An semi-anonymous commenter at TitusOneNine who goes by "mig+" (the plus sign usually signifies that s/he is a priest) offers a thought-provoking metaphor for the Summary of the Law, about which I've written here before:
Since Jesus says there are two commandments from which the divine guidance hangs, I suppose Jesus imagined the Law and the Prophets as a door pivoting on two hinges.
Formerly I was a cabinetmaker and I can tell you it doesn’t make much difference whether a top or bottom hinge is broken. Either way the door won’t work (show the way).
I think the point Jesus was making is that love of God and love of neighbor are inseparable.
(Extra paragraphing added.)
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Though your illustration is valid, I think that you do a disservice to the Greatest Commandment by leaving out Jesus' intention for us to love ourselves. Taking the quote at its word, we cannot love others adequately unless we first love ourselves, personally and as a moral stance. Each of us is a valid individual in and of ourselves, and we must recognize that before we can attempt to help others. That door, then, should have three hinges.
Posted by: ZS Lawrence | July 22, 2009 at 10:01 PM