Growing Love of Neighbour

An Aspect of ‘The Order of Love’ in Bernard of Clairvaux's Mystical Theology

Abstract

Bernard of Clairvaux was one of the greatest thinkers on love. The focus of his mystical theology, generally characterised by the union of man with God, is the union with and the love for God. He was, however, not only a great thinker on love for God but also on love for neighbour. Bernard's famous doctrine, the theory of ‘Four Degrees of Love’ in De Diligendo Deo, clarifies his idea of loving one's neighbour. This idea can be marked by the structure of continual growth from a low level to a high level of love for neighbour. According to the doctrine, this growth of love for neighbour synchronises with the growth of love for God. Therefore, love for God and love for neighbour are considered equal relationships, neither is superior nor inferior in ‘the order of love’, because both types of love originate from the same source or cause, charity.