Ordo Amoris (The Order of Loves) – A Detailed Explanation for Today’s World
Abstract:
Ordo Amoris (The Order of Loves), a concept rooted in Augustine's theology, emphasizes the
importance of properly ordering one's affections and priorities in alignment with ultimate truths.
This principle, which asserts that love must be directed first toward God, then others, and finally
material things, is explored in its biblical, philosophical, and scientific contexts. The report
examines the relevance of Ordo Amoris in modern leadership and governance, highlighting its
application to ethical decision-making, societal well-being, and political thought. Biblical
teachings, scientific theories like Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, and philosophical concepts from
thinkers such as Aristotle and Kant all intersect with Augustine’s vision, providing a framework
for achieving moral and social order. In the context of contemporary administration, Ordo
Amoris challenges leaders to reorder priorities, placing justice, truth, and service above personal
or partisan interests. Through this lens, Ordo Amoris offers a pathway for restoring moral
integrity, fostering flourishing communities, and ensuring just governance in the 21st century.
1. Origin and Meaning
The phrase Ordo Amoris (Latin for "The Order of Loves") is closely associated with St.
Augustine (354–430 AD), particularly in his work De Civitate Dei (The City of God). It refers to
the idea that love should be properly ordered according to the true value of things. Augustine
argued that the root of sin and moral disorder is disordered love—loving lesser things more than
they deserve or failing to love what is truly worthy.
• Biblical Principle: The concept aligns with the biblical principle found in Matthew
22:37-39, where Jesus states that the greatest commandment is to love God with all your
heart, soul, and mind, and the second is to love your neighbor as yourself. This
framework emphasizes prioritizing love for God above all things.
• Scientific Principle: From a psychological standpoint, modern research into self-
determination theory by Deci and Ryan shows that well-being is connected to having
properly aligned values, where intrinsic motivations like relationships and community
support far outweigh material or external rewards.
• Philosophical Principle: The idea echoes Plato’s notion of rightly ordered souls in The
Republic, where he argues that the soul must be in harmony with its true nature, with
reason leading desire and spirit in their rightful order.
2. Augustine’s Concept of Ordered Love
Augustine’s concept of Ordo Amoris suggests that everything in creation has a rightful place in a
hierarchy of value, and our love should align with this hierarchy. He proposed:
• God is the highest and most deserving of love.
• Humans should love others appropriately.
• Material things should be loved in moderation.
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Ordo Amoris (The Order of Loves) – A Detailed Explanation for Today’s World
• Biblical Principle: 1 John 2:15-17 advises believers not to love the world or its
pleasures, stating that these desires are fleeting and contrary to the love of the Father.
This reflects Augustine’s idea of rightly ordering love.
• Scientific Principle: Research in positive psychology, particularly in Maslow’s
Hierarchy of Needs, supports the notion that people achieve greater happiness and
fulfillment when their higher needs (like love, belonging, and self-actualization) take
precedence over lower, material desires.
• Philosophical Principle: This hierarchy of love mirrors Aristotle’s concept
of Eudaimonia (flourishing), where a well-ordered life, guided by virtue, leads to the
highest form of happiness. True fulfillment comes when one lives in accordance with
their true nature and purpose.
3. Disordered Love and Sin
When love is misordered (ordo amoris disruptus), people place lesser things above greater ones.
Augustine identified several ways love becomes disordered, including idolatry, pride, and
injustice.
• Biblical Principle: Exodus 20:3 warns against idolatry by instructing, "You shall have
no other gods before me." When we prioritize anything over God, our loves become
disordered.
• Scientific Principle: In terms of behavioral science, cognitive dissonance
theory suggests that when our actions are misaligned with our values, it leads to
psychological discomfort, which often results in self-justification and moral decay.
Misplaced priorities can have a negative impact on individual well-being.
• Philosophical Principle: Nietzsche’s concept of the Übermensch (Overman) could be
seen as an attempt to reorder values, though Nietzsche often emphasized power and
individualism over communal or religious considerations. Augustine would argue that
this leads to a misalignment of love, leading individuals away from true virtue.
4. Influence on Christian and Western Thought
The idea of Ordo Amoris influenced later thinkers, such as Thomas Aquinas, Dante Alighieri,
and C.S. Lewis.
• Biblical Principle: The role of love as the guiding principle in Christian life is seen
throughout the New Testament, with 1 Corinthians 13:13 emphasizing that “the greatest
of these is love.” This aligns with Augustine’s view that love, properly ordered, is the
foundation of virtue.
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Ordo Amoris (The Order of Loves) – A Detailed Explanation for Today’s World
• Scientific Principle: Ordo Amoris can be reflected in attachment theory in psychology,
which emphasizes that secure, well-ordered emotional bonds with others lead to healthier
relationships and personal development.
• Philosophical Principle: Immanuel Kant’s notion of the categorical imperative can be
related to Ordo Amoris in that moral actions must be done out of duty (properly ordered
love) rather than personal desires or external pressures.
5. Ordo Amoris in Today’s World
Augustine’s Ordo Amoris is increasingly relevant in a world filled with distractions, materialism,
and moral confusion. It challenges us to examine our priorities.
• Biblical Principle: Luke 12:15 warns, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of
greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions." This aligns with Augustine's
emphasis on not loving material things above spiritual and relational values.
• Scientific Principle: Social comparison theory explains how people are often driven by
the desire for external validation (e.g., likes on social media), leading to disordered
priorities. Ordo Amoris challenges this by reminding us to seek fulfillment through
authentic relationships and self-reflection.
• Philosophical Principle: Jean-Paul Sartre’s existentialism touches on the idea of
authenticity and the importance of choosing values that align with our true purpose.
While Sartre focuses on personal freedom, Augustine would emphasize that freedom
must be governed by love for God and others.
6. Ordo Amoris in Today’s Administration and Governance
Applying Ordo Amoris to governance helps us evaluate how ordered or disordered love shapes
policies and priorities.
• Biblical Principle: Romans 13:1 calls believers to respect governing authorities, as they
are instituted by God for justice. Leaders who prioritize justice, truth, and the common
good are following this biblical mandate.
• Scientific Principle: Behavioral economics highlights how decision-makers can be
swayed by biases toward self-interest or short-term gains. Properly ordered love in
governance calls for leaders to place the well-being of others above personal or partisan
interests, avoiding these cognitive biases.
• Philosophical Principle: John Rawls’ Theory of Justice emphasizes that policies
should be fair and protect the most vulnerable in society. An administration that aligns
with Ordo Amoris would place the common good above individual or ideological
interests, supporting fairness and justice.
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Ordo Amoris (The Order of Loves) – A Detailed Explanation for Today’s World
7. The Path to Properly Ordered Love
Restoring order to our loves requires aligning our priorities in a way that reflects higher values.
• Biblical Principle: Matthew 6:33 urges, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His
righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Placing God at the center helps
restore order to all other aspects of life.
• Scientific Principle: The concept of self-actualization in Maslow’s Hierarchy of
Needs suggests that individuals reach their highest potential when they fulfill their basic
needs and align with higher ideals such as purpose and service to others.
• Philosophical Principle: Aristotle’s idea of virtue ethics involves striving for the golden
mean between extremes, an approach that mirrors Ordo Amoris by suggesting balance
and moderation in all things.
Ordo Amoris and Modern Leadership
9. Ordo Amoris and Modern Leadership Leaders make decisions that reflect their loves
and priorities. Properly ordered love leads to ethical, service-driven leadership, while
disordered love can result in corruption and harm.
• Biblical Principle: Mark 10:45 states, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be
served, but to serve.” A leader with properly ordered love follows Christ’s example by
prioritizing the needs of others over personal gain.
• Scientific Principle: Transformational leadership theory emphasizes inspiring
followers through moral values and a vision for the common good. Leaders who align
their loves in the service of others inspire loyalty and change.
• Philosophical Principle: Plato’s concept of philosopher-kings in The
Republic suggests that rulers should be guided by wisdom, justice, and love for the
common good, reflecting the idea of properly ordered love in leadership.
10. Ordo Amoris and Political Thought
Augustine’s philosophy challenges political ideologies to evaluate their values. Disordered love
can lead to divisiveness, corruption, and instability in governance.
• Biblical Principle: Proverbs 29:2 says, “When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice;
when the wicked rule, the people groan.” Properly ordered love in leadership promotes
justice and societal well-being.
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Ordo Amoris (The Order of Loves) – A Detailed Explanation for Today’s World
• Scientific Principle: Research in political psychology reveals that disordered love—
such as loyalty to a political party above truth—often leads to polarization and
undermines democratic values.
• Philosophical Principle: Hannah Arendt’s work on totalitarianism suggests that when
political leaders place ideology or power above truth and justice, it leads to oppression
and societal breakdown.
11. The Future of Leadership: Restoring Ordo Amoris
To restore a just and flourishing society, leaders must prioritize truth, justice, and service above
power and personal gain.
• Biblical Principle: Matthew 23:11-12 says, “The greatest among you will be your
servant.” Leadership that reflects Ordo Amoris serves others rather than seeking self-
glorification.
• Scientific Principle: Positive organizational scholarship supports the idea that leaders
who prioritize the welfare of their teams and communities create more productive,
harmonious, and innovative environments.
• Philosophical Principle: John Stuart Mill’s utilitarianism advocates for decisions that
promote the greatest good for the greatest number. A leader who seeks the common good
rather than personal gain aligns with this principle and the concept of Ordo Amoris.
U.S. New Administration (2025)
As of February 22, 2025, the United States has seen the inauguration of President Donald J.
Trump, the 47th President, beginning his second term. His policies, such as the deregulation
initiative and immigration reforms, can be analyzed through the lens of Ordo Amoris.
• Biblical Principle: Policies should be enacted with care for the vulnerable, as outlined
in James 1:27, which calls for “looking after orphans and widows in their distress.”
Leadership guided by Ordo Amoris places justice and compassion above political gain.
• Scientific Principle: The tragedy of the commons in economic theory warns that
deregulation without proper safeguards can lead to the exploitation of resources. A
properly ordered love for future generations requires careful management of natural and
social resources.
• Philosophical Principle: Karl Popper’s idea of the “open society” emphasizes the need
for policies that are transparent, inclusive, and focused on improving human welfare,
resonating with Ordo Amoris in governance.
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