How Great is Your Love?

I am reading a book for an Ethics class in which the author makes much of the differences between the Greek words for Love. A strong case is made for thinking of ἀγαπάω as superior to φιλέω.

But I have often wondered at John's use of the word in John 12:43. Here we have the description of a negative kind of love, but notice the use of ἀγαπάω.

ἠγάπησαν γὰρ τὴν δόξαν τῶν ἀνθρώπων μᾶλλον ἤπερ τὴν δόξαν τοῦ θεοῦ.

"For they loved the glory of men more than the glory of God."

Can we overpress the differences in word choice for love?
Any other thoughts?

For Here or To Go?

I've been using my Greek New Testament to follow along with Les Feldick's program on the local Christian T.V. station. I don't always agree with Les's teaching, although I find more agreement than disagreement, but he sticks to the Bible which makes following in the Greek a worthwhile exercise.

I've found that just taking my Greek New Testament with me allows me to follow along in other situations as well.

Now let me be clear. Often the English readers go to fast for me and I can only pick out some of the words, but I believe continued use is important to language aquisition so whenever and wherever I can my Greek New Testament goes with me and my Bible.

peace

Long Time, No Post

Well, it's been quite a while since I've posted. Life can sometimes get very hectic. I am wondering why it is so difficult to keep up language study. I would love to explore PRACTICAL ways to build on the basics and even to maintain the basics of New Testament Greek.

1.) It seems to me that the single most important element is DAILY time spent.
This is regardless of amount of time spent. There seems to be something that happens in the brain when we read Greek. If that process can happen on a daily basis, no matter how small the amount of time, then significant retention of the language takes place.

2.) Just READING is helpful, but reading with others is even better. If ANYBODY wants to get together to read, please contact me via a comment. With all those taking Greek at the Seminary a reading group should be a possibility. I'm talking basic level here. Nothing complex. Simple Johanine reading with no proficiency level assumed.

3.) Blog comments. This COULD be a good venue for interaction.

4.) ???? (am open to suggestions)