This is a collection of 19 Lessons that are short reflective essays on aspects of human spirituality and clinical spiritual care,
based on the author’s experiences with dying patients. It is written from a very Christian point of view, but for those of us who work in societies where many are not practising Christians, the
basic messages about human spirituality are transferable.
For students of theology and the psychological sciences, this book provides insights into the nature of personal spirituality and
practical examples of how to help the dying and their families. For palliative care professionals, it underlines the importance of including spirituality in the overall plan of care and any doctor
or nurse who reads it will be a better doctor or nurse for having done so.
As Oliver says "Dying people teach us to live as if each moment is a gift".
Roger Woodruff
Director of Palliative Care, Austin & Repatriation Medical Centre, Melbourne, Australia
Former Chairman, IAHPC
(December 2002)
Author Information
Reverend Samuel Oliver is Pastoral Counselor at the Hospice of S Joseph County, South Bend, Indiana, USA
Table of Contents
Part 1 Lessons on Healing, Hope, and Peace
Part 2 Lessons on Spirituality
Part 3 Evaluative Lessons on Living
