The book helping you to grow spiritually in your 50s and 60s

Christopher Ash’s latest book offers guidance, encouragement – and a few strong opinions – for navigating the “afternoon” of life with faith, wisdom and purpose

Christopher Ash – preacher, pastor, teacher and writer –  explains that this is the book he wishes someone had handed him at fifty. While there are plenty of resources for teenagers, singles, newlyweds, new parents, and even those approaching death, there’s surprisingly little written for those in the “afternoon” of life.

He’s writing for a generation whose lives can look wildly different. Some may be empty nesters, financially comfortable and loving their newfound freedom, while others are juggling troubled teens and ageing parents who need constant care. Some are facing health challenges of their own; others are still running marathons. So how do you write for readers whose circumstances are so varied?

Ash begins with the heart – something shared by everyone entering this stage of life, which he says holds both “spiritual danger and spiritual opportunity,” depending on how we approach our faith. He encourages readers to pursue a pure heart and to seek wisdom with intention.

Another universal experience, Ash notes, is coming to terms with ageing bodies – though the connection he draws with Adam’s sin feels like a bit of a stretch. After admitting that “too many serves and smashes” took a toll on his wrists, he write: “ultimately I had to give up tennis because of sin. It would be good if we began to weave this kind of talk into our Christian conversations.” I’m not so sure. I think John McEnroe might have something to say about that!

At times, Ash can come across as a little insensitive to real emotions, such as when, despite offering some contextual groundwork, he tells single people