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Johann Christoph Arnold, admired by such prominent spiritual and inspirational leaders as Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, Cardinal Dolan, Pete Seeger, and many more, offers answers to the question: Why shouldn't growing older be rewarding? Arnold, whose books have helped over a million readers through life's challenges, shows us the spiritual riches that age has to offer. Now in his seventies, Arnold finds himself personally facing the challenges of aging with grace. With a foreword by Cardinal Sean O'Malley, Rich in Years covers the significant topics facing the aging, the elderly, and their family and caregivers: accepting changes, combatting loneliness, and continuing on with purpose and hope. Going beyond mere inspiration, Arnold does not shy away from such difficult topics as coping with dementia, the prospect of dying, and enduring with dignity. Through faith and a true spirituality, he says, we can find acceptance and serenity. Johann Christoph Arnold knows, from decades of pastoral experience, what older people and their caregivers can do to make the most of the journey of aging. In this book, he shares stories of people who, in growing older, have found both peace and purpose. Praising Rich in Years, Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, writes, In simple language, Arnold gives hope-filled insights into the trials of aging for people of all ages. Pastor Arnold's book challenges those rich in years to also remain rich in faith.… (more)
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However, I expected advice on having fun and keeping up your health, traveling
The story about Timothy and his bees and the one about the contemplative Charles Sinay being "suddenly immersed" in the author's Bruderhof community gave me pause.
Very positive features were Arnold's disapproval of overmedication of seniors and heroic measures to prolong life without concern for its quality. It was good that he recommended making one's wishes for end-of-life treatment known in a will (or accompanying legal document).
While I appreciate the complimentary copy of an attractively-printed and illustrated trade-size paperback book, it isn't what I was looking for. I anticipate a more hedonistic old age.
This is a book full of quotations from poets, novelists, friends of the author and the Bible, yet
If you're young and need your fix of old people complaints or are somewhat decrepit yourself but would enjoy hearing about people who are worse off than you, this book is for you (just ignore all the self-aggrandizing stories of being happier in your old age than in youth)! Life-altering wisdom of the "don't dwell on past failures" variety can also be found in this small volume, as well as condescending reminders to "stop rushing around from one appointment to the next, and instead, to take more time with [your] wife, [your] children, [your] grandchildren, and other children in the neighbourhood," and accept your inner child molester. Become the creepy old man you've been repressing for so long, you've earned it! But remember "Spending time alone is also valuable."
Do not read this book, there is more wisdom regarding aging and the aged to be found in Ralph Waldo Emerson's essays from over 125 years ago. Old age doesn't always bring wisdom, this is the real lesson you can take from this short book. On page five you will find (if you've made the mistake of buying Rich in Years) a quote from Shakespeare's Macbeth:
Out, out, brief candle!
Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player
Тhat struts and frets his hour upon the stage,
And is heard no more; it is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing.
And that is the perfect synopsis of the book:
Out, out, brief book!
You're but a walking shadow, a poor pamphlet
Тhat struts and frets his hour upon the shelf,
And is heard no more; it is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing.
Using his signature style from his earlier works, Arnold unfolds his theme via the narratives of people, encountered along his own path. Allowing these folks to share their personal stories, many times in their own words, provides the reader with a sort of emotional “connection” with them; a sense of both spontaneity and real honesty.
Above all, it’s apparent that Christoph Arnold is a good listener. One gets the feeling he is sitting and rocking, chatting with some interesting friends. The stories are at once interesting, informing and filled with wisdom. You’ve been invited to sit with them all on the front porch. Don’t miss this chance to pull up a chair and join them. I promise you will enjoy your visit.
This book is not just for the old, it is for everyone. It reminds us all of what is important. Live each day, love one another and serve mankind.
That said about my own background, I enjoyed this book because it offers some thought-provoking stories that encourage its reader to find meaningful ways to get the most out of the life that's still to be lived, especially as one grows older and more infirm. In particular, I liked the idea of establishing friendships with people of many different age groups, and discovering creative ways to do so. In addition, I understood the advice for embracing a relative or close friend with dementia or with a debilitating physical condition. It is not easy to do, but makes sense to me to accept a person for who and what they are at any given moment, mentally and physically -- and accept ourselves as our own abilities change, as we strive to accept others. Many of the stories brought back memories of my own relatives and friends who have died, while the book provided a refreshing perspective for alternate ways to approach and embrace the future.
I found the book to be a gentle, insightful, and comforting read.
The book draws on interviews conducted by Arnold and his wife, Verena, with parishioners and other close associates whose faith helped them find inner peace after struggling with either their own health problems or with the suffering and death of loved ones. Their stories are supplemented by Arnold’s personal experiences in dealing with his own aging difficulties.
Among the key lessons covered in the book are the importance of gracefully accepting our limitations and our dependence on others as we grow older and the need to forgive others and ourselves while we are still able. Another chapter suggests ways that caregivers can treasure their moments with loved ones living with dementia despite the obvious difficulties.
One cannot help but be inspired by the strong, enabling faith evinced by Arnold and by the stories related in this book. In his last chapter Arnold speaks of the peace that can come from our “living before eternity,” as we pursue the purpose of our earthly life with the assurance that its end is not the last word. The book is recommended for church libraries and for all who yearn to find peace and purpose in old age
I asked for the book for two
When I received the book I made a cursory examination of the many reviews that appear inside the front cover. All very glowing in their many words of commendation. But then one would not expect otherwise. I then spent some time researching the organization that Johann Arnold and his wife are a part of. It soon became apparent that our individual theologies are quite different. Arnold is from an Anabaptist background while I am a very conservative, five point Calvinist. This does not mean that we do not have several of the fundamentals of the faith in common, but it does mean that our individual approaches to Scripture have at times quite a variance. At times he also uses well known books to describe some things that the books were not meant to convey.
For example, in his introduction Arnold describes Bunyan’s “Pilgrim’s Progress” as a comparison of life to a long journey. In a sense this is true, but the reality of this classic book has to do with a Christian’s spiritual journey as Pilgrim wends his way through that which every Christian must encounter as he lives his life for Jesus Christ. Now I’m not saying that Arnold does a disservice to the text, only that he omits the fact that Pilgrim is a Christian, not just any ordinary man seeking to do his best despite the difficulties that befall him.
My greatest fault with this book has to do with the fact that it is never really made clear who our author is addressing. There are times when it appears that he is speaking of and to Christians, but he’s doing so in a very humanistic way. For example, in his first chapter on “Growing Older”, he states:
“…death is the final enemy, and we must fight it to the end
with all life’s vigour,…”
Now if this being addressed to non-Christians there is something of merit in what he says, but he concludes:
“…yet we know that Christ has conquered death, so we need
not fear it.”
We cannot address non-believers with these latter words unless the Spirit of GOD has brought such ones to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. At the conclusion of the next paragraph Arnold states:
“When we find the peace of Jesus, it will more than replace the
things we used to do for personal satisfaction.”
Along with several other similar statements, this one was quite disturbing for the simple reason that no where does Arnold lay down for us from the Word of GOD how the “…peace of Jesus…” may be found. In point of fact Scripture throughout the book was used as an addendum to our author’s take on what it means to be a Christian.
It was just about at this juncture that I decided that it might be a good idea to discover what “being a Christian” means to a man of Arnold’s persuasion. The Anabaptist concept of Soteriology [Salvation] is quite different from that which is understood and practiced amongst the large body of Christendom at large. From one of their own web pages this is what we find in terms of what they believe:
“That humans are born in sin, is of course readily admitted; but this birth does not mean a sort of fate which cannot be overcome or escaped. The basic presupposition of Anabaptist thought is the existential fact of inner rebirth, the total change of mind. Only individuals of this type could (and would) ever join the Anabaptist brotherhoods; those who passively despaired of any essential change of life could never understand the Anabaptists both in their everyday life and in their stand at trials. Faith meant to them more than merely a "creedal assent," it meant rather an experience leading to decision and commitment.”
Anabaptists believe that one’s salvation is not dependent solely on the grace of GOD, but rather in terms of how one obeys Christ in the warp and woof of his every day life. The salvation of the Reformation is not that which Anabaptists live by, rather the inner birth comes through a decision to live by all that Christ specifies should be a Christian life.
Hence we come to Arnold’s basic pretext in putting this book together. If men only abide by certain texts within Scripture then when they come to the end of their lives, at no matter what age, then everything should be fine.
In fact he even puts this down in a very pragmatic statement, to wit:
“Even with our physical and mental abilities curtailed, we have
many opportunities to work for humanity and for GOD’s kingdom
on earth by living out the two main commandments of Jesus:
‘Love the Lord your GOD with all your heart and
with all your soul and with all your mind’, and ‘Love
your neighbor as yourself’ [Matt 32:17-39]”
One of the things that has always bothered me when listening to others who take things out of Scriptural context, and this Arnold does on a number of occasions. This is one outstanding example:
“What could be more wonderful than breaking bread with others?
As Jesus said, “For where two or three gather in my name,
there am I with them.’ [Matt. 18:20]”
He’s trying to convey the idea of the wonderful nature of community, and to do so he’s uses a text that has nothing to do with community, but rather was stated by our Lord in the context of providing discipline within the church.
Oftentimes throughout this little volume, Arnold recounts the lives of certain individuals who have carried on their lives with certain devastating results. One such account about a man named Joshua who through a life lived, it would appear, very selfishly, did find some redemption as his end drew near. Making peace with many members of his family and friends he began to involve himself in a number of activities that centred around others. He was then diagnosed with cancer which he bore well with little or no complaint. Many people including children flocked to visit him, and he was very thankful for all that they did. As the man’s life drew to a close, Arnold recounts, “…thankfulness rather than bitterness, radiated from his face.” And the concluding statement, “He was a man at peace with his Maker.” That’s all.
The idea being conveyed here is simple, live out the finality of your life and GOD will be pleased to accept you. This is not Scriptural and hence it is not true. At the end or our lives, if we have not already done so through the bulk of it, men need to find themselves at the foot of Calvary pleading for forgiveness in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Peace comes through no other means.
Now, lest anyone think that I am trying to bad mouth this book because it does not fit into my theological agenda, that is not true. Apart from his more obvious deviations from Scriptural truth, he does have a number of good things that need our attention. I cannot in this review give them all, but one for me stands out and that pertains to his stand on either suicide or euthanasia. In this area he is right on and for that I salute him. And herein we find a very telling paragraph:
“Yet even if compassion is the motivation, the taking of any
human life is wrong. GOD created each of us ‘in the image of
GOD’. Since he gave us life, only he has the right to end it.
Suicide is a form of rebellion against GOD, a statement that
says, ‘I am beyond hope. My problem is too big for even GOD
to handle’. Suicide denies that GOD’s grace is greater than our
weakness.”
To that I can only say, Amen.
So if you are strong in your faith in Christ and are seeking, beyond any type of evangelistic text to read some good stuff on growing old, then I would heartily recommend this small book. If you are seeking rather a solid text on growing old as a child of the King, apart from Scripture itself, may I respectfully suggest you look elsewhere.
Rich in Years by Johann Arnold spoke in simple terms and in each chapter caused me to stop and think where I came from and how I got there. Chapter 2 for example, Accepting Change. My body is starting to break down. Hearing: have 2 hearing aids, Teeth: need a plate, Eyes: back to back cataract surgeries in the next couple of weeks. I have to accept the physical changes and this chapter addresses this.
Chapter 3 Combating Loneliness. With all three daughters working in Minneapolis, Seattle, Irvine Ca. and us living in Florida, and as close as we all are, loneliness can take its toll. I brought these two chapters up because I feel the book can be read by young, middle, and elderly people with the idea that we are all in this together.
Finally Mr. Arnolds reliance on God and what should also be our reliance on God or a Higher Power is what carries us through.
The author is Johann Christoph Arnold, who led the Bruderhof in the United States for almost 20 years and is
The key message of the author is put one’s trust in Jesus as one ages: “he will stand by our side when times of testing come.” The book is loosely organized into 11 chapters, each dealing with a relevant theme, such as accepting changes, finding purpose and peace, and saying goodbye. The chapters are full of real-life stories about individuals known to the author and who provide examples of the theme being discussed in the chapter. The author also provides useful quotes from scripture and Christian thinkers ranging from John Bunyan to Pope Benedict XVI. Particularly helpful were the chapters on living with dementia and beginning anew. The latter chapter, “Beginning Anew,” is the last chapter in the book, but is a beautiful exposition of the key message of the book, and is worth reading first, before diving into any of the particular chapters.
I enjoyed reading this book very much, even though I am somewhat younger than the intended audience. The prose is well done and the book is full of practical, helpful advice for those facing issues relating to aging. I found most of the examples offered by the author to be effective witnesses to the virtues under consideration. I think that this book could be read by anyone, regardless of age, who is concerned about the inevitable changes brought by longer life or illness. I recommend it for all individuals who are caring (or will be caring) for family members or loved ones – I wish that I had read it before my mother became incapacitated and died in a nursing home.
There are some challenges to reading the book. The stories can be emotionally or informationally overwhelming if you read the book like any other, and the chapters can begin to blend together; I recommend reading it one chapter at a time, and with a partner for emotional support. These are hard issues! It is also important to realize that this book is written from an explicitly Christian perspective. It is still very informative and much of the advice is applicable to individuals of any (or no) religious belief, but it might be shocking for the recipient if you were to buy this book for someone who is antagonistic to religion.
Recommended!
I would say this book is primarily for Christians, and although I didn’t agree with every doctrinal statement in this book, I appreciated the author’s outlook on later years and the ability to use our talents or even find new ones. There was not doubt that his focus was on our spiritual service.
You may think this book is just for old people, but I would also encourage younger people to read it too. You will gain great insight into the thoughts of your parents or grandparents, and just may learn something to do now to prepare for the day when you walk where they are. For those of us having reached these years, it can be a source of great encouragement and provide lessons for pressing on to make the time we have left a life of service and devotion.
The author writes clearly, directly and earnestly to encourage people of faith. He promotes a view of advanced age as a time of spiritual wisdom which deserves far more respect than the elderly are currently given. His stories are plain and simple indeed.
Arnold, a pastor in the Bruderhof Christian Movement -- something of a cross between Amish life and hippie commune -- offers reasonable advice. Accept changes and limitations that come with age; avoid isolation which leads to loneliness; find purpose in serving others; hold tightly to your Faith.
This book provides a vision for how I would like to meet the coming years. It cannot tell me specifically what to do in a step by step fashion, but it points in a direction that makes sense. Overall, a positive and encouraging collection of grace-filled advice illustrated by personal life stories.