Looking back at the last few weeks of learning about Lewis' life, works, and theology is a daunting task. Between theology and philosophy, and frustration and peace, every emotion was confronted. Indeed, it would not be an extravagant claim to make that Lewis intentionally provokes emotions in his audience. Furthermore, after provoking, he challenges the soul to think biblically and logically. It is sometimes said that a man can only know what he knows only after he argues it. Appropriately then, the first lesson learned was respectful debate and opinion. After implementing respect, the discussions commenced to debating several of Lewis' writings. The writing most significant for a college student in a serious relationship on the marriage track , was The Four Loves. Particularly of interest was Lewis' conclusions on eros. Lewis points out sexual impulses, friendship beyond sex, and Christ as leader to emphasize eros. These three sub-topics of eros lay out the guidelines for a successful relationship.

The first topic of sexual impulses refers to Lewis' thought on the sexual tendencies that a man and a woman feel for each other. He gives illustration by way of lust and superficiality. He asserted that when a man lusts after a woman, he ceases to see her as a woman at all. Instead, the man assimilates his intense desire for a particular physical experience with an object that can bring that experience for him. Oddly to this generation, Lewis suggests that this is not the instinctual reaction for a man when he sees an attractive woman. On the contrary, not man and woman now a days instantly sense e the sexual impulses that their counter part may provide. Admittedly, this impulse seems true for every man and woman inside and outside of the Christian faith. However, at least in the Christian faith, this impulse is mostly suppressed. Also, this impulse does not destine relationships to failure. Some would even argue that this type of impulse—when in the appropriate confines of marriage—help the relationship bond flourish.

With this in mind, God gave us this impulse as a blessing, not as a curse. It is in the fallen nature of humanity that makes the sexual impulse a curse. As the weeks progressed, it was of ten said that the devil cannot create any thing, he can only distort that which already exists. In the same way, sex was created as a blessing to unify a man and a woman as well as to create life. The devil has taken this blessing and distorted it by perverting thoughts and feelings to something impure and unholy.

Secondly, Lewis talked about having a partner that transcends the boundaries—stereotypes—of his or her sex. This is a particularly crucial concept to embrace as young couples learn how to live with each other inside of Christ's will. Scripturally, Paul speaks of a world where relationships break free, "There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave nor free, there is no longer am and female , for all of you are one on Christ" (Galatians 3:28). Thus, our ultimate goal is to relate amongst one another as each is mutually of Christ. But, along the same lines, Paul concedes that there is a hierarchy within Christ's kingdom on earth. Then, Lewis' view of man seeing a woman for her personality instead of her "womanness" becomes a secondary issue. He knows that , on the one hand, Galatians 3:28 is the end goal. But, on the other hand, living in Christ's hierarchy is necessary until we reach the end goal.

Emphasizing a relationship that centers around personality instead of sexual impulse brings special attention to many Christian college students. Not only are college students looking for a single, eternal, sexual partner, but more they are looking for their best friend. This task brings a lot pressure to the individual, if he or she is intent on finding God's will for his or her life. But, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the individual can find peace in knowing that there is someone waiting. Looking for a best friend to grow old with then becomes spiritual disciplines of patience and self-control. In fact, practicing these disciplines enhances eligibility and future love of one another.

Thirdly, and most importantly of all, Lewis discusses Christ as leader of the relationship. To start, it has been said that a man and a woman should only get married when the two of them can glorify God better than they can individually. Then, if two are unevenly yoked, they should not be joined in marriage. When two can glorify God better together, then they will be striving (continually) to live with Christ as the head of their marriage. This concept is most critical because choosing to live in a marriage that glorifies God is not always known and certainly not always abided by. No one needs to be reminded of the current divorce rates. So, the end lesson here is, choose wisely by listening to the whisper of the Holy Spirit.

The heart of Lewis' message that reveals significant truth is the parallel between Christ and the husband with regards to submission in hierarchy. Seen in 1 Corinthians 11:2–16, the depiction of the hierarchy we have in Christ is demanded. Many times, this submissive hierarchy is misinterpreted and distorted. However, when Christ is at the head of the marriage, then submitting becomes a privilege. Further, submitting, which is the same as obedience, becomes glorifying to God. One of the many beauties of Christ's dying for and with the world is that the world does not have to live in slavery to sin any more.

Finally, Plantinga's, Engaging God's World, ties Lewis' thoughts on eros. Through out his text, Plantinga emphasized the four loves both directly and indirectly. For this reason, applying Plantinga's thoughts on love to Lewis' brings wonderful perspective to a college student's life. The obvious difference between Plantinga and Lewis is their structure of approach to the issue of love. Lewis deals with the topic sporadically and only when passion calls for it. Plantinga addresses love by first addressing the creation, fall, and redemption structure, which is so fundamentally Christian Reform Church as well as Calvin College. Thus, love anchors each part of creation, fall, and redemption.

For creation, God's agape love caused Him to act. He created humanity so that we may freely and completely love Him. Indeed, the ideal relationship that God desires between Himself and humanity—and humans amongst each other—centers around love. Jesus explicitly demands love in his "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the seconds is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:36–40). Further, Paul's famous quote in 1 Corinthians 13, "Love is patient, love is kind…Love never fails." Then, Plantinga's descriptions and thoughts on the fall reveals the raw emotions of eros that twist because of the fall. His lesson on corruption, and its components of pollution and perversion greatly applies to eros. This love should remain pure and that is not always easy. Appropriately, redemption is the result compassion of the creation and fall. We know that we cannot know God fully until Heaven, but through these authors e experience Him a little more clearly.

Biography

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