Abstract
In the United States, over 47.8 Million adults were over the age of 65 in 2016. Advances in the fields of science, technology, medicine, psychology, and other areas have contributed to advanced states of well-being and quality of life that have provided opportunities for Americans to live longer. The role of the Church as a community, provides a healthy container in which intergenerational presence, support, interbeing, and dialogue assists younger generations in navigating rites of passage that can provide positive benefits within the larger society. The Church possesses a knowledge economy and its primary currency is the subjective experience of faith. By providing positive and psychologically affirming theology, faith communities can make an effort to build a subjective, life-affirming, epistemological framework that supports inter-generational dialogue, which would contribute to a more positive and just society. The religious experience can be deeply cultural, familial, and personal. Those deep ties offer opportunities of mentorship, the chance to heal familial bonds, and provide internal strength and willpower to live.
Presenters
Jesse Eugene HerriottStudent, Ordained Ministry (Unity Minister), Unity Institute and Seminary (UWSI), Missouri, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
KEYWORDS
Church; Faith-Communities; Aging; Older Americans; Family; Healing
