The Twilight Years: Biblical Hermeneutics of Ageism with an Asian Perspective on Aging
Ebook
The well-known idiom about death and taxes being the two certainties in life may require a revision with a potential third certainty--old age. Barring the unexpected or the unthinkable, people nowadays can expect to grow old with life expectancies increasing due to medical and scientific advances. Hence, old age is a timely and compelling subject that affects us all. But it can be a mixed blessing. We know of old people struggling with health issues or financial woes. In that sense, old age, like death and taxes, is not a comfortable topic. Yet, the Bible portrays God as having a high view of the aged. Utilizing a biblical hermeneutics of ageism, we can read Scripture to extract important lessons and principles not only as an encouragement to older readers but as a guide for younger readers in relating to senior members of the faith. Since aging is a global phenomenon, the personal points of view of the old people themselves living in Asia assume equal importance with those living in the West, particularly America. In fact, can we not all learn from each other, adopting good ideas from our global neighbors to strengthen our own lives and relationships?
“Against the backdrop of a worldwide aging population, Gilbert Soo Hoo’s personal journey of aging explores the relevance of aging to our present Christian life, no matter young or old. With his astute mind at seventy-six and the authentic experience of being a teacher and a pastor, he takes a fresh look at Scripture and culture through the lens of ageism. This book is not about how to grow old well but about leaving a legacy that points to God.”
—Luke Tan, elder, International Baptist Church, Singapore
“The Twilight Years is a wonderful guide to understanding, affirming, and celebrating old age in accordance with God’s divine laws. Gilbert Soo Hoo has skillfully taken the ancient biblical principles, drawn examples from the Old Testament characters, and identified common grounds in order to make these principles applicable and relevant to our day. The clarion call is to respect and honor the aged, because in doing so, we revere God and glorify him through our lives!”
—Violet James, adjunct professor, Singapore Bible College and Baptist Theological Seminary
“Gilbert Soo Hoo, a seasoned biblical scholar and educator with experience in the USA and Singapore, draws from both Scripture and personal trials in The Twilight Years. Transitioning from retirement to renewed service as an adjunct professor in various Asian seminaries, he intimately understands the challenges of this stage of life. I strongly recommend this book for both those in their twilight years and younger individuals preparing for the future.”
—Stanley Ling, advisor, SIM East Asia
“Gilbert Soo Hoo writes from personal struggle of aging, using biblical hermeneutics of ageism to inspire people, uniquely from Asian perspectives, to live a purposeful and meaningful life in the twilight years.”
—Jonathan Liu, author of Beneath the Cross
- Title: The Twilight Years: Biblical Hermeneutics of Ageism with an Asian Perspective on Aging
- Author: Gilbert Soo Hoo
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Print Publication Date: 2024
- Logos Release Date: 2024
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9798385207596, 9798385207572, 9798385207589
- Resource ID: LLS:9798385207596
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2024-03-10T03:09:42Z
Gilbert Soo Hoo is adjunct professor of biblical studies at several seminaries located in Singapore. He has also taught at other locales in Asia. He is the author of Work and Vocation through the Lens of Ecclesiastes (2021) and a commentary on 1, 2, and 3 John (2016).