Biblical Perspectives on Aging: God and the Elderly, Second Edition

by Harris; J. Gordon

• ISBN13: 9780789035387
• ISBN10: 0789035383
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Nonspecific Binding
• Copyright: 2008-02-14
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

As the population of older Americans grows, meaningful perspectives on aging are needed by both the young and the old. Biblical Perspectives on Aging: God and the Elderly takes a detailed look at the views of aging presented in the Old and New Testaments. This wide-ranging and insightful survey encompasses not only the entire Bible but also interpretations of sacred Middle Eastern and Judaic documents. This new expanded edition of the original classic text adds thorough discussions of the wisdom of the Bible and Jewish literature with ways to interpret these readings and what they teach about spirituality and growing older. Book jacket.

Table of Contents

Foreword to the First Edition	p. xi
Preface to the First Edition	p. xv
Introduction to the First Edition	p. 1
The Nature of God and Aging Issues	p. 3
The Bible and Aging Issues: A Cross-Disciplinary Approach	p. 6
Biblical Theology and Aging Issues	p. 8
Introduction	p. 11
Hermeneutics, Aging, and the Bible	p. 12
Models for Utilizing the Old-Age Paradigm	p. 15
Respect and Disrespect Contrasted	p. 25
Spirituality and Aging in the Bible	p. 28
Methods for Discovering Biblical Spirituality	p. 30
Biblical Narratives As Spirituality Case Studies	p. 32
Cross-Generational Relationships and Mentoring	p. 39
Aging Experiences and the Bible	p. 53
Physical Characteristics of Old Age	p. 53
Chronological Age and Old Age	p. 54
Transitions of Life and Old Age	p. 55
Physical Loss and Old Age	p. 56
Conclusion	p. 58
Attitudes Toward the Elderly in the Ancient Near East	p. 59
Mesopotamia: Respect Reinforces Authority	p. 60
Egypt: The Value of Aging Reinforces Respect	p. 63
Canaan: Shifts in Values Undermine Respect	p. 66
Conclusion	p. 69
God and the Elderly in Israel	p. 71
Legal Traditions, the Elderly, and Social Structures	p. 71
Prophetic Communities and Support for Social Structures	p. 74
Wisdom Literature, the Elderly, and Social Structures	p. 76
Conclusion	p. 80
Threats to the Common Theology of Aging	p. 83
Aging Stereotypes and the Aging Process	p. 84
Monarchy and Declining Leadership of the Elderly	p. 91
Postexilic Pessimism, Death, and Aging	p. 96
Conclusion	p. 98
Israel's Variations on the Common Theology	p. 101
Care for the Elderly and the God of Justice	p. 102
Care for the Elderly and Honoring Parents	p. 105
Unconditional Mandate for Honoring Parents and Elders	p. 109
Eschatology and Respect for the Aging	p. 115
Creation, Eschatology, and Aging	p. 119
Conclusion	p. 119
Two Responses to Respect for the Elderly: Early Christianity and Judaism	p. 121
Early Christianity and Filial Obedience	p. 121
Response of Early Judaism to Common Aging Values	p. 141
Biblical Theology and a Modern Response	p. 149
Biblical Theology and Stereotypes	p. 149
Biblical Theology Affirms Social Support	p. 152
Biblical Theology Challenges the Elderly to Grow	p. 157
Conclusion	p. 159
Notes	p. 161
Scripture Index	p. 183
Index	p. 193
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