The Effects of Spirituality

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses how the relationship of spirituality to aging is not a new idea and how society, as a whole, has been thinking about spirituality and its effects on aging since the first recording of religious history. It examines how the effects of spirituality on the elderly population have been shown to be positive, long-lasting, and generally beneficial to all who are preparing for their final days. In particular, it looks at how most religions include references in texts that point to late life as an honorable phase that presents distinct opportunities for spiritual growth, from the Sheikh in Islam to the Rebbe in Hassidic Judaism. It demonstrates how each religion describes a set of practices that leads to eventual spiritualism.

From the Paper:

"For example, in the Jewish faith, death is a part of the natural cycle. Death, like life, has meaning and is part of God's plan. Although life is valued above all else, death is an acceptable natural part of that life. In addition, the Jewish faith has a firm belief in an afterlife, where those who have lived a worthy life will be rewarded . Another example is that of the Catholic faith. The Catholic faith is in Jesus Christ as a savior. Through the saving death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Catholics are able to face the reality of death with a serenity that the spirituality holds. In both of these examples, death is not feared, but exalted, leading to a more positive outlook on aging."

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