The Leveson Centre for the Study of Ageing,
Spirituality and Social Policy
Aging, Death and the Quest for Immortality
C Ben Mitchell, Robert D Orr, and Susan A Salladay (editors),
Eerdmans, 2004, 202 pages, ISBN 0–8028–2784–5, £14.99.
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Review by James Woodward (Director, the Leveson Centre)
This is a collection of essays dealing with some of the questions
that surround ageing. The editors have organised the essays into four
sections: the experience of ageing; ethical issues in ageing; caring
for older people; and the quest for immortality. The writers are doctors,
healthcare professionals, pastors and ethicists. The book opens by
offering three distinct perspectives on ageing: retirement, disability,
healing and death. There is some analysis of controversial ethical
issues which include medical decision making, the moral standing of
patients with dementia, healthcare rationing and assisted suicide.
There are insightful and practical theological essays on the application
of the theology of care to ministry to older adults and through them
to others, and on how older people might be helped with death and
dying.
The book is a model of good practice in the area of practical theology.
First there is a quality of theological reflection and an interrogation
of culture, learning and experience that form a Christian perspective.
The authors are able to express confidence in what theology has to
offer to those involved in the processes of ageing.
Second, the volume is inter-disciplinary and there is evidence here
to suggest that a variety of professionals from their own expert perspectives
have been able to deepen understanding and suggest improvements for
practice through shared conversation and dialogue. There is, surely,
a need for such inter-disciplinary work where standpoints, assumptions
and practices can be challenged and changed.
Third, the book is successful in providing a persuasive case for
both church and society to re-examine their assumptions and attitudes
to ageing. Sooner or later most of us will have to face our own ageing
and learn to live within a society that embraces increasing numbers
of older people. Within this scenario there are a number of key opportunities
and responsibilities for the church in its mission and ministry to
older people. This book provides an excellent starting point for some
of that work.
James Woodward (Director, the Leveson Centre)
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