J. Dana Trent: Planning for death helps you enjoy life
In her new book, “Dessert First,” an author and former “death chaplain” encourages people to prepare for the practical parts of death.
Physical health
Most Recently Published
Eunice Sykes, seated, chats with Sharon Gentles, standing to the right, at the beginning of a dementia caregiver support group meeting at Sheila Welch's Marietta, Georgia, home. Welch, second from left, expanded her church's ministry after taking care of her mother for three years. Photos by Bita Honarvar
Dementia ministry in Georgia serves as a model for churches to care for the caregivers
What started with a simple support group has grown to include online resources and gatherings that pursue its twofold mission: to help caregivers and to educate faith and community leaders. It’s part of a growing trend of congregations supporting the “invisible second patients” of dementia.
Ulysses Burley III lights a candle during an interfaith prayer service during the 2016 International AIDS Conference. Photo courtesy of Ulysses Burley III
Ulysses Burley III: Christians have a pivotal role in eliminating HIV
We cannot cure HIV in the United States without people of faith standing up against the stigma, the founder of a faith and human rights organization, UBtheCure, says.
Bigstock/Boonjaem
Ridgeway Addison: What's the role of a theologian in a nursing school?
Theological education is invaluable to those who suffer and care for the suffering, says a professor of theology who teaches nursing students.
Book cover detail
Excerpt: 'Glimpsing Resurrection: Cancer, Trauma, and Ministry'
How do you go on when you are undone by cancer? In her new book, cancer survivor and theologian Deanna Thompson combines personal stories and trauma research to offer insight into the challenge of living with serious illness.
Bigstock / 1BSG
Rae Jean Proeschold-Bell and Jason Byassee: What's the good news about clergy health?
A new book about an extensive study of United Methodist clergy in North Carolina explores clergy struggles with physical and mental health. But it also explores positive findings, especially in the area of positive mental health.
Detail of book cover. "Everythings Happens for a Reason: And Other Lives I've Loved"
Excerpt: "Everything Happens for a Reason: And Other Lies I've Loved"
In the first chapter of her new book, Kate Bowler writes about confronting death in the first hours after her diagnosis with stage 4 colon cancer.
Bigstock/VILevi
Allison Backous Troy: Praying the Jesus Prayer showed me Christ
In the midst of a painful health crisis, a simple prayer revealed God’s presence not only in the midst of the writer’s own suffering, but also in the suffering of others.
Photo courtesy of Laura Everett
Laura Everett: Riding my bicycle is a spiritual discipline
Biking is much more than just a way to get around, says the executive director of the Massachusetts Council of Churches. In her new book, “Holy Spokes,” she writes about the way that urban cycling has led to an urban spirituality as well.
Bigstock / Zlajo
Cricket Cooper: The midweek healing service
It was one thing to lead the Wednesday healing service, quite another to do so while undergoing treatment for cancer, when her own illness was on full display, an Episcopal priest writes in this excerpt from her new book.