Adulthood, Morality, and the Fully Human

. . . . throughout this entire work [John] brings the wealth of his hard-won wisdom—from the pit-face of a life-time of teaching and mentoring pastoral ministers and religious educators—and an extraordinary command of the social science literature, to propose a vision that can inspire our educating-in-faith. * Religious Education *
When John Shea says that ‘Peace is the measure of human development in its fullness,’ everything I have learned from life and about life tells me he is absolutely right. He is not talking just of peace as an absence of conflict but as the careful construction of an embedded culture of mutual respect which extends to real care for one another, incorporates equality and justice for all, and which works precisely because of the sheer integrity of its underpinning morality. Such a peace is still elusive in our dysfunctional world but it has to be our priority for until we get there we will never know the fullness of the wonders humanity is capable of. We already have had too many object lessons in human depravity. Now is the time for a coherent planned, systemic transcendence capable of lifting humanity to its very best self- to a world of true peace. John Shea’s deeply probative and challenging book helps us to chart the way from this world to that world. -- Mary McAleese, former president of Ireland
From the perspective of moral theology, I found S. offers a wise and readily understandable argument for an anthropology that would be helpful in a foundational ethics course, and for an understanding of moral obligation and responsibility that avoids extrinsicism and subjectivism. * Theological Studies *
This ambitious work does not disappoint. We are all human beings. But what might it mean to be fully human? Impressively, John Shea, using a developmental perspective, describes and discusses the attributes of the fully human person. . . . This seminal book is well crafted, well written and well argued, scholarly and richly endowed with extensive referencing and insightful Notes, along with descriptions of film scenarios, mention of significant individuals and an appendix with practical questions for reflection and dialogue; a publication for a serious reader of books. . . . A great deal of shared wisdom inhabits the pages of this book. The challenge of exploring the notion of the fully human, as proposed by Shea, has exciting implications for theology and Christian education. * St. Barnabas College Blog *
In Adulthood, Morality, and the Fully Human, John Shea develops a much-needed holistic description of human development. He distinguishes between preadult and adult development, thus providing a more focused foundation for understanding what constitutes a fully human adult life. Shea builds on this theoretical foundation to elaborate on the healthy and darker sides of human development, especially on the challenges to confront violence and promote peace. -- Robert J. Starratt, emeritus professor, Boston College
Adulthood, Morality, and the Fully Human is a book of deep insight and considerable courage. It diagnoses the underlying cause of the psychosocial and moral-spiritual disorders of our world. It urges humanity—now in its final stages of collective adolescence—to move forward to the age of the Fully Human. John Shea courageously challenges many of our dearly held views and offers us prized insights on how to get to the city of our heart’s desire—peace. -- H.B. Danesh, MD, president of International Education for Peace Institute and author of The Psychology of Spirituality from Divided Self to Integrate Self
When John Shea says that ‘Peace is the measure of human development in its fullness,’ everything I have learned from life and about life tells me he is absolutely right. He is not talking just of peace as an absence of conflict but as the careful construction of an embedded culture of mutual respect which extends to real care for one another, incorporates equality and justice for all, and which works precisely because of the sheer integrity of its underpinning morality. Such a peace is still elusive in our dysfunctional world but it has to be our priority for until we get there we will never know the fullness of the wonders humanity is capable of. We already have had too many object lessons in human depravity. Now is the time for a coherent planned, systemic transcendence capable of lifting humanity to its very best self- to a world of true peace. John Shea’s deeply probative and challenging book helps us to chart the way from this world to that world. -- Mary McAleese, former president of Ireland
By examining what human development is in its fullness, Adulthood, Morality, and the Fully Human is an indispensable contribution to the search for all-encompassing definitions of sustainable development, well-being, peace and global citizenship. Shea describes with precise and rational argumentation the vision of the fully human self, as well as the profound and dynamic processes of empathy, care and justice needed to achieve collective maturity. Probing even further, this book offers valuable reflections on the practical consequences of becoming ‘fully human’ for education, for psychotherapy, and for spirituality. -- Victoria W. Thoresen, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences
John Shea offers a carefully researched understanding of ‘peace prevailing over violence.’ Adulthood, Morality and the Fully Human is an interdisciplinary analysis of the quality of integrity from the perspectives of education, psychotherapy and spirituality. Using research from key contemporary professional therapists, clinicians and educators, Shea provides a rich resource for people-workers, academic readers and spiritual searchers concerned to understand ways in which a more humane way of living can be achieved through the lens of a peace-mosaic. Clinicians and therapists will benefit from the thoroughly researched issues of trauma, addiction, co-dependency and psychological disorders from the perspective of ‘fully human’ living in the contemporary violent ambience. -- Maryanne Confoy, RSC, Jesuit Theological College