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

by Paul A. Scaglione, John M. Mulder

Overview

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 life's most important questions: How shall I die?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781621897033
Publisher:	Wipf & Stock Publishers
Publication date:	05/24/2013
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	134
File size:	159 KB

About the Author

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).
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).

Table of Contents

Preface Paul A. Scaglione John M. Mulder ix

Introduction Paul-The Priest Who Listens John M. Mulder xi

The Woman Who Yearned for Reconciliation Maria 1

The Man Who Could Have Been a Monk Ben 8

The Woman Who Had Questions Sarah 14

The Sad Man Who Told Funny Stories Jack 21

The Woman Who Could Not Forgive Herself Judy 26

The Man Who Lived in a Crate Nick 32

The Woman Who Knew God in Silence and Peace Mary 38

The Woman Who Sought Peace in a Life of Chaos Mildred 43

The Man Who Had a Tortured Soul Tom 49

The Woman Who Called Home Teresa 55

The Man Who Lived for Easter Paul 61

The Mother Who Lost Her Son Rachel 68

The Man Who Died with the Hope of God as the Good Shepherd Joey 74

The Woman Who Lived in Joy Rosa 81

My Brother Charlie 86

Conclusion: Listening to the Dying-An Interview of Paul A. Scaglione John M. Mulder 94

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"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

Editorial Reviews

"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

From the Publisher