Aging, Spirituality, and Religion, A Handbook: Volume 1

by James W. Ellor, Melvin A. Kimble, James J. Seeber, Susan H. McFadden

Overview

This book examines the ways religion and spirituality are experienced by aging persons within an aging society. It aims to encompass the wholeness of the elder's life, including spiritual yearnings that are often shaped by religious faith and practice. Eminent contributors from a variety of disciplines explore this new terrain of an emerging interdisciplinary field. The result is a volume that will function as the standard reference work in the area, an important tool for professionals and students in health care, psychology, spiritual ministry, and gerontology.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780800634186
Publisher:	Augsburg Fortress, Publishers
Publication date:	01/08/2004
Series:	Aging, Spirituality, and Religion , #1
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	608
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.50(d)

About the Author

James W. Ellor is currently Full Professor at National-Louis University. He is also the Director of the Center for Positive Aging at National-Louis University. He is also a licensed Social Work and Licensed professional counselor.

Mr. Ellor earned his B.A. from Kent State University. He also received his Ph.D. and D.Min. from Chicago Theological Seminary, M.Div. from McCormick Theological Seminary, MSW from the University of Chicago and a post MSW certificate in Group Psychotherapy from Smith College School of Social Work.

Mr. Ellor has written or edited 10 books and over 50 chapters in books or journal articles. Some of his work includes, Ministry with Older Adults in the Church (2000), Tenth Anniversary Issue: Aging and Spirituality (1999), Leading a Congregation in the Aging of Aging: Clergy Training Manual (1994), and Aging, Spirituality and Pastoral Care in the Twenty-First Century: A Multi-National Perspective (2002).

A few of his journal articles are, ''The Challenge of Alzheimer's'' The Clergy Journal, ''Facing a Double Stress: Ostomy and Old Age'' E.T.Journal, and ''Meaning in Later Life'' Seasons: The Interfaith Family Journal.

He presents 10-15 professional conferences each year and is a member of numerous gerontological, counseling, and social work organizations.

In his free time he spends as much time as he can with his wife and two daughters and sometimes finds the time to do a bit of leatherwork.

Melvin A. Kimble is Director of the Center for Aging, Religion and Spirituality at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota.

James J. Seeber is Associate Professor of Sociology and Director of the Gerontology Program, California Baptist College, Riverside, California.

Susan H. McFadden is Professor of Psychology, University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh.

Table of Contents

	Illustrations	xi
	Contributors	xiii
	Foreword	xxi
	Preface	xxiii
	Introduction: Beginning the Conversation	1
Part 1	Religion, Spirituality, and the Aging Person	5
1.	Religion and Health in Later Life	9
2.	Religion and Psychological Well-Being	30
3.	Religion and Coping	47
4.	The Continuity of the Spiritual Self	68
5.	Spiritual Development in Later Life	74
6.	Mysticism	87
7.	The Development of Wisdom	102
8.	Religion and Persons of Color	119
Part 2	Pastoral Care in an Aging Society	129
9.	Pastoral Care	131
10.	Assessment, Referral, and Networking	148
11.	Pastoral Care of African Americans	161
12.	Legal and Financial Concerns	174
13.	Ethical Perspectives	187
Part 3	Congregational Ministry in an Aging Society	197
14.	Age-Based Jewish and Christian Rituals	201
15.	Religious Education	218
16.	Worship, Traditions, and Settings	233
17.	A Feminist Perspective on Aging	242
18.	Congregational Models	253
19.	Elements of Parish Revitalization	270
Part 4	Community Outreach in an Aging Society	281
20.	The Church in the Community	285
21.	Church-Based Support Programs for Elderly Black Adults: Congregational and Clergy Characteristics	306
22.	Congregation-Based Health Programs	325
23.	Congregation-Sponsored Housing	335
24.	Congregation as a Spiritual Care Community	350
25.	Spiritual Challenges of Nursing Home Life	362
26.	Older Gay and Lesbian Adults	374
Part 5	Theological Perspectives on Aging	385
27.	A Jewish Perspective	389
28.	A Catholic Perspective	403
29.	Evangelical Perspectives	417
30.	A Neo-Orthodox Perspective	429
31.	A Process Theology Perspective	444
32.	A Feminist Theology of Aging	460
33.	Constructive Theology	483
34.	Science and Religion in Dialogue	497
Part 6	Social Scientific Perspectives on Aging	507
35.	Adult Development Theories and Concepts	511
36.	Sociological Theories	533
37.	Applications of Research Methods	541
38.	The Interdisciplinary Study of Gerontology	558
39.	Quantitative and Qualitative Methods	568
40.	Interpretive Social Science and Spirituality	589
	Index of Names	613
	Index of Subjects	625