Gerontology in a Graduate Theological Seminary

During the decade of the 1970's gerontology appeared in the curricula of a number of colleges and universities across the United States. Courses and degree-programs (undergraduate and graduate) with specializations in aging became ubiquitous. In the 1980's gerontology has increasingly emerged in professional schools, and most notably, in graduate theological seminaries. This paper outlines the background and experience of Saint Paul School of Theology, in Kansas City, Missouri, which has introduced gerontology into its curriculum and degree programs over the last five years. It serves as a model for integrating religion and aging into departments of religion and philosophy, graduate theological schools and/or related seminary settings.