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Reflections on Death, Dying and Bereavement: A Manual for Clergy, Counselors and Speakers
William A. Smith
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Death, Value and Meaning Series, John D. Morgan, Series Editor
You can read the Introduction for free right now, just click here.
IN PRAISE OF
"William Smith understands the challenge of consoling those of our
own faith, but also those of different faiths, little faith, or even no
faith. Drawing from many and varied sources, including poetry, philosophy,
and literature, Smith provides a helpful resource for all those searching
for words of comfort and compassion."
—Dianne M. Traflet, JD, STD, Assistant Dean, Immaculate
Conception Seminary School of Theology
"Coming to grips with death from a philosophical viewpoint often requires years of study
and introspection; dealing with death on an emotional level is always heart-wrenching and
agonizing; but knowing the right thing to say to someone who has just lost a loved one may
be the most imposing problem of all. In Reflections on Death, William A. Smith takes
on the daunting task of illuminating all three topics while at the same time offering a
practical guide for those in the profession of giving spiritual solace and advice to
people in need. . . . the book is very well written, easy to
understand, . . . it is a must read for anyone who wants to
better understand death and the exigencies of those in need of counseling."
—Robert Moss, Online Review, March 2004
"William Smith's book is a treasure house of wisdom and information
for clergy, pastoral associates, lay ministers, counselors and preachers
at wakes and funerals. It is a precious source book of materials drawn
from the writings of insightful philosophers and meditators on immortality
and the meaning of life and death....Seminarians and collegians have much
to gain from this collection of philosophical insights to supplement religious
doctrine and scriptural revelation on the subject of 'the last things.'
The appendices in the book are particularly helpful."
—Deacon Frank McQuade, PhD, JD, STMA, LLM
ABOUT THE BOOK
Many of the greatest philosophers of the Western world as far back
as Socrates and Cicero have meditated and written on the mystery of human
suffering and death. In cases of suffering and tragic death, religious
faith can be shaken and severely tested. Being told that it is the will
of God is not a satisfactory explanation for tragedy in the view of
many people. The methodology of Reflections on Death, Dying and Bereavement
is mainly philosophical. It is intended to complement scriptural and theological
studies. The volume has five main sections that are further divided by
chapter. The first section contains foundational considerations. Since
the belief in a continuation of life after death or reunion with deceased
loved ones offers consolation to many people, the book examines the possibility
of human immortality. Various rational arguments are presented. This section
also discusses the sufferings that people undergo while in the dying process
and the grief of the survivors. Theists who believe in an omnipotent, all-merciful
God will find a trace of 'mystery' here. The second major division presents
the thoughts on death of famous theistic, atheistic, and pagan philosophers.
Among this group are Epicurus, Cicero, Augustine, Aquinas, Pascal, James,
Marcel, Schopenhauer, Nietszche, and Heidegger.
The third section incorporates the reflections of such novelists as Viktor,
Frankl, Ernest Hemingway, the famous radio preacher Norman Vincent Peale,
and the highly respected thanatologist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross. Poets
such as Emily Dickinson, William Cullen Bryant and John Donne are included.
The fourth section deals with grief and bereavement as a result of the
deaths of parents (young and elderly), spouses, children, and siblings.
The fifth and final section includes death by suicide and euthanasia, care
of the dying within the hospice concept, and the role of the funeral director
and the funeral itself.
Intended Audience: Speakers on the subject of death, dying
and bereavement; clergy of all faiths; hospital chaplains; hospice caregivers;
scholars, teachers, and students of thanatology; bereavement counselors.
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