
Burdened Agency
Christian Theology and End-of-Life Ethics
By: Travis Pickell
Hardcover | 15 August 2024
At a Glance
Hardcover
$93.25
Aims to ship in 15 to 25 business days
When will this arrive by?
Enter delivery postcode to estimate
Travis Pickell explores the paradoxes of choice in modern dying and the ways Christian theology can aid in navigating the relationship between moral agency and dignity at the end of life.
Burdened Agency addresses the problem of death and dying through Christian theology and ethics. In previous centuries, death was something that simply "happened" to us. To choose how or when one died was the exception, not the rule. However, due to advances in modern medicine, individuals are increasingly required to make concrete choices about the nature and timing of death. Modernity, with its emphasis on individualism, complicates this further because we are increasingly bereft of cultural and religious guidance regarding death. This gives rise to the phenomenon of "burdened agency": the predicament of having to make such difficult choices with so little to help us.
This engaging book offers a historical and philosophical account of the origins of our situation of burdened agency, as well as a Christian solution to the problems that it raises. Looking to theologians such as Karl Rahner, Karl Barth, and Stanley Hauerwas, Pickell devises a radically countercultural approach to death and dying rooted in Christian theological commitments and enacted in the practices of baptism, Eucharist, and prayer.
Industry Reviews
"Well organized, thoughtful, and compelling, and deserves a broad readership." -Joel Shuman, co-author of Reclaiming the Body
"Travis Pickell has given us a wise, timely, and lucidly written book. 'How to die well?' is a perennial question, but more choice and less cultural guidance have made it profoundly challenging. Drawing on Rahner, Barth, Hauerwas, and others, Pickell offers a path through this unavoidable thicket, a deeply Christian ethic of receptivity to the gift of our finitude and of openness to God's providential care." -Joseph E. Davis, co-editor of The Evening of Life
ISBN: 9780268208417
ISBN-10: 0268208417
Published: 15th August 2024
Format: Hardcover
Language: English
Number of Pages: 228
Audience: College, Tertiary and University
Publisher: University of Notre Dame Press
Country of Publication: GB
Dimensions (cm): 15.9 x 23.6 x 2.0
Weight (kg): 0.48
Shipping
Standard Shipping | Express Shipping | |
---|---|---|
Metro postcodes: | $9.99 | $14.95 |
Regional postcodes: | $9.99 | $14.95 |
Rural postcodes: | $9.99 | $14.95 |
How to return your order
At Booktopia, we offer hassle-free returns in accordance with our returns policy. If you wish to return an item, please get in touch with Booktopia Customer Care.
Additional postage charges may be applicable.
Defective items
If there is a problem with any of the items received for your order then the Booktopia Customer Care team is ready to assist you.
For more info please visit our Help Centre.
You Can Find This Book In
This product is categorised by
- Non-FictionPhilosophyEthics & Moral Philosophy
- Non-FictionReligion & BeliefsReligionPhilosophy of Religion
- Non-FictionMedicineMedicine in GeneralMedical ProfessionMedical Ethics & Professional Conduct
- Non-FictionSociology & AnthropologySociologySociology & Death & Dying
- Non-FictionReligion & BeliefsReligionReligious Issues & DebatesReligious Ethics
- Non-FictionReligion & BeliefsChristianityChristian Theology