Growing Old in Christ [Paperback]

Stanley M. Hauerwas (Editor), Carole Bailey Stoneking (Editor), Keith G. Meador (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 2003

One of the hallmarks of contemporary culture is its attitude toward aging and the elderly. Youth and productivity are celebrated in todays society, while the elderly are increasingly marginalized. This not only poses difficulties for old people but is also a loss for the young and middle-agers, who could learn much from the elderly, including what it means to grow old (and die) in Christ. Growing Old in Christ presents the first serious theological reflection ever on what it means to grow old, particularly in our culture and particularly as a Christian. In a full-orbed discussion of the subject, eighteen first-rate Christian thinkers survey biblical and historical perspectives on aging, look at aging in the modern world, and describe the Christian practice of growing old. Along the way they address many timely issues, including the medicalization of aging, the debate over physician-assisted suicide, and the importance of friendships both among the elderly and between the elderly and the young. Weighty enough to instruct theologians, ethicists, and professional caregivers yet accessible enough for pastors and general readers, this book will benefit anyone seeking faith-based insight into growing old.

Product Details

• Paperback: 310 pages
• Publisher: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company (June 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802846076
• ISBN-13: 978-0802846075
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #410,013 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Helpful to all who are aging., April 2, 2011

By 

R. Samsel "rsamsel" (Beverly Farms, MA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Growing Old in Christ (Paperback)

There seems to be two parallel tracks evident in the various essays presented by the contributors of this volume, one is descriptive and the other is prescriptive, but both come together into a single idea: perspective.

In each essay, different aspects of aging are described. From a historical viewpoint, the aged were rare and honored, and they were seen as representing wisdom and virtue. In the modern era, aging is seen as a curse, something to be avoided and despised, and this view impacts our political, economic and social culture. The individual effect of aging is seen in physical, mental and emotional changes, reduction in social interaction, moral decisions, and rituals surrounding death.

The various prescriptive aspects offered in these essays include proper treatment and attitudes toward the elderly within the Christian community, and the challenge to apply our theology consistently by seeing aging and death as a natural and unique experience. They declare that we can benefit greatly by learning from older people and the process of aging.

The unifying idea is perspective. In the past, the aged were honored because they were valued as a source of strength, tradition, wisdom and blessing. In the present, older people are seen as representing weakness, obsolescence, corruption and death; youth is valued and aged despised. The theological perspective sees aging as a virtue and the aged as being worthy of honor. As the Church of Jesus Christ, our perspective must inform how we treat our elderly, and how we approach growing older - with dignity and grace.