Growing Old in Christ

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

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

310 pages, Paperback

First published May 31, 2003

About the author

Stanley Hauerwas (PhD, Yale University) is the Gilbert T. Rowe Professor of Theological Ethics at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. He is the author of numerous books, including Cross-Shattered Christ, A Cross-Shattered Church, War and the American Difference, and Matthew in the Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible.

America's Best Theologian according to Time Magazine (2001), though he rejected the title saying, "Best is not a theological category."

Reviews

[Gordon Scrimgeour]

This is a thought provoking book. It is spoil by sloppy and unnecessary criticism of economics and economists.

Much of it falls short of high quality theology or social science. However it isn't at the cutting edge of pastoral understanding.

I am glad I read it.

[Luke]

Many of these essays are challenging in regards our views on aging and care for the aged, especially if we are truly baptized into a community. What does it mean to be a person in our world today, and how does the loss of ability and other losses affect our own views of ourselves as persons? Many many interesting and thought-provoking ideas of aging and the aged.

[Robert]

This book served as a background for reflection during my retreat

[Paul H. Rogers]

Useless

I am an old person living well. The book is trash. No older person would believe that you understand the "elderly"