Geloofsvolwassenheid en Christelike spiritualiteit binne die knyptang van prestasiedruk tydens vroegbejaardheid

Abstract

Spiritual maturity and Christian spirituality within the crush between performance pressure and adjustment to early pre-elderliness
In this article it is argued that a developmental understanding of the different stages of life is appropriate for a pastoral hermeneutical approach. In order to link spiritual maturity to life issues, both J. Fowler’s and E.H. Erikson’s developmental models are discussed. However, little attention has been given in existing subject-related research to the “in-between stage”: between performance and preparation for retirement. In order to focus a pastoral hermeneutics on the unique needs this phase has for Christian spirituality, it is argued that an understanding of the Biblical notion of parrhēsia can play a decisive role in helping people to discover continuity and courage “to be in order” and to cope with the eventual demands of old age. For this purpose a new aesthetics should be rediscovered: the existence of the sublime within the ridiculous. (The paradox of hope and beauty despite fraity and disfigurement.)