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THL462 Theological Perspectives on Ageing (8)

Abstract

This subject examines the processes of ageing and dying from the perspective of Christian practical theology. It considers the human person in various Christian theological traditions together with biblical perspectives on ageing. The content focuses on persons in relation to God and the concern of practical theology with relational personhood. Spirituality is examined as human experience of the divine. Crucial concepts in pastoral practice such as forgiveness and reconciliation, critical self-reflection and self-transcendence, finding peace in loss and the place of ritual in pastoral care and spiritual growth are explored.

+ Subject Availability Modes and Location

Session 2
DistanceCanberra Campus
Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: THL462
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject information

Duration Grading System School:
One sessionHD/FLSchool of Theology

Enrolment restrictions

Graduate Diploma of Ageing and Pastoral Studies Master of Arts (Ageing and Pastoral Studies)

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
- be able to demonstrate an informed understanding of the process of practical theology and theological reflection in relation to pastoral approaches to ageing;
- be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the variety of theological views of the human person, and the grounds for dignity and worth in the process of ageing;
- be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the place of death in Christian theology, and its relation to sin and suffering, salvation and hope;
- be able to demonstrate an understanding of the final stages of life as times for creativity, spiritual growth and maturity; and
- be able to demonstrate ability to develop advanced strategies arising from theological reflection to assist human growth and development of the ageing person.

Syllabus

The subject will cover the following topics:
- the nature of practical theology and the process of theological reflection; - a theology for pastoral approaches to ageing; - approaches to ageing in Christian, non-Christian and humanist traditions; - theological anthropology and the ageing process; images of ageing and being in the image of God; - ageing from biblical perspectives; - theology and illness, loss, and mortality; - an introduction to death and dying in Christian perspective; - spirituality in later life; - Gerotranscendence: critical self-reflection in ageing as a means to growth in wisdom and spiritual maturity; and - Christian theology, liturgy and ritual in relation to ageing, illness and death.

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The information contained in the 2016 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 06 September 2016. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.