DESCRIPTION
Shows how medicine and Christian practice together can enhance the well-being of those who are dying
Living Well and Dying Faithfully explores ways in which Christian practices -- the practice of love, prayer, lament, compassion, and so on -- can contribute to the process of dying well. Working on the premise that one dies the way one lives, the book is unique in its constructive dialogue between theology and medicine as two complementary modes of healing.
"Extraordinary. . . . These essays are filled with wisdom because they have been written by those who have learned how to die by either being with the dying or listening to those who have learned to listen to the dying."
-- Stanley Hauerwas (from the foreword)
Contributors:
- Esther E. Acolatse
- Tonya D. Armstrong
- Abigail Rian Evans
- Stanley Hauerwas
- Therese Lysaught
- Amy Plantinga Pauw
- Richard Payne
- Christina Puchalski
- Karen D. Scheib
- Daniel P. Sulmasy
- John Swinton
- Allen Verhey
REVIEWS
Elizabeth MacKinlay
— Director of Centre for Ageing and Pastoral Studies, Charles Sturt University
"For too long, theological perspectives have given way to the dominance of medicine in issues of death and dying and, hence, end-of-life care. Living Well and Dying Faithfully goes some way towards establishing a balance between theology and medicine. These essays challenge the dominance of medicine, while acknowledging the vital contribution that medicine can make. The lack of a real place in modern times for theology in end-of-life care is highlighted, and a strong case for the inclusion of theology in theory and practice is made. However, the need to live well and faithfully in order to be enabled to die faithfully is also emphasized. The vital role of theology as partner with medicine in end-of-life issues is clearly drawn by a number of authors. The role of theology, particularly in issues of suffering, grief and guilt, forgiveness and reconciliation, is articulated. Ways of dying faithfully are set forth, including prayer, lament, compassion, and acknowledgment of the intrinsic dignity of the person.
'But this is not a cookbook of how-to essays; rather readers are drawn into the debate and challenged in their attitudes and practices. The book unashamedly asserts the love of God as a given in the practice of end-of-life care. This book will make an important contribution to the continuing dialogue on appropriate end-of-life care."