ABSTRACT
Emma’s comments were not unique-the spiritually resilient adults we met
told numerous stories about their lives in spiritual community. They believed
they needed “to be with other Christians,” in fellowship with them. Emma did
not mean that she associates only with Christians-we found no evidence of
exclusionary attitudes in any of these participants. Rather, she was expressing
her need for close relationships with others in her community. A recent widow,
Emma longed for more than recreation, money, or even good health-she needed
what can only be discovered through profound, spiritual connections.
