De Mello's central argument is that love is not a feeling, but a choice – a decision to accept and appreciate others for who they are, without trying to change or manipulate them. He contends that our traditional understanding of love is often misguided, leading to unrealistic expectations and disappointing relationships. Through a series of vignettes, anecdotes, and spiritual reflections, De Mello offers a fresh perspective on love, encouraging readers to re-examine their attitudes and behaviors.
De Mello was controversial. The Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith issued a notification in 1998 criticizing some of his later works (including The Way To Love ) for perceived "silence about the revealed nature of Jesus Christ" and a tendency toward "religious indifferentism." If you are a traditional Christian, you may find his teachings challenging—he often says things like "The kingdom of heaven is not after death; it is now." Anthony De Mello - The Way To Love -pdf-
Some readers may find De Mello's views on love and relationships challenging or even countercultural. His critiques of traditional romantic love and societal expectations may be jarring for those who have invested heavily in these ideals. Additionally, some readers may find the book's brevity and anecdotal approach limiting, as they may desire more systematic and detailed explorations of the topics. De Mello's central argument is that love is