Approaching the End
A Theological Exploration of Death and Dying
Published on 30. August 2007
Book
Hardback
256 pages
978-0-19-928715-4 (ISBN)
Description
David Albert Jones considers two basic questions: how can we live well in the face of death? and when, if ever, is it legitimate deliberately to bring human life to an end? He focuses upon the distinct theological approaches to death shown by four outstanding Christian thinkers: Ambrose of Milan, Augustine of Hippo, Thomas Aquinas, and Karl Rahner. Jones's aim is not primarily to make a contribution to the history of theology, but rather, through engagement with the thought of theologians of the past, to reflect on some of the practical and existential issues that the approach of death presents for all of us.
Reviews / Votes
excellent book * Abigail Rian Evans, Journal of SJT * This is a fascinating treatment of four foundation thinkers in the Christian tradition, important not only for Roman Catholics but for all Christians and those who live among them. Jones' writing is a model of clarity and readability, and his critical interaction with the four thinkers is skillful. Jones ably demonstrates the relevance of theology to contemporary issues and of the past to the present. * David B. Fletcher, Themelios * The usefulness of this book lies in Jones' careful and lucid exposition and critique of the writings of four seminal figures in Catholic theology on death and related questions... For this reason, this book marks an important contribution to scholarship in the field of Christian biothics. * M Therese Lysaught, Modern Theology. *More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Oxford
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 222 mm
Width: 145 mm
Thickness: 19 mm
Weight
497 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-19-928715-4 (9780199287154)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
David Albert Jones is Academic Director, St Mary's College Twickenham.
Content
1. The need for a theological approach to death ; 2. In every way a good thing: death in the thought of Ambrose of Milan ; 3. Not good for anyone: death in the thought of Augustine of Hippo ; 4. An illuminating comparison: Augustine and Ambrose on the theology of death ; 5. In one way natural, in another unnatural: death in the thought of Thomas Aquinas ; 6. Both something suffered and a human act: death in the thought of Karl Rahner ; 7. Final reflections