Neighbor-Love and Justice

According to the author’s reading of Metz, a third aspect of becoming fully human is a form of neighbor-love exemplified by Christ with three interrelated commitments: (1) letting go of one’s false, ego-driven self; (2) becoming vulnerable and authentic in our relationships; and (3) pursuing justice and solidarity for and among our neighbors both near and far. For Metz, an intrinsic unity exists among love of God, love of neighbor, and love of self. When we love others, we open ourselves to the mystery of God’s presence and love. The author explores students’ analyses of the barriers to neighbor-love in college culture—specifically egoism and fear of vulnerability—and the experiences of joy that can emerge when one does risk neighbor-love.

Computer security · Economic Justice · Ethical egoism · Forgiveness · Philosophy of love · Political science · Psychoanalysis · Reading (process) · Sociology · Solidarity · Vulnerability (computing) · American Constitutional Law and Politics · Catholicism and Religious Studies · Computer Science · Law · Psychology · Social Psychology · Theological Perspectives and Practices · Christian college students · Christian ethics · College students · College students, sexual behavior · Religious life · Sexual behavior · Social life and customs