Abstract
As a compensation for their lost belief in eternal life, 21st century people are not content to live a longer earthly life than their predecessors; they prefer the pursuit of (the semblance of) eternal youth. This pursuit may also be understood as seeking appreciation. However, while recognition is a basic human need, the pursuit of unlimited appreciation is a recipe for unhappiness. Appreciation gained by means of the appearance of youth is, according to Maslow, one of the forms of undeserved respect, an unstable condition. Because Paul reminds Christians that they receive everything by grace, and that God is the Giver, Christians should give recognition rather than pursue the receipt of it.
| Translated title of the contribution | The paradox of eternal youth: The Pursuit of Recognition and Appreciation as Keys to an Unhappy Existence |
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| Original language | Dutch |
| Pages (from-to) | 366-374 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Journal | Theologia Reformata |
| Volume | 59 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| Publication status | Published - 2016 |