The Spiritual Lives of Dying People: Testimonies of Hope and Courage

How do people think about God as they look death squarely in the face? This is the central question in The Spiritual Lives of Dying People. Here are the stories of fifteen people who confront death in their own ways and who find spiritual strength in their faith. This is also the story of a remarkable and gifted priest one who has made ministry with the chronically ill a special focus of his pastoral life and has guided people not only through their dying but also to God. In this book readers will find the inspiring stories of people who found hope and courage in life so that they could meet death. Readers will also glean insights into how they might approach their own deaths or care for others who are in the midst of making the last journey of life. This is a book that illuminates how to answer one of lifes most important questions: How shall I die? The modern hospice movement has become a new major and wonderful locus and focus for theology and ministry. This collection of striking stories is an excellent example of this Spirit-led development. --Fr. Richard Rohr OFM Founding Director Center for Action and Contemplation The Spiritual Lives of Dying People fills a void in the literature of death and dying that few have dared to explore. . . . As both a professional and one in remission from cancer I recommend it enthusiastically to people faced with life-threatening illness and to their loved ones. It should be required reading for seminary pastoral care and spiritual direction students and highly encouraged for all professionals who attend to dying persons. --Jane Thibault Clinical Professor Emerita School of Medicine University of Louisville No topic has occupied the human spirit mind and imagination more than the end of life. Poets philosophers and theologians have all pondered and explored the mystery. This good book brings real-life stories of real-life people who have confronted their own mortality with courage and creativity. John Mulder and Paul Scaglione tell these stories out of their own lives of scholarship teaching experience and faith. --John Buchanan Editor and Publisher The Christian Century Paul A. Scaglione is pastor of St. Barnabas Catholic Church in Louisville Kentucky and is the former Director of Spiritual Formation at St. Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology. John M. Mulder is the former President and Professor of Historical Theology at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. The author of many publications his most recent book is Finding God: A Treasury of Conversion Stories (2012).