Love and Commandments in the Johannine Ethics: The New Commandment and Community

Love and Commandments in the Johannine Ethics: The New Commandment and Community unveils the radical heart of Christian ethics through the lens of the Johannine writings. Centered on the transformative "new commandment" to love one another, this book explores how love emerges not just as a moral ideal but as the defining mark of discipleship, the foundation of community, and the very nature of God.
Combining rigorous theological analysis with rich historical context, this compelling study illuminates how the Gospel of John and the Johannine Epistles articulate a revolutionary ethic-one that challenges individualism, transcends social boundaries, and offers a vibrant vision of inclusive, self-giving love. Readers will discover how this love ethic shaped the earliest Christian communities amid conflict and exclusion and continues to inspire powerful witness and social justice in today's fragmented world.
With deep insights into the symbolism, theology, and practice of Johannine love, this book invites scholars, students, and faith seekers alike to engage with a timeless message: love is not only the command but the transformative power that builds authentic communities and changes lives. A vital resource for anyone passionate about the intersection of faith, ethics, and social transformation, this work redefines what it means to live as a disciple in a complex world.