Dying to Live

Reviews / Votes

Here is a succinct but profound and comprehensive introduction to the care of the dying and the bereaved. Marian Carter, an Anglican priest, offers us the fruit of many years of creative caring practice, not least in a hospice, and as a teacher. She also draws on a wealth of insights from sociology, psychology, history and theology. Importantly the discussion is firmly set in the contemporary context of our multi-religious and pluralistic society. Thus she includes notes on the beliefs and practices of other religious traditions. The result is an enormously valuable resource which will have a wide appeal. It will be both a basic text in training and a constant point of reference not only for clergy and lay pastors but for those in other professions, such as nursing, medicine and counselling, who have to work with the dying and the bereaved. -- Paul Ballard Truly well-grounded, Dying to Live, is an example of practical theology at its best. Beginning with real life experiences each chapter takes us through a 'pastoral cycle' that brings historical theology into creative dialogue with human sciences issuing in suggested practices of care that are informed by each of these. A highly readable companion text for everyone who one way or another cares for human persons facing the realities of life and death. -- Emmanuel Y. Amugi Lartey This is a comprehensive survey of present funeral practices, the theology of death and historic attitudes towards it. Many Readers are engaged in this ministry, and this book is highly recommended to them and to all clergy and pastoral ministers wishing to give added depth to those they serve. Overall it is a practical workbook, but set against a theological background.' -- John Foxlee, The Reader, Vol 117, No 1