Sabbath Rest As Vocation

By Autumn Alcott Ridenour

Book Description

In a culture that often views aging as decline, Autumn Alcott Ridenour presents a transformative Christian perspective that reframes the later stages of life as a sacred calling. This thoughtful theological exploration invites readers to discover how growing older can become a profound spiritual vocation rather than merely a biological inevitability.

Drawing wisdom from the theological giants St. Augustine and Karl Barth, Ridenour weaves together insights about mortality, purpose, and community to reveal how aging individuals can embody moral virtue through their union with Christ. Rather than retreating from meaningful engagement, she demonstrates how older adults can practice contemplative action that benefits both themselves and the communities around them.

The book addresses pressing contemporary challenges, engaging with transhumanist perspectives, bioethical debates, and medical approaches to aging. Through this dialogue, Ridenour articulates a vision where the aging process becomes preparation for ultimate Sabbath rest, transforming how we understand both individual identity and intergenerational relationships.

For readers seeking to understand their own aging journey or support older loved ones, this work offers practical wisdom grounded in deep theological reflection. Ridenour shows how embracing the virtues of growing older can lead to richer spiritual life and more meaningful community participation, ultimately revealing aging as a unique opportunity for spiritual growth and service.