Jane M. Thibault

Declining, Yet Shining

Christian Living

“Declining, Yet Shining, is a deep well of Biblical counsel and pastoral reflection on the experience of aging. As he always does, author Richard Morgan captures the essence of the issues that concern older adults and transforms them into opportunities for spiritual growth. Of particular usefulness is the sensitivity to the differing needs of well elders, and those who are frail and less able to do as they wish. Drawing on both the Hebrew and Christian scriptures, Morgan not only provides realistic practical counsel to the reader, but also promotes a deeper insight into the scriptures. The reflection questions at the end of the meditation guides individual thought and group discussion. Each meditation provides substance for homilies and sermons, and the Biblical text is of great use to those searching for scriptural references for aging. This is a gem of a book--essential reading--for both elders and who serve them pastorally.”

Resisting Tyranny

“This is a good time for the Morgans’ book Resisting Tyranny to appear, as we live with Faulkner’s declaration, ‘The past is not dead, it’s not even past.’ Matthew Lyon’s story needs to be revisited, as some of the challenges to democracy Lyon faced, we confront in our time. In a real sense Lyon’s opposition to the then President John Adams Sedition Acts of 1798 is a mirror of what we face today in places of power. We need to heed Lyon’s letter to future citizens to take being a citizen seriously, ‘to organize for good causes,’ ‘to seek truth,’ and ‘challenge lies,’ if we are to preserve and extend our freedom. If not, the words of George Santayana may well come true, ‘Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.’ This is a well written book without a dry word in it.”

Second Forgetting

Counseling, Grief & Mental Health

“One of the greatest fears of growing old is the ever-increasing possibility of developing Alzheimer’s or another dementia, raising the lament, “Who am I if I can’t remember who I am?” Using Scripture and inspiring testimonies of dementia-afflicted people he has known and helped, Dr. Mast shows the reader how to respond to the experience of dementia as God’s beloved children.”

The Love of God and The Age to Come

Theology

“Vaughan's biblical research enables him to state that the satisfaction theory is not endorsed in the Scriptures. He asserts that God wants us all to spend eternity with God. We are given opportunity during and after life to grow into the acceptance of God's love for us—even if that takes an eternity. There is no everlasting weeping and gnashing of teeth. Everyone who reads this book, who has ever rejected the vindictive image of God, will be healed—will finally be able to open themselves to God's loving embrace.”

The Spiritual Lives of Dying People

Counseling, Grief & Mental Health

“The Spiritual Lives of Dying People fills a void in the literature of death and dying that few have dared to explore. . . . As both a professional and one in remission from cancer, I recommend it enthusiastically to people faced with life-threatening illness and to their loved ones. It should be required reading for seminary, pastoral care, and spiritual direction students, and highly encouraged for all professionals who attend to dying persons.”