Aging

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Many people in our culture encourage us to defend ourselves from aging. "Aging is inevitable," they admit, "but we needn't welcome it, try to understand it, or endure it; instead, we should postpone, deny, and control it." But, how should Christians think about the coming of old age? Does aging play a profound and mysterious role in our calling and identity as Christians?

Our contributors remind us that our congregations are called to be countercultural institutions, "soul communities" in which the young and old are soul-mates bound together as an extended family of God.

Informed by our biblical heritage and a realistic look at aging, we can take seriously the losses we suffer as we grow older. Yet we continue to listen for God's call to contribute to the Kingdom, and rejoice with gratitude whenever one enjoys "a good old age, old and full of years."

Christian Reflection is an ideal resource for discipleship training in the church. Multiple copies are available for group study at $3.00 per copy.

The study guides and lesson plans integrate Bible study, prayer, and worship to help us explore the contours of faithfulness as we grow older. The guides can be used in a series or individually. You may download and reproduce them for personal or group use.