One of the hallmarks of contemporary culture is its attitude toward aging and the elderly. Youth and productivity are celebrated in today's 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. Contributors: David Aers David Cloutier Rowan A. Greer Stanley Hauerwas Judith C. Hays Richard B. Hays Shaun C. Henson L. Gregory Jones Susan Pendleton Jones Patricia Beattie Jung D. Stephen Long M. Therese Lysaught David Matzko McCarthy Keith G. Meador Charles Pinches Joel James Shuman Carole Bailey Stoneking Laura Yordy

Fairacres Publications 104 This heartening and perceptive study outlines common problems and sorrows in the ageing process. But there can be growth and fulfilment, too, and benefit to others. Tom Rudd affirms God’s loving purposes, encouraging us to see that the retirement years can give us an opportunity to rediscover our spiritual needs and the work of prayer.

This is a story about our personal journey when faced with a life-altering health diagnosis and the changes that were necessary when assistance from others was required. Facing the reality of our own mortality and life's brevity led to a series of Bible studies for the residents in our new home in a senior living community. The class served as a launching pad for exploring aging in a much broader context and the associated health issues that follow as we reach old age and the zenith of our life. Through faith, we learned that God has a purpose for each one of us even though we may be frail and feeble. This book demonstrates how growing old gracefully as God desires in Jesus Christ will bring bountiful blessings as we await with hope and anticipation the promises He has given us in His Word.

'And that is one thing we need to relearn, that all of life brings its gifts – not only the first two or three decades.' – Rudolf SteinerWhen are we actually old? What happens as we age? How will we cope with old age? Growing old is an art, and to grow old in the right way we need spiritual understanding. In this enlightening anthology – compiled by a director of care homes for the elderly – wide-ranging cosmological perspectives alternate with detailed observations of the phenomena of ageing. Rudolf Steiner sees ageing within the context of the earthly and spiritual evolution that encompasses all forms of existence. The book thus begins with the primary meaning that ageing has in developmental terms and ends with a consideration of the human being as co-creator in cosmic processes – and with our capacity to become increasingly conscious of the tasks this implies.These key texts by Rudolf Steiner show how spiritual knowledge can broaden the current debate on the study of old age, the process of ageing, and the particular problems faced by older people. Concerns about our 'ageing population' can be seen in a broader context that recognizes the fruits of old age. The productive relationship between childhood and old age – a running theme throughout this volume – is one example. If we grow old consciously, viewing ageing not only as a period of physical decline but as a time when we can actively participate in shaping life, then we can begin to find greater meaning in it.Chapters include: 'The Core Messages of Ageing'; 'Fundamental Principles of Gerontology'; 'Ageing as a Developmental Process'; 'Ageing: the Risks and Opportunities'; The Art of Growing Old'; 'Old Age and Death'; 'Growing Old – A Challenge for Education'; 'The Cosmological Dimensions of Ageing'.

Academy of Parish Clergy’s Top Ten Books for Parish Ministry Vocational discernment, says R. Paul Stevens, is a lifelong process — one that takes on even more significance in later life. In this book Stevens argues that our calling does not end with formal retirement; to the contrary, we do well to keep on working, if possible, till life's end. Stevens delves into matters of calling, spirituality, and legacy in retirement, showing that we must continue to discern our vocation as we grow older in order to remain meaningfully engaged for the rest of our lives. He reframes retirement as a time of continued calling and productivity and points to biblical wisdom that can help us redefine aging as an extraordinarily fruitful season of life.

What is it that most people want to become but nobody wants to be?

★ Publishers Weekly starred review Seasoned pastor and church leader Will Willimon excels at creating thought-provoking, accessible books for working pastors and seminarians. In Aging, he takes a theologically rich look at numerous aspects of growing old. Drawing on Scripture, literature, current research, and his experiences as an aging adult, Willimon reflects on aging as a spiritual journey. He explores the challenging realties as well as the rewarding joys of growing old and shows pastors how to help their congregants grow old gracefully and in good Christian hope. Willimon also offers practical advice on helping church members as they encounter retirement, aging, caring for the aging, loss, bereavement, and finding faith in the last quarter of life. This eloquent, delightfully Christian perspective on aging will be of interest to all who care for aging souls--not only pastors but also chaplains and other ministers in hospitals, hospices, and extended care facilities. About the Series Pastors are called to help people navigate the profound mysteries of being human, from birth to death and everything in between. This series, edited by leading pastoral theologian Jason Byassee, provides pastors and pastors-in-training with rich theological reflection on the various seasons that make up a human life, helping them minister with greater wisdom and joy.

Culled chiefly from great literary works, this unusual compendium of prose and poetry excerpts highlights the physical and emotional aspects of aging. Although Booth ( The Rhetoric of Fiction ), age 71, includes such cheery banal verse as "I Haven't Lost My Marbles Yet" (Minnie Hodapp), he has tailored this collection to encompass the unpleasant truths about aging. William Butler Yeats's "Sailing to Byzantium" and excerpts from Simone de Beauvoir's The Coming of Age offer realistic assessments of the perils and possible consolations of aging. The thoughtful commentary with which Booth connects the selections reminds readers that physical decay and fear of death are conditions common to us all. This provocative collection braces rather than comforts.

The Routledge Handbook of the Ethics of Human Enhancement provides readers with a philosophically rich and scientifically grounded analysis of human enhancement and its ethical implications. A landmark in the academic literature, the volume covers human enhancement in genetic engineering, neuroscience, synthetic biology, regenerative medicine, bioengineering, and many other fields. The Handbook includes a diverse and multifaceted collection of 30 chapters—all appearing here in print for the first time— that reveal the fundamental ethical challenges related to human enhancement. The chapters have been written by internationally recognized leaders in the field and are organized into seven parts: Historical Background and Key Concepts Human Enhancement and Human Nature Physical Enhancement Cognitive Enhancement Mood Enhancement and Moral Enhancement Human Enhancement and Medicine Legal, Social, and Political Implications The depth and topical range of the Handbook makes it an essential resource for upper-level undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows in a broad variety of disciplinary areas. Furthermore, it is an authoritative reference for basic scientists, philosophers, engineers, physicians, lawyers, and other professionals who work on the topic of human enhancement.