Aging as a Spiritual Journey

Bianchis wide-ranging book draws together insights from the social sciences the humanities and religion to establish a holistic framework for a spirituality of aging. He argues that middle life and late adulthood present opportunities for turning inward for a deeper contemplative life within the context of active worldly endeavors. This can also augur a reform of social relationships--beyond individual development alone--toward the creation of a more cooperative just society. In this way physical decline is countered by a spiritual ascent. He summons aging persons fortified with universal values and concerns gained from age and experience to return to the centers of decision making. Throughout the author ponders such questions as personal power identity fear freedom contemplation sexuality the church faith suffering and hope. In candid interviews older religious leaders reflect on their early value formation personal traumas choice of careers midlife transitions experiences of old age and the prospect of death. In dwelling mainly on human spiritual dilemmas of the aging cycle Bianchi offers a strong clear message of hope--one that stands against the tide of our culture which tends to shunt older people to the outer eddies of lifes stream. Aging as a Spiritual Journey is immensely valuable to all laypersons and those in the helping professions who are concerned about the quality of the aging process. Eugene Bianchi has long been an advance scout in the unexplored region of spiritual growth in later life. Hes now opened up new territory and we can all be grateful for his guidance. -- Harry R. Moody Director of Academic Affairs AARP How to grow old with grace faith and dignity . . . significant (and) useful. -- Commonweal Not a book to be read in one sitting. Rather it is one to be kept on the bedside table and savored over a period of time. It may help those who are young to understand their parents. And for those in midlife or older it may inspire the courage to live the unique life they know is still possible. --Yoga Journal Engaging . . . timely . . . remarkable for its sensitivity to the human condition. -- New Catholic World Recommended to anyone who is willing to think more deeply into the possibility of aging more gracefully and creatively and to anyone interested in a qualitative rather than quantitative understanding of a life-span. --The Presbyterian Outlook Demonstrates that the aging process can be a time of joyful creativity. -- The Christian Ministry The most significant contribution . . . and of the highest value to anyone concerned with that problem of aging which engulfs all of humankind. --America Eugene C. Bianchi is a Professor of Religion Emeritus at Emory University. In addition to his many books and articles he has written two novels. He has also served in leadership roles in educational and religious organizations.