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“Love provides opportunities in times of crisis”

Rediscovery of 'agapè' can counteract alienation

Banks, the government and the Catholic Church are in a crisis. They should take the expectations of society much more seriously. Philosophy professor Govert Buijs argues this in his inaugural lecture.

Dutch people have been for a number of years quite satisfied with their personal lives but have been pessimistic about society. Institutions should not close and retire in the language of proceedings, earnings and results. This will boost the alienation and deepen this gap. The rediscovery of the concept of 'agapè' can counteract the alienation according to Buijs.

In our society we have high expectations of all kinds of institutions like government, banks, housing associations, care facilities, churches and universities. When things go wrong there, public disappointment is wide and social cynicism gets a chance.

Buijs argues that the high expectations are associated with the fact that since the early middle ages the West cherishes high ideals about society. The Christian tradition-based concept of agapè plays a central role in this. It is often translated as 'love', but rather represents a series of related concepts such as charity, charity, humanity, compassion and trust.