A Parent's Death: A Biblical and Spiritual Companion

by Margaret Nutting Ralph

Overview

In A Parent’s Death, renowned biblical studies teacher Margaret Nutting Ralph reflects on the passing of each of her parents and the biblical and spiritual lessons she learned through these difficult times. The book grows out of her personal experiences, but goes beyond them to explore the meaning of death in the Christian tradition, emphasize the belief that life does not end with life on earth, and offer hope and comfort to those who are suffering.

Each chapter includes a section on spiritual lessons learned, reflection questions, and biblical passages for meditation that invite readers to apply the lessons to their own lives. The book may be of great spiritual help to family members, caregivers, chaplains, and hospice workers as they accompany those who are dying as well as reach out to the loved ones of those who are dying as they approach the veil together.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781442243279
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	01/15/2015
Pages:	156
Product dimensions:	5.70(w) x 8.20(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Margaret Nutting Ralph is the director of the Masters in Pastoral Studies program at Lexington Theological Seminary. She has published many books, including Why the Catholic Church Must Change: A Necessary Conversation, A Walk Through the New Testament: An Introduction for Catholics and And God Said What? An Introduction to Biblical Literary Forms.

Table of Contents

Introduction: A Personal Witness
Chapter 1: Setting the Stage
Chapter 2: Approaching the Veil Together
Chapter 3: The Funeral: Long Term Planning on God’s Part
Chapter 4: Discerning Christ in the Whole Body of Christ
Chapter 5: Being the Body of Christ
Chapter 6: An Explanation for My Hope
Chapter 7: Discerning Christ in All of Creation
Chapter 8: Twenty Years Later: Spiritual and Biblical Lessons Learned
Appendix 1: A Contextualist Approach to Scripture
Appendix 2: Scripture as a Living Word
Appendix 3: A Bibliography of books to give comfort to those in grief and to help loved ones offer comfort to those in grief.

Editorial Reviews

Times of grief are often one of the most spiritually fruitful periods in a person's life. Most often we cannot guide ourselves during these times, and we need the wisdom of others. Margaret Nutting Ralph will guide you through this liminal space with both wisdom and courage.

Richard Rohr

Throughout this book are sections that tackle spiritual lessons and gives the reader so many opportunities to apply these principles in their own lives. It is a tremendous help to go through these steps. Get your copy of this book and read through page after page of ways of coping with grief. I felt such a strong peaceful feeling as I read through this book. If you or someone you love is experiencing the wide range of emotions surrounding the death of a loved one, this book is for you!.. .. This book has something for everyone and would be a great gift for a friend or family member suffering a loss. Do you know someone who could benefit from this book? Stepping in and Helping someone during this time will give you a wonderful feeling. Why not share your own testimony to help another. This book, your support and prayer will assist others so that they will not have to grieve alone. When you connect with others, it will assist you in your very own healing process.

My CRAZY Life

In A Parent’s Death, Margaret Nutting Ralph offers hope and comfort through reflections on her personal experiences and her discussions on the meaning of death in the Christian tradition. This book is a great companion to all who accompany those who are dying.

U.S. Catholic

Times of grief are often one of the most spiritually fruitful periods in a person's life. Most often we cannot guide ourselves during these times, and we need the wisdom of others. Margaret Nutting Ralph will guide you through this liminal space with both wisdom and courage.

Fr. Richard Rohr