This course will examine the process of aging from both an anthropological and a theological perspective. It will lean on the insights of a number of current writers who approach the question of aging from a purely secular point of view and then, more deeply, look at the question from a spiritual point of view. The intent is ultimately to leave the student with a synthetic view of how we, as Christians, might live out the final years of our lives with full meaning and leave our deaths behind as our final gift to family, church, and world.
Goal:
To provide an overview of some of the rich literature, both secular and spiritual, vis-à-vis the question of aging. After an overview of the literature, the course will attempt to give the students a synthesis within which to incorporate the various rich insights to which they have been exposed.
Learning outcomes:
Upon the completion of the course the student will be able to …
1. Have a grasp, in a global way, of the literature, both secular and religious, on aging and dying.
2. Grasp in some depth the insights and contributions of at least two major writers in this area.
3. Have some clearer grasp of what his or her personal challenges are as he or she undergoes the aging process.
4. Have a theological synthesis within which to understand the intent of God and nature in the aging process.
5. Help direct others in understanding this, the final phase of our lives.
6. Recognize the difference between achievement and fruitfulness.
7. Recognize in Jesus the paradigm for this whole process.
8. Understand more clearly the particular modality of faith in the latter stages of our lives.
9. Be more explicitly aware of both the imperatives and the invitations that are innate within the aging process.
10. Be less fearful of the aging and dying process.