m afraid I don’t know any similar English words for this one.

Agape – This is a self-sacrificial love. A love where you care not about your own needs, but only about the person you love.

In order to get spouses to live out this agape love, this booklet focuses mainly on communication. The “dates” are basically predesigned conversations where you have to fill in the blanks and then continue on. For a couple that is struggling with communication, this is perfect.

The booklet includes discussion starters on topics such as: