
The HolyBible speaks not only of
ardent love between men and women, but it presents God Himself as a
lover and his courting of creation as the Great Romance.
The symbol seems a strange one, considering the
Christian reluctance to embrace romantic love. Yet it is distinct
throughout Scripture. God desires Israel for his bride: "For, as a young
man weds a maiden, so you shall wed Him who rebuilds you" (Isa. 62:5;
all quotations from the NEB). He fondly recalls the days of harmony,
"the love of your bridal days, when you followed me in the wilderness" (Jer. 2:2).
Yet Israel is unfaithful—God...