A biblical critique of Jeffrey Arnett's theory of emerging adulthood
Abstract
ABSTRACT
A BIBLICAL CRITIQUE OF JEFFREY ARNETT’S THEORY OF EMERGING ADULTHOOD
Brian Howard Honett, DEdMin
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2016
Faculty Supervisor: Dr. Brian C. Richardson
Jeffrey Arnett coined the term emerging adulthood and defines it with five key characteristics. Each characteristic is examined in light of Scripture and to make ministry applications. Chapter 2 examines the age of identity explorations, particularly in the areas of love and work. This is contrasted with an examination of biblical texts related to both areas. Chapter 3 examines emerging adulthood as the age of instability. Scripture is examined to create an understanding of life instability.
Chapter 4 examines the most self-focused age in light of the God and others focus of Scripture. Chapter 5 examines the age of feeling in-between and contrasts it with Scripture. Chapter 6 examines the age of possibilities. Scripture teaches that all of this life is full of possibilities no matter life circumstance. Chapter 7 concludes with thoughts about keeping from embracing the unbiblical aspects of emerging adulthood and offers suggestions for ministry.