WEEK 4

The Christian Gospel - Tony Payne 

Publisher's Description:
This evangelistic book to give to interested non-Christians to read uses the time-tested and logical Two Ways to Live as the basis for its structure. Tony's easy humour and well-thought explanations means this book is short and accessible for the average reader.

The Christian Gospel concentrates on positively commending the key aspects of the Christian faith rather than getting into combative apologetics, making it an unintimidating give for believers to have ready.

Assisted Suicide - Vaughan Roberts

In this short book, Vaughan Roberts briefs Christians on the complex questions surrounding assisted suicide. He surveys the Christian worldview and helps us to apply its principles as we navigate life and death in a society with contrasting values.

Talking Points is a series of short books by Vaughan Roberts, designed to help Christians think, talk and relate to others with compassion, conviction and wisdom about today's big issues.

-Publisher.

Demenita: Living in the Memories of God - John Swinton

Dementia is one of the most feared diseases in Western society today. Some have even gone so far as to suggest euthanasia as a solution to the perceived indignity of memory loss and the disorientation that accompanies it. In this book John Swinton develops a practical theology of dementia for caregivers, people with dementia, ministers, hospital chaplains, and medical practitioners as he explores two primary questions: Who am I when I've forgotten who I am? What does it mean to love God and be loved by God when I have forgotten who God is? Offering compassionate and carefully considered theological and pastoral responses to dementia and forgetfulness, Swinton'sDementia: Living in the Memories of God redefines dementia in light of the transformative counter story that is the gospel.

-Publisher.

Making the Most of the Rest of your Life - John Chapman

The Bible teaches that all people will die, and all will survive the grave and live either with Christ or without him in eternity. 76-year-old evangelist John Chapman explores how we can know if this is true, and, if so, how to prepare for that eternity. This is a warm-hearted, good-humoured and challenging evangelistic book for seniors. It explains how we can know about life after death, what the new creation will be like, and whether we can be sure of being part of it. (Large print!)

-Publisher.

Nearing Home: Life, Faith, and Finishing Well - Billy Graham

"I never thought I would live to be this old." In this moving narrative, renowned evangelist Billy Graham (now in his late 90s) shares his personal experience of growing older. He offers some important lessons on how to face life's transitions and make the most of advancing years.

-Publisher.

Euthanasia: Reflection and Review - David McDonald

Last week I cast my vote in the NSW election. Coming from Canberra it was a shock to see a ballot form a metre long with dozens of names. The real shock, however, was being approached by a member of the Voluntary Euthanasia Party to show my support for the introduction of voluntary euthanasia in NSW. She was in her 70s and sincerely committed to the cause. Her husband had suffered a ‘bad death’ and she was determined that no one else should suffer in the same manner. I raised a couple of counter points, but she wasn’t persuaded and I was left feeling the callous one for not supporting her cause. - READ MORE

Against "Voluntary Assistred Dying" - Andrew Errington

How we name our actions is central to all moral reasoning. This is nowhere more apparent than in debates over euthanasia. The term “euthanasia” already points to a contest over the interpretation of the acts involved. Derived from Greek, the term “euthanasia”, literally means “good death”. What it refers to in our time, though, is something like “a deliberate intervention undertaken with the express intention of ending a life to relieve intractable suffering”.1 This falls within the normal meaning of the word “killing”. To call this act “killing”, though, seems to proponents of euthanasia to lose everything that is important about this act, and all the things that make it morally defensible and even praiseworthy in their eyes. - READ MORE