question from text p. 54

[Anne Rowland 1]

Hi,

On p. 54 the text refers to "the concupiscible (pleasure) emotion of love."

John Paul II wrote of concupiscence as something bad, as being contrary to love. I've been tripped up several times by words with more than one meaning. Is this another instance of words (concupiscence/concupiscible and love) being used in different ways in different contexts?

Thanks.

[Br. James 5]

For a very long time in the Catholic Church the word "concupiscible " emotions were without distinction and were considered if not bad at least dangerous.  More philosophically and objectively, they are simply the emotions associated with romantic love.  I think the the change in grammar to "concupiscence" might be significant in this case, that is, as a stage of just emotional or erotic interaction that does not transcend itself to the higher form of love needed for true friendship and marriage.

[Anne Rowland 1]

Thank you. That is a helpful distinction.