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Interpreting the Bible
How Do You Interpret the Bible?
Do you take the Bible literally? Or, do you view the Word as an anthology of wisdom that is full of metaphor, poetry and stories that can enhance an understanding of spirituality?
The question regarding how the Bible should be interpreted, literally or as a historical and metaphorical document, fuels an emotionally charged debate. The side you support depends upon what lens you are looking through when you read the Bible.
Interpretation of the Bible (or anything else for that matter) is influenced by factors that are often not within conscious awareness and that are developmental in origin (culture, religion, parenting, etc ). These factors form a prescribed set of lenses through which the Bible is viewed and by which opinions and interpretations are formed. Because opinions and interpretations influence behavior, it is essential for the spiritual seeker to first examine the lens through which they read and interpret sacred scripture. This is not an easy task, yet a study of the Bible must include introspection and an honest assessment of the reader's biases if it is to add value and meaning to spiritual growth.
Let's review the passage below (I Timothy) as an example.
Women should dress themselves modestly and decently in suitable clothing, not with their hair braided, or with gold, pearls, or expensive clothes, but with good works, as is proper for women who profess reverence for God. Let a woman learn in silence with full submission. I permit no woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she is to keep silent. For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. Yet she will be saved through childbearing, provided they continue in faith and love and holiness, with modesty.
Believing in the literal interpretation of this passage clearly directs that women should not be professors, teachers or clergy members. Neither should they braid their hair, wear nice clothes or wear jewelry. Likewise, the primary role of women is to bear children. Accordingly, there are some religions that practice such beliefs. Amish women, for example, wear very modest clothing.
Viewing this text from a historical or metaphorical perspective would provide a very different interpretation. The meaning of the above passage would be based upon its historical context including early Christianity's view of the role of women. This interpretation would not be in conflict with today's society of equality for women's rights, women professors, or even a woman for president.
Each interpretation of the Bible, literal or metaphorical, presents a series of problems. Consider the following passages:
Matthew 19:21
Jesus said unto him, if thou wilt be perfect, go sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come follow me.
Mark 10:21
Then Jesus beholding him loved him and said unto him. One thin thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
Luke 18:22
Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.
The literal interpretation is clear. All possessions must be sold and given to the poor. Believers are directed, then, to have no possessions. A metaphorical/historical interpretation would consider the historical context of the passage. This includes the common practice of monks during that time who lived in poverty and practiced simple asceticism.
When the Bible is taken literally, is it a fair statement to say that the reader cannot pick and choose which passage to apply a literal meaning to and which to ignore? Is it a fair statement to say that Christians must accordingly, not own any possessions?
When the Bible is viewed as a historical or metaphorical source of wisdom, is it fair to say that the reader might dismiss the deeper meaning of the metaphor? The wisdom found in the above passages encourages the believer to give to the poor and share of their wealth. If this wisdom is discounted (as seems to be the case when we think about the number of homeless, poor and hungry in the world), then the strife of the poor will never be changed.
There is much confusion and concern over the new laws in New York regarding same-sex marriage. Often the Bible is quoted to support or condemn same-sex marriages. Which lens do you use when you consider such a hot political topic? Do you consider the context of the passage shown below or do you take a literal interpretation?
Leviticus 18:22
Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.
A literal interpretation is clear--homosexuality is abominable (meaning a detestable act.) plain and simple. Is it to be interpreted as clearly as the owning of possessions--that it should not be done?
A historical/metaphorical interpretation would take into consideration the historical context surrounding this passage, including the desire of early Christian leaders to limit pagan practices and sexual rituals before false idols.
Whichever lens used to interpret these and other passages of the Bible, the seeker must be aware of the biases and prejudices that tint the lens with which the sacred text is read. The lens is not the Bible, but can be inappropriately used to prove a point or to validate and support a standard of behavior. The danger of literal interpretation is clear. It can lead to attempts to enforce concepts and ideas that were meant for another time and not applicable to today's world. It can feed prejudice and hatred as history has shown through eons as in slavery and the oppression of women.
The danger of the historical/metaphorical interpretation is clear. It can lead to interpretations that discount or miss the true and wise direction of the Bible. When these important messages are missed, the health of our spiritual growth is at risk.
So what lens should be used to view the Bible? While it may sound simplistic, perhaps a lens that can perceive clearly a message that is pure and cannot be contaminated - God is love. What do you think?
Performing Weddings
Tips on Planning to Perform a Wedding
"First, Get Ordained"
Spring is in the air, and so is love. Wedding plans are taking form as wedding season approaches. June is the most popular month for weddings, followed by August, September, October and May. So, if you are planning to perform a wedding, you will be busy for sure.
Part of the wedding planning includes finding the right wedding officiant. Many couples are now choosing that special person in their lives to perform their ceremony. To many this is "out of the ordinary" for sure, but doesn't it make sense that such a sacred and special ceremony be performed by someone who loves and knows the couple?
I am honored to have been asked to perform my niece's wedding this October. I have known her since before she was born, so to speak. There is much love in my heart for her and a desire to bless and hold her upcoming marriage in my heart as sacred and honored.
So, as we begin her marriage ceremony plans, I will share with you the methodology we are using. Initially, the officiant will have to become legal. You must get ordained. You can find the legalities regarding state statutes and registration requirements regarding ordination credentials on http://www.ministerialseminary.com/Officiant_Laws_by_State.html
Once you have an understanding of the state's requirements regarding getting ordained and performing a wedding, you can obtain the proper ordination documentation by visiting www.ministerialseminary.com.
After the legalities of getting ordained online have been met and you have received your ordination, you might want to consider the following officiant tips:
1. Confirm with the county in which the wedding is to be performed that you have met all of their requirements.
2. Sit down with the couple to find out what they are looking for in the way of a ceremony. Are they wishing for a religious ceremony or a secular one. Ask yourself if you are comfortable performing the type of ceremony they desire.
3. Ask the couple to give to you copies of their favorite readings, scripture and songs. You can incorporate these elements into the service to make it special, meaningful and personal.
4. Ask the couple if there are any family members or friends they would like to include in the service. Now you can incorporate the information you gathered in question two by assigning readings or vocals to the individuals the couple has chosen.
5. Ask the couple if they want a joyous, solemn, humorous, spiritual, religious or secular service. Some couples desire a little of everything in their service.
6. Begin preparing the service with your couple. Based upon their answer to question five above, you will begin to create the welcoming words. You can find samples to all the portions of the wedding celebration by obtaining a copy of our "Create Your Own Wedding Ceremony - In 12 Easy Steps" - HERE This downloadable planner will guide you through the rest of the ceremony and provide simple options for every part of the celebration.
7. Once the ceremony has been designed, practice it often. However, I recommend that you do not memorize it as it then looses its warmth and natural flow.
8. Print the service on paper that is the right size and weight for you to easily handle during the ceremony.
9. Be yourself during the ceremony. Remember, the couple picked you because you are who you are.
I hope you find these simple tips helpful to you. I will be going through the same process as you. As such, I will close with a prayer for the first time wedding officiant-- family or friend..
Oh Most Holy,
Guide me as I strive to be a channel of your peace and love through the facilitation of such a blessed event as the marriage of my loved ones. Grant that I may watch guard over my ego remembering that this services is a celebration of their love and that I am just a servant, joyful and blessed to officiate such an expression of love.
May my efforts be blessed. May this couple be blessed. May all who participate in this joyous celebration be blessed. We give thanks for the gift of love that you have so freely given and pray we stay ever mindful of it
Amen and again I say, Amen.
Living a Blessed Life
Blessings are things that we usually pray for. We ask for blessings as we give thanks for our meals. We ask for blessings on others to have a blessed day. We view these blessings as coming from above and extending down upon ourselves. Today, however, I would ask that you expand upon your view of blessings and for a moment consider them as an act of faith that comes to you, through you and then out to others.
I recently sprained my knee. The doctor said that it would take quite some time before it would heal and that the recovery would involve some physical therapy. I agreed that my knee was indeed in pain and that I would follow the Doctor's instructions.
However, when I came home to ice my knee, I began to think about this injury in a different way. As I hobbled to the freezer to prepare my ice pack, I decided to bless the ice. I held the ice packet in my hand and extended blessings and gratitude for the fact that it was so simple to obtain the pain relieving ice. I turned around and blessed the refrigerator. These blessings were based upon a deep and sincere sense of gratitude.
I wanted to complain about the pain and the fact that I was unable to perform simple tasks. Instead, I decided to bless the tasks I could perform. I hobbled back to my chair and blessed my legs for carrying me there. I held the ice pack on my knee and blessed my hands for their ability to hold it securely in place. I blessed the chair for providing me with comfort and I even blessed the pain as it provided me a sure direction of what way to move and what way not to move.
I continued this process throughout the next few days, blessing my bed of comfort, the warm water of my shower, the food that I ate and even the Tylenol. By day three, my pain had vanished. I did not need any physical therapy. My knee was healed.
It is important, I believe, to understand that in all of this process I never once asked for a healing. Rather, I extended gratitude and blessings that were channeled through me from the Ultimate Source. This experience strengthened my faith and helped me to understand the body at a deeper level. It is here to serve us and for that we can feel a deep level of gratitude.
Maybe a better title for this blog is Living a Life of Gratitude as I believe we can only extend blessings successfully when they are deeply embedded in a sense of gratitude.
I encourage you to try this approach for a few days. Rather than asking for blessings, try to have faith in the fact that they are freely given to you, through you, and that it is your task to extend them to yourself and to others.
Please let me know how this process goes for you and with a deep sense of gratitude to you, my readers, I bless you!
Rev. Barbara
Abundance and the Bible
Many spiritual paths hold a core belief in the necessity of suffering. Suffering is viewed as being holy and sent from God as a lesson to teach us right from wrong. Some religions encourage the suffering of their followers and profess a punishing God to whom we must make amends. Furthermore, current economic conditions are viewed by some as a punishment from God. We are suffering through tough economic times.
Yet is it possible that suffering, although unavoidable, when viewed as holy or as punishment might actually lead us away from our connection with the Divine rather than closer to it? Is it possible that our suffering or lack of abundance is in fact a projection from our shadow side that manifests outward into our daily lives?
If we hold as true that there are at least two dimensions of which we are aware (although physics informs us that there are many more), with one being our earthly existence and the other being heaven or our eternal source, then it is easy to see that our earthly being is a small being and our eternal source is large and infinite. If you define these "beings" as a small "b" being (earthly) and a large "B" Being (ultimate source), then you can clarify in your mind which being you are experiencing at any given moment.
Our existence on this earth is but a brief moment in time and yet we fill it with so much earthly importance. We seek so much from this brief period. We want peace, happiness, abundance, joy and much more. When we don't receive it, we sink into despair, hopelessness, and depression. From that depressed state, we put out into the world what we are experiencing and without realizing it, we are getting back exactly what we are giving out. Garbage in equals garbage out!
If you could trust that you could get from the world exactly what you are giving it, how would your life change? Operating from small b is an unconscious act. Operating from large B requires an awareness of our unconscious motivations.
Uncovering the unconscious drivers of our actions doesn't have to be difficult. If you look to what you are seeking from others, you will have a mirror image of what your unconscious is refusing to give and share with the world. If you want to feel comfort and concern from your partner, and feel you are not receiving it, then give it first. Give what it is you want to receive and you will interrupt the unconscious cycle of behaviors directed by your small b. Do this for an extended period of time and see what occurs. Through this practice, you align your actions with your eternal source. What you are looking from from the other, you already have within your "B"--your connection with the Divine. Give it freely and it will be returned to you in full measure.
The Bible supports this premise. Refer to Luke 6:38 for clarity as to how this metaphysical law of Being works. Then, try it. All you have to loose is your small being! Operating from your direct connection with the ultimate source will supply you with the peace, comfort, love and abundance you are looking for from the world. And, you will be spreading it abundantly.
Luke 6:38
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
Be blessed!
On Gratitude
"Happy Thanksgiving!" Over the next few days these two words will be used frequently in conversation between friends, family members and acquaintances. Thanksgiving is a holiday that calls us to focus on what we have to be grateful for and to extend the salutation to those we meet. Some of us, however, might find that the words slip off of our tongues without much reflection upon what they really mean. Some of us might not realize the spiritual healing and power that can be found in the act of feeling grateful.
Times have been rough, no doubt. The economy has prohibited many of us from obtaining many of the things that we might need or want. Many in our country, and elsewhere, have had to simplify their lives. Many are suffering. Yet, even in the depth of suffering, we can all find something to be grateful about.
Not enough has been said or written about the power of gratitude. Gratitude is often illusive and overwhelmed by experiences of negativity, loss, doubt, fear...need I go on? Yet, gratitude provides an experience of positive emotion. The more positive emotions we create (yes we create it ourselves) the more benefits we experience in our health as well as our sense of well-being and happiness.
Consider the "equal yet opposite" concept. When we flood our minds, hearts and spirits with an equal amount of positive emotion--enough to counter our negativity--we tap on the ultimate source. That's right! We have direct access to universal love, joy and happiness. How? Try the exercise below and see what happens to you.
Gratitude Exercise
1. Grab a stack of index cards (or a pad of notepaper).
2. Write one thing on each card that you can be grateful for. If you have a hard time getting started, begin with something like "I am grateful that I can hear, see, feel, taste, etc." If you have lost one or more of these senses, list the ones you still have.
3. Place each card or piece of paper on the floor around you.
4. Continue on with simple things in life that you never even give thought to such as: the sunrise, the moon, the beauty of the stars, gravity, and on and on.
5. Continue on until you have at least 50 cards or sheets of paper placed on the floor around you.
6. Now, pick them up one by one and meditate on each saying "I am so grateful for _____. I can feel the positive energy of this and all of God's creation rushing through my body."
7. Save your cards and add to the stack daily.
8. Watch for the positive surge of energy and happiness this can bring. Don't give up. Continue with this practice daily. You can contribute to the creation of health, well -being and your sense of happiness by maintaining a sense of gratitude.
After you have completed this exercise, observe the difference in your thoughts and approach as you wish a most "Happy Thanksgiving" to those around you.
I wish to you the most blessed Thanksgiving--one filled with joy, hope, love and gratitude.
Be blessed!
Rev. Barbara
On Self-Love. Charity Begins at Home
Charity Begins at Home
If you have followed my blog entries, you know that I have found the life of an ordained minister to be a demanding one. Time is a precious commodity for most people and conflicts regarding the use of that time often arise.
We are taught that charity begins at home and the events of the past month have reminded me of this. To my great joy, our family has been blessed with a new grand daughter. Supporting my daughter as she brought her new little joy home was an expression of how charity begins at home. Eight days later, my brother-in-law decided to be with God and passed from an accidental fall from a ladder.
Flying to my sister's side and supporting her during her time of loss was another act of charity beginning at home.
Thus, the demands on my time increased exponentially. I was feeling tired and my body ached. I decided to go the the Ultimate for refueling and advice. In that still communion with Spirit, the message was clear. Yes, charity begins at home. And there is a home I wasn't considering. It is the home of the Self. I was reminded to show charity to myself as well.
Refueling is a necessity to everyone, especially those in the helping profession. So, I went for a long walk, got a massage and spent more time in silent reflection. Slowly I am feeling more and more energetic while I continue to focus on my own mental, physical and spiritual health. I am reminded that self-love and self-care is not selfish but rather an honoring of the Self that is of God.
May you be blessed!
Rev. Barbara
On Ministerial Duties
On Ministerial Duties
The Daily Life of a Minister
One of the areas of study to be covered during our fall retreat, training and ordination celebration is the Daily Life of a Minister. As I contemplate how to best prepare ordination candidates to live the life of an ordained minister, I find myself reflecting upon the difficulties, joys, sorrows and rewards that I myself experience.
Last week, I met with a couple who asked me to perform their wedding ceremony. Let's call them Dale and Susan. It was clear that Susan was running the show. Dale sat back in his chair and barely uttered a word. No matter how many times I paused the conversation to ask Dale what he would like to add regarding this special and sacred event, he did not respond.
After some time had passed, and Susan discussed every aspect of her wedding ceremony, I suggested that the three of us spend some time together in preparation for this sacred event and offered the couple some sessions in spiritual relationship counseling. Dale, for the first time in the 45 minutes we spent together, sat up in his chair and said "that's a great idea." We ended the session in prayer.
Later that day, I sat with a couple whom I had married five years ago. Both were in tears over the sudden death of the husband's father. They asked me if I would perform the memorial service. "Of course" was my response as I looked at my already over-crowded weekend schedule, trying to figure out what I could rearrange so that I would be available for the memorial service. We scheduled an appointment for the next day to discuss and create the funeral service. We ended the session in prayer.
Yesterday, I met with a couple whom I married two years ago. They have just been graced with the birth of their baby daughter. "Will you dedicate little Gracie to God, Rev. Barbara?" "Of course" was my reply as they placed this precious gift into my arms. "When are you planning this happy event?"
I rocked baby Gracie in my arms and took a moment for prayer. I know that mom and dad thought I was praying for baby Gracie, and I was. They were not aware, however, of my prayers for me.
Grant me strength, tenacity and patience!!
And, let it all lead to joy!!
Today I will spend the day building the curriculum to be used at the upcoming retreat regarding the Daily Life of a Minister. It will, of course, include practical matters such as scheduling appointments, preparing for services, etc., but some of what must be taught cannot be found in a text-book.
The Daily Life of a Minister must be balanced. We are called to minister to those in need. In order to be successful in our daily "giving" to others, we must have an equal balance of "giving" to ourselves. It is human to have needs, and ministers are human. To best fulfill our calling to be of service, we must remember our humanness and treat ourselves as such.
Students of the retreat will be walked through a series of prayers and meditations that will reveal to them their own unique way of maintaining balance as they walk the daily life of a minister. Students will be encouraged to define activities that bring them joy such as participation in hobbies, daily study, the use of organizational skills, and prayer. Students will be encouraged to develop community and support amongst their cohorts.
These issues are gentle reminders to me, as well, as I strive to maintain balance during my daily walk. Now, I must continue working on the retreat training curriculum. I will remember, however, to meet my friend, Jane, for lunch and to give thanks for her friendship and its ability to contribute to my attempts to maintain a balanced life as a minister.
Be blessed!
Rev. Barbara
What I Learned on Summer Break
What I Learned on Summer Break
by,
Reverend Barbara
Summer break for me, consisted of a 10 day break and a visit to the beach with my family and my grandchildren. There was little time for prayer and contemplation due to all of the family commotion and although it was all good, I found myself longing for some solitude and time for meditation. None could be found.
Then, it occurred to me. I was missing the moment(s) all around me. Solitude and silence offers one entrance to that place of peace that provides solace. However, it is not the only avenue through which to experience the Divine Presence. Spirit was present in each member of my family. I needed only to look into the wide eyes of my grandsons to gain this realization.
I had been experiencing what is referred to as burn-out. A normal day's work for the seminary requires from me approximately 10 or more hours a day. I was feeling tired and loosing my connection to the creativity that is so important to the successful service of the seminary. During my long days at work I was finding myself longing for the same sense of solitude I again experienced at the beach.
Today, I am back to work as usual, but something has changed. I have learned to remember to look for Spirit in everything I do and everyone I see. I have learned to listen for Spirit in every person who calls the office. I have learned another way to connect to the presence of Spirit all around me--simply by staying alert and staying present.
I end today's entry with the following prayer:
Oh Eternal Presence, let me see your magnificence everywhere and in everything that I come across today.
Let me feel your breath in the wind.
Let me hear your voice through those I speak too.
Let me see your manifestation in those I see.
Let me also hear your mighty voice in the silence.
Remind me that what I seek is always there, no matter where I find myself. Remind me that I cannot be separate from your Eternal Presence
even when I fall asleep.
Wake up my heart so that I may embrace both the profound and the mundane thereby staying attuned to the peace that is found in this understanding.
Amen and again I say, Amen.
Be blessed!
Rev. Barbara
On The Sacred Act of Listening
On The Sacred Act of Listening
What does it mean to listen to someone? Or, for that matter, what does it mean to listen, period? It is a chaotic world. We are surrounded by noise--cars, planes, cell phones, and more. We must learn to tune out a lot of noise simply to survive. However, when this carries over to an inability to listen to what others have to say, it becomes a problem.
To listen with sacred intent, we must listen with our hearts. This requires the ability to focus on what is being said by the other without any preconceived notions. It means resisting the temptation to believe that we know all about the subject matter or that we know what the other will say, including their intentions. This is not an easy task. It requires the development of specific and sacred skills. It requires, as A Course In Miracles teaches, a miracle--a shift in perception.
There are two major roadblocks to developing successful listening skills--defensive behaviors and blaming. Students enrolled in the Seminary's Spiritual Counseling Programs become well acquainted with these two roadblocks. Imagine the amount of energy it takes to build a defense against someone who is trying to talk to you. You will not hear them because you are too busy building your case so that you can defend yourself regarding the topic at hand. This will not allow you an opportunity, a sacred moment, where you will hear the other person. You will not hear them because if you defend yourself you are really blaming the other person and labeling them as "wrong."
Here is a way to practice sacred listening skills.
- First: Practice simply listening to the many sounds that surround you. Do you hear cars, planes, the TV, radio, cell phone? List them all in your mind and simply take the sounds in.
- Second: Try to focus on just one of the many sounds around you. Pick, perhaps, the sound of the cars passing by. Listen to only one of the cars as it approaches and then departs. Can you block out the other sounds as you do this? Practice the art of focusing on one sound only.
- Third: The next time you are in a conversation with someone, practice the art of focus once again. Try to block out all the competing sounds and focus simply on what is being said by the other.
- Fourth: Try to repeat back to the individual what you think you have heard them say. For example, repeat (in your own words) what you think the other has said and then ask them if you heard them correctly. If not, ask them to repeat their conversation and try again.
You can apply this approach to sacred prayer or meditation. You can focus on a word, a pleasing sound or your breath. When other thoughts enter your mind, just thank them for coming and let them pass. Practice, practice and practice. Soon, in the silence, you will feel the spirit and receive the most beautiful and sacred messages. Be open, not only to those you speak with, but to the silent voice that can only be heard when we focus on its presence.
Do you have sacred practices or rituals that you use to commune with the divine? Or, do you have comments on conversational skills regarding your significant other or coworkers? Share your gifts of insight with those who read this blog. We really want to know what you have to say.
Be blessed!
Rev. Barbara
On Birthdays
On Birthdays. Human Development and Spiritual Growth
Today is my birthday. I'm not telling you this so that you will send birthday greetings my way. I'm telling you this because, as I approach my 60th year, (I am now, today, 59) I view birthdays very differently than when I was young.
When I was young, I looked forward to my birthday because it was the one day I would feel special and because I would probably (although not always) get a gift. I looked forward to my birthdays as a teen because I was getting closer and closer to adulthood and freedom!! I looked forward to my birthdays in my 20s because I felt that people would respect me more if I had a few more years of experience in whatever it was I was doing at the time.
Today, I view my birthday as a time of gratitude. My birthday falls in the spring-time which is a time of renewal and rebirth. My birthday is in the month of the Holy Virgin (according to Catholicism) and I as such, I have a special connection to feminine divinity. And, as I have been blessed thus far to experience many birthdays, I view my birthday as a time of reflection upon my life, and the wisdom I have gained..
The students of the seminary that are studying to obtain their certification as a non-denominational minister are often perplexed in that the course requires them to study certain aspects of human development as it pertains to spiritual growth. Many of them moan, while others can't see the connection. Still others, however, find the structure a helpful lens to use, especially when viewing where they are in their own personal and spiritual growth and perhaps they gain a glimpse of what lies ahead of them.
One of the theories students are introduced to is the developmental theory of Eric Erickson. Ericson believed that humans face certain tasks at each stage of development, and the successful completion of each task would leave the individual with a certain basic strength; Ericson's Psychosocial developmental stages are as follows:
1. Infancy (Birth to 18 Months) - Task: Trust vs. Mistrust. Basic strength: Drive and Hope
2. Early Childhood (18 Months to 3 Years) Task: Autonomy vs. Shame. Basic strength: Self-control, Courage and Will
3. Play Age: (3 to 5 Years) Task: Initiative vs. Guilt. Basic strength: Purpose
4. School Age: (6 to 12 Years) Task: Industry vs. Inferiority. Basic strength: Method and Competence
5. Adolescence: (12 to 18 Years) Task: Identity vs. Role Confusion. Basic strength: Devotion and Fidelity
6. Young Adulthood: (18 to 35) Task: Intimacy and Solidarity vs. Isolation. Basic strength: Affiliation and Love
7. Middle Adulthood: (35 to 55 or 65) Task: Generativity vs. Self absorption or Stagnation. Basic Strength: Production and Care
And, of course, the final stage:
7. Late Adulthood: (55 or 65 to Death) Task: Integrity vs. Despair. Basic Strength: Wisdom
I find myself somewhere between Middle Adulthood and Late Adulthood. I'm not sure that I have completed all of the tasks as outlined by Ericson, although I do feel I have drive and hope, self-control, courage and will, purpose, method, competence, devotion and love. My life is centered around production and care and I do feel (as I suggested earlier) that I have gained wisdom. Yet, the outline is just an outline.
