A universal love such as that for nature, strangers or fellow man. It does not depend on familiarity and encompasses the modern concept of altruism - the unselfish concern for the welfare of others.
In philosophy, agape refers to the paternal love of God for man and of man for God. Agape arguably draws on elements from both eros and Philia in that it seeks a perfect kind of love that is at once a fondness, a transcending of the particular, and a passion without the necessity of reciprocity.
The love of God requires absolute devotion that is reminiscent of Plato’s love of Beauty, which involves an erotic passion, awe, and desire that transcends earthly cares and obstacles. Aquinas, on the other hand, picked up on the Aristotelian (Aristotle) theories of friendship and love to proclaim God as the most rational being and hence the most deserving of one’s love, respect, and considerations.