Reflections on Death, Dying and Bereavement: A Manual for Clergy, Counsellors and Speakers / Edition 1

by William Smith

Overview

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 also presented.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415785167
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	01/30/2019
Series:	Death, Value and Meaning Series
Pages:	100
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

William Smith

Table of Contents

Introduction

CHAPTER 1
Human Immortality
Supplementary Texts

CHAPTER 2
The Problem of Evil and Human Suffering
Supplementary Texts

CHAPTER 3
Reflections of Philosophers, Novelists, Poets, and Other Writers on Life, Death, and Immortality
Theistic Philosophers
Atheistic/Agnostic Philosophers
Pagan Philosophers
Novelists, Poets, and Other Writers

CHAPTER 4
Grief and Bereavement
Death of a Husband
Death of a Wife
Death of a Child
Death of a Parent
Death of a Sibling

Suggested Readings

Supplementary Texts

Conclusion

Appendix I. Suicide and Euthanasia

Supplementary Texts

Appendix II. The Hospice Movement

Appendix III. The Funeral Director

Bibliography

Index

Editorial Reviews

Reviewer: Becky Stepp, BBA, MEd, BS, M, LMSW (Seton Medical Center)
Description: This is a philosophical guide to the mystery of human suffering and death. The book is structurally unique in its compilation of secular philosophers, poets, and novelists on their thoughts on death and immortality.
Purpose: The author states the purpose is to provide a guide to give clergy alternative sources to supplement the religious. The author theorizes that philosophy and reason can support when faith is tested. Throughout the book, references and suggested readings are provided that may prove of practical value in assisting the bereaved.
Audience: Primarily, deacons and parish coordinators, clergy, and funeral functionaries are the targeted audience. However, counselors and healthcare workers as well as anyone interested in attempting to explain the mystery of death and suffering might find this book helpful. The author's eight years as a seminarian in a Catholic religious congregation, more than 30 years of teaching, research, and attendance at wakes and funerals, along with five years experience as Seton Hall University's Philosophy of Death course instructor, have given the author an acquaintance with the literature in this area of philosophy.
Features: This is a philosophical supplement to theological studies. Rational arguments are presented from a variety of philosophical perspectives; reflections on death, dying and suffering are presented by novelists, poets and writers. The final chapters cover a variety of topics ranging from suicide and euthanasia deaths, to care of the dying, hospice and funerals. Parts of the book seemed fragmented and lack a cohesive framework. A better application of the appendixes and supplementary readings would be useful.
Assessment: This book may be a useful tool for clergy in preparing families for the inevitability of death, and in providing a better understanding of the belief in a life after death, be it from religious faith or logical deduction.

Doody's Review Service