Human Aging as a Creational Good: Interactions between Theology and Molecular Biology.

A Christian theology of human aging faces significant challenges. First, aging receives far less theological attention than the heavily related and well-established themes of creation, sin, death, and imago Dei. Second, Christian theology discordantly supports two fundamental yet polarized claims: t...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Publicado en:Zygon: Journal of Religion & Science Vol. 61; no. 1; pp. 240 - 269
Autor principal: Hooker, David James
Formato: Artículo
Publicado: Open Library of Humanities Mar2026
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Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
Descripción
Sumario:A Christian theology of human aging faces significant challenges. First, aging receives far less theological attention than the heavily related and well-established themes of creation, sin, death, and imago Dei. Second, Christian theology discordantly supports two fundamental yet polarized claims: that human aging is a good of creation, and that it is an effect of humanity's fall. Third, it lags in its engagement with the science of aging. This article counteracts these obstacles by integrating Christian theology with molecular biology. Aging generating lifespan ("human biological aging," or HBA) is distinguished from aging leading to life expectancy. Intrinsic molecular pathways driving HBA are orchestrated, functional systems spanning multiple biological strata. Surprisingly, aging processes are indivisible from life, health, and growth processes. These considerations build a case for understanding HBA as a good of divine creation, clarify interpretations of humanity's fall, challenge transhumanist aspirations of age reversal or cybernetic immortality, inform theology–evolutionary biology dialogue, and promote a holistic view of human life through time.