In "The Art of Dying," Rob Moll gently invites us to come face to face with the reality of death, both of our own and that of our loved ones. With increasing life expectancy and the availability of aggressive medical intervention, we are conditioned to think that death can be postponed, and we no longer understand what it means to die well. This book is a gentle invitation to face what is inevitable so that we might live more fully as humans bearing the image of God.
Moll takes what could have been a morbid subject and transforms it into a deeply spiritual journey. Death is a "spiritual event" that requires preparation, and as Christians, we are to prepare for death in ways that witness to the death and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Whether we are struggling with our own mortality, or caring for a sick or an elderly person, this book will help us to be better prepared for the journey ahead.
The first part of the book opens with a brief sketch of history about how we've lost the ancient spiritual discipline of ars moriendi (the art of dying) and how we no longer understand what it means to die as believers. This historical perspective helps us see how vital it is to recover the lost discipline of ars moriendi.
The middle part of the book is filled with practical wisdom on various aspects of dying, such as caring for the dying, having conversations with caregivers, planning for the funeral, and the process of grieving and mourning. Moll weaves stories from his personal experiences and interviews with the dying and those caring for the dying, always pointing us to the transcendent light that never goes out. There is so much wisdom to be gleaned here.
One of the strengths of this book is the pervasive presence of the community and the church throughout the discussion. Dying is not meant to be solitary confinement, but a spiritual journey together with the community of faith. The loss of a person wounds the community deeply, but it also has transforming power on the community. On numerous occasions, Moll testifies how witnessing a person dying well can be a life changing experience for those in the community.
Toward the end of the book, Moll focuses on living in light of the resurrection. It is ultimately a hopeful book. By preparing to die well, we live well in the present. In the end, it is really about living--"living fully into the life to come," the subtitle of the book. Moll challenges the elderly to live out their faith to the fullest and rethink their vision of retirement. The church should also reach out to the elderly and incorporate them into the life of the congregation even as they approach the entrance to the eternal light.
I find this book to be a beautiful integration of theology and praxis. The study guide at the end of the book encourages the reader to move from mere reading to personal reflection and action. The questions in the study guide are also very useful for group discussions.
The book is organized well, written clearly, and is easy to follow. The topic certainly is not something easy to write about, but Moll writes with grace and humility of a person for whom death is not merely someone else's dilemma but his own. This book is a compassionate, yet prophetic voice to the Church. I recommend it wholeheartedly to anyone facing their own mortality, whether young or old, anyone caring for dying family members, relatives, and friends, and anyone in the vocation of healthcare.
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Since 1947, InterVarsity Press (IVP) has been publishing thoughtful Christian books that shape both the lives of readers and the cultures they inhabit. Throughout these seventy-five years, our books and authors have established a legacy of speaking boldly into important cultural moments, providing timeless tools for spiritual growth, and equipping Christians for a vibrant life of faith.
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Top reviews from other countries
Peter S. Hunt
Excellent book. Highly recommended
Reviewed in Canada on May 17, 2020Amazon Customer
Lots of food for thought about dying well. Unfortunatley ...
Reviewed in Canada on May 29, 2016
