Erik H. Erikson and the deep context of ministry

Abstract

Erikson described how we adopt childhood moralities that we often carry into adulthood. He suggested a strong spiritual interconnection between what happens, or does not happen in this regard among infancy, adolescence, and mature adulthood. The mature adult's ethical responsibility within generational interplay is described. The ethical adult's ability to face death without dread is described. The question of Erikson's personal ties to Christianity is considered. Key to this conversation is his essay on the Galilean sayings of Jesus. The interconnections are explored, and two congregations serve as positive examples.