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When Is It Right to Die?: A Comforting and Surprising Look at Death and Dying
More and more people who are terminally ill are choosing assisted suicide. When is it Right to Die? offers a different path with alternatives of hope, compassion, and death with real dignity. Joni Eareckson Tada knows what it means to wrestle with this issue and to wish for a painless solution. For the last 50 years she has been confined to a wheelchair and struggled against her own paralysis. And she sat by the bedside of her dying father, thinking, So much suffering, why not end it all quickly, painlessly?
The terminally ill, the elderly, the disabled, the depressed and suicidal, can all be swept up into this movement of self-deliverance. Skip the suffering. Put a quick end to merciless pain and mental anguish. These are tempting enticements to the hurting. Joni doesn’t give pat answers. Instead, she gives warm comfort from God and practical help to meet the realities for those facing death.
When Is It Right to Die tells the stories of families who have wrestled with end-of-life questions and found that death with dignity does not necessarily mean three grams of Phenobarbital in the veins. Behind every right-to-die situation is a family. A family like yours. In her warm, personal way, Joni takes the reader into the lives of families and lets them speak about assisted suicide. What they say is surprising.
Whether you have a dying family member, facing moral and medical choices, or struggling with a chronic condition that feels overwhelming, this book will help you find practical encouragement and biblical advice to help you make difficult decisions.
This book is revised and updated to examine the current events, trending issues, and the rising acceptance of assisted suicide in this country.
The terminally ill, the elderly, the disabled, the depressed and suicidal, can all be swept up into this movement of self-deliverance. Skip the suffering. Put a quick end to merciless pain and mental anguish. These are tempting enticements to the hurting. Joni doesn’t give pat answers. Instead, she gives warm comfort from God and practical help to meet the realities for those facing death.
When Is It Right to Die tells the stories of families who have wrestled with end-of-life questions and found that death with dignity does not necessarily mean three grams of Phenobarbital in the veins. Behind every right-to-die situation is a family. A family like yours. In her warm, personal way, Joni takes the reader into the lives of families and lets them speak about assisted suicide. What they say is surprising.
Whether you have a dying family member, facing moral and medical choices, or struggling with a chronic condition that feels overwhelming, this book will help you find practical encouragement and biblical advice to help you make difficult decisions.
This book is revised and updated to examine the current events, trending issues, and the rising acceptance of assisted suicide in this country.
205 pages, Paperback
First published October 9, 1992
64 people are currently reading
658 people want to read
About the author
Joni Eareckson Tada
318 books544 followersJoni Eareckson Tada is an American evangelical Christian author, radio host, artist, and founder of Joni and Friends, an organization "accelerating Christian ministry in the disability community".
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
March 15, 2018
I live in a state with legalized assisted suicide, so when I saw this book up for review I thought it would be a really helpful read. I knew Joni Eareckson Tada is a voice on these subjects that I would truly respect, and I was looking forward to hearing what she had to say.
If you are interested in thinking on the subject of assisted suicide and other end-of-life decisions from a Christian perspective, I HIGHLY recommend this book. This book addresses not only those who might be considering assisted suicide, but those, like me, who are wanting to look at this subject in a God-honoring way.
Joni not only doesn’t preach in this book, but she presents a truly compassionate look at these subjects while remaining uncompromising. She addresses those who may be facing suffering or death with compassion and a challenge to use every day to God’s glory, and she addresses those around these people to consider the situation with compassion and biblical truth. She speaks from personal experience on both sides of these circumstances, and I don’t think you will find a more well-balanced Christian approach to end-of-life decisions than in this book.
As someone who is strongly against assisted suicide, I especially appreciated this book because it made me look at the whole subject with more compassion. Joni challenges you to think about the real people who are facing suffering and death, to put yourself in their shoes, to imagine yourself as their friend, and to consider how you would handle these things in a Christ-honoring way.
I also personally found some of her distinctions in the last section interesting as she addressed end-of-life decisions, and she made me realize I really should sit down and write an Advance Health Care Directive. Even though I’m healthy and don’t expect to die soon, you just never know. People get in care accidents every day, and it’s important to think about the potential healthcare decisions that could be made and how to approach these things in a way that glorifies God, should a difficult ending be part of my story.
I highly recommend this book for every Christian to read. It’s not a happy subject, it’s not one that’s “fun" to read about, but I think it’s important to think about these things from a biblical perspective - both for the sake of those who may be facing these kind of issues, and for ourselves should we, God forbid, face them ourselves on day.
Note: I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
If you are interested in thinking on the subject of assisted suicide and other end-of-life decisions from a Christian perspective, I HIGHLY recommend this book. This book addresses not only those who might be considering assisted suicide, but those, like me, who are wanting to look at this subject in a God-honoring way.
Joni not only doesn’t preach in this book, but she presents a truly compassionate look at these subjects while remaining uncompromising. She addresses those who may be facing suffering or death with compassion and a challenge to use every day to God’s glory, and she addresses those around these people to consider the situation with compassion and biblical truth. She speaks from personal experience on both sides of these circumstances, and I don’t think you will find a more well-balanced Christian approach to end-of-life decisions than in this book.
As someone who is strongly against assisted suicide, I especially appreciated this book because it made me look at the whole subject with more compassion. Joni challenges you to think about the real people who are facing suffering and death, to put yourself in their shoes, to imagine yourself as their friend, and to consider how you would handle these things in a Christ-honoring way.
I also personally found some of her distinctions in the last section interesting as she addressed end-of-life decisions, and she made me realize I really should sit down and write an Advance Health Care Directive. Even though I’m healthy and don’t expect to die soon, you just never know. People get in care accidents every day, and it’s important to think about the potential healthcare decisions that could be made and how to approach these things in a way that glorifies God, should a difficult ending be part of my story.
I highly recommend this book for every Christian to read. It’s not a happy subject, it’s not one that’s “fun" to read about, but I think it’s important to think about these things from a biblical perspective - both for the sake of those who may be facing these kind of issues, and for ourselves should we, God forbid, face them ourselves on day.
Note: I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
March 10, 2025
This book deceived me. It started out, in the first half, as a well-written and well-observed look into medically-assisted dying and the ethics of legalised euthanasia. Asking where should the line be drawn? If someone is suffering so much with a terminal, or life-debilitating, illness - should they be able to take the control back and choose when and where they are going to die?
Even though there were some insightful religious points throughout, the second half of this book quickly descends from life-affirming, to very much Pro-Religion, “you are going to Hell” chapters. It is written by a Quadriplegic woman who seems to have taken great comfort in Christianity. I am not a religious person myself, but am interested in spiritual and philosophical topics and discussions.
There’s a lot to be discussed surrounding this topic and it fascinates me as somebody who is personally struggling with chronic illness, severe mental illness, and disabilities.
It actually horrifies me the notion that some people would, quote; ”would rather be dead than be disabled”. Disability is not a death sentence, and disabled people can live fulfilling especially with the adequate levels of help, support, and care. Without those things in place, it is only natural that we can be left feeling despondent. Also if someone goes from able-bodied to disabled there is a level of grief.
The ”right to die” comes from each individual person’s experience and levels of suffering. Isn’t it kinder if one is struggling beyond comprehension to allow them ”dignity in Death?”
3 Stars
Even though there were some insightful religious points throughout, the second half of this book quickly descends from life-affirming, to very much Pro-Religion, “you are going to Hell” chapters. It is written by a Quadriplegic woman who seems to have taken great comfort in Christianity. I am not a religious person myself, but am interested in spiritual and philosophical topics and discussions.
There’s a lot to be discussed surrounding this topic and it fascinates me as somebody who is personally struggling with chronic illness, severe mental illness, and disabilities.
It actually horrifies me the notion that some people would, quote; ”would rather be dead than be disabled”. Disability is not a death sentence, and disabled people can live fulfilling especially with the adequate levels of help, support, and care. Without those things in place, it is only natural that we can be left feeling despondent. Also if someone goes from able-bodied to disabled there is a level of grief.
The ”right to die” comes from each individual person’s experience and levels of suffering. Isn’t it kinder if one is struggling beyond comprehension to allow them ”dignity in Death?”
3 Stars
August 13, 2018
In this book, Joni Eareckson Tada does not give us a list of rules for deciding when it is time to die. What she does is just the opposite. She exposes the fact that there are no clear-cut rules while emphasizing the point that life always has dignity and that God has a purpose for every person he has gifted with life.
Our culture places a lower value on those who are disabled or who require extensive medical care. Is it because our society's general lack of faith makes people uncomfortable with images of imperfection and examples of our mortality? Is it due to the great value with which we hold our wealth, that makes us not willing to spend it on 'useless' people? I am not sure, but the people who choose to die or are encouraged to make that choice are not only people whose death is eminent. They are disabled children, the middle-aged and under-insured, the depressed, and the chronically ill. They are people who have the potential of many years of life ahead of them.
No one understands this better than Tada, which makes her the ideal spokesperson for this issue. A quadriplegic for more than half a century, Tada has lived a life that has touched millions - despite of and because of her journey through disability. It is not easy to discount the opinions of a woman who would qualify under most people's definition of 'right to die.' She gives many other examples that convinced this reader that the right to die is one that people are claiming too enthusiastically.
Without judgment, Tada outlines some considerations that people need to make when facing extreme disabilities and end of life issues. She openly admits that decisions will vary for each person, family, and situation. What she desires is for every family to go into these crisis situations with the knowledge and faith to cope with them to the best of their ability. Sometimes, there is not one right and one wrong answer, and we need to be prepared to handle that.
An informative and thought-provoking read.
Received through NetGalley. Opinions are my own.
Our culture places a lower value on those who are disabled or who require extensive medical care. Is it because our society's general lack of faith makes people uncomfortable with images of imperfection and examples of our mortality? Is it due to the great value with which we hold our wealth, that makes us not willing to spend it on 'useless' people? I am not sure, but the people who choose to die or are encouraged to make that choice are not only people whose death is eminent. They are disabled children, the middle-aged and under-insured, the depressed, and the chronically ill. They are people who have the potential of many years of life ahead of them.
No one understands this better than Tada, which makes her the ideal spokesperson for this issue. A quadriplegic for more than half a century, Tada has lived a life that has touched millions - despite of and because of her journey through disability. It is not easy to discount the opinions of a woman who would qualify under most people's definition of 'right to die.' She gives many other examples that convinced this reader that the right to die is one that people are claiming too enthusiastically.
Without judgment, Tada outlines some considerations that people need to make when facing extreme disabilities and end of life issues. She openly admits that decisions will vary for each person, family, and situation. What she desires is for every family to go into these crisis situations with the knowledge and faith to cope with them to the best of their ability. Sometimes, there is not one right and one wrong answer, and we need to be prepared to handle that.
An informative and thought-provoking read.
Received through NetGalley. Opinions are my own.
November 15, 2021
I have to think about whether I agree with everything in this book, but I think everyone should read it, especially those not disabled or facing death, because it will help you understand the often terrible pressures placed on the infirmed, and how likely a majority of those disabled wishing to commit suicide, wish to do so because of lack of support. My guess is this is likely true for the majority of anyone wishing to commit suicide. Even those in good circumstances are often constantly told by actions, words and deeds, by society, friends and family that they are more trouble than they’re worth.
November 4, 2024
This may be the lowest rating I’ve given a book. I usually enjoy every book o read, but this one has me irritated. Mostly because Joni has lead an exemplary life post accident and appreciate her ministry.
I completely agree with her premise and conclusion, but the book is poorly written and she flip flops throughout the entire book.
She spends the first half of the book on random personal experiences. The book should’ve started on page 112, talking about the first instance of this topic and going from there.
She starts the book saying that sometimes people’s wishes were horribly misplaced, meaning those who wished to choose their time of death or in the wrong and there’s plenty of doctors out there ready to throw in the towel well before they should, but then on page 135 she says “wisdom is gathered from a physician who knows the facts, a patient who is expressed his or her wishes and a family who is looking out for a loved ones” saying use your doctors, yourself and loved one for wisdom on when it’s time .
“Even Paul gets depressed” I disagree. Paul talks about being downtrodden but not destroyed. He is not wallowing on the couch, unable to act.
She talks about hell for a few moments, but literally says “I don’t wanna go into a lot of detail here”. When I think that is a huge part of this whole puzzle that should’ve been addressed. She then says as hell as real, but doesn’t give any biblical basis for it
She references Jesus not taking painkillers at the cross. And yet she quotes Proverbs 31 that offering painkillers towards death is OK as long as it doesn’t advance actual death, but just eases suffering.
She goes onto Norman Geisler saying that it could be viewed as unethical to keep a dying person alive on machines… And yet earlier in the book, she uses examples of people pulling people from machines as wrong.
Then, after denouncing suicide over and over again she says on pg 176 Elijah “wasn’t courageous enough to commit suicide” I would never use the word courageous for killing yourself.
In the end, what was not so succinctly or clearly written is that knowing for certain when it’s time to face the fact that death is eminent is unique to each person, believers need not fear death because they know heaven is real, and the Bible values life above all, but it’s not clearly written when or if we know we’re sinning when it comes to pulling the plug or having it pulled.
I completely agree with her premise and conclusion, but the book is poorly written and she flip flops throughout the entire book.
She spends the first half of the book on random personal experiences. The book should’ve started on page 112, talking about the first instance of this topic and going from there.
She starts the book saying that sometimes people’s wishes were horribly misplaced, meaning those who wished to choose their time of death or in the wrong and there’s plenty of doctors out there ready to throw in the towel well before they should, but then on page 135 she says “wisdom is gathered from a physician who knows the facts, a patient who is expressed his or her wishes and a family who is looking out for a loved ones” saying use your doctors, yourself and loved one for wisdom on when it’s time .
“Even Paul gets depressed” I disagree. Paul talks about being downtrodden but not destroyed. He is not wallowing on the couch, unable to act.
She talks about hell for a few moments, but literally says “I don’t wanna go into a lot of detail here”. When I think that is a huge part of this whole puzzle that should’ve been addressed. She then says as hell as real, but doesn’t give any biblical basis for it
She references Jesus not taking painkillers at the cross. And yet she quotes Proverbs 31 that offering painkillers towards death is OK as long as it doesn’t advance actual death, but just eases suffering.
She goes onto Norman Geisler saying that it could be viewed as unethical to keep a dying person alive on machines… And yet earlier in the book, she uses examples of people pulling people from machines as wrong.
Then, after denouncing suicide over and over again she says on pg 176 Elijah “wasn’t courageous enough to commit suicide” I would never use the word courageous for killing yourself.
In the end, what was not so succinctly or clearly written is that knowing for certain when it’s time to face the fact that death is eminent is unique to each person, believers need not fear death because they know heaven is real, and the Bible values life above all, but it’s not clearly written when or if we know we’re sinning when it comes to pulling the plug or having it pulled.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2024
Very good book! Thought provoking and informative. Recommend !
March 10, 2024
Remarkably, even astonishingly thoughtful in how her arguments are given. Everything Joni has to say here is clearly drawn from great depths of personal wrestling and a bold facing of the very hard questions it addresses. Her heart in such a difficult topic is gentle and wise. I was surprised at times at how she discusses suicidal thoughts, desires, and commitments in a way that takes for granted how common to man’s experience they are. She also intimates much valuable balance here on how to have personal convictions and yet also humbly see how others’ difficulties often lead them to other conclusions. I will be thinking on her words in this short piece on a huge topic for a long time.
March 4, 2023
Understandably, this is a heavy read. But an oh so necessary one... Joni's passion for the value and sanctity of even the most limited human life shines throughout the book, and her very practical application of the doctrine of the image of God in humanity colors all her conclusions and storytelling.
Though she doesn't exactly give a clean cut answer to the book's titular question (I wish she had given more discussion on preserving life vs. prolonging death,) it definitely gives some great places to start and deep truths to consider - and inspires the reader to consider the important questions around what makes preserving life valuable.
The last section was by far my favorite, as she discussed the value of wise counsel and community when making seemingly impossible medical decisions like life support and resuscitation for terminally ill patients.
I am still sorting through some of her points in my head... but I was extremely grateful for the open questions and hard truths about such a little-discussed topic in American culture.
Though she doesn't exactly give a clean cut answer to the book's titular question (I wish she had given more discussion on preserving life vs. prolonging death,) it definitely gives some great places to start and deep truths to consider - and inspires the reader to consider the important questions around what makes preserving life valuable.
The last section was by far my favorite, as she discussed the value of wise counsel and community when making seemingly impossible medical decisions like life support and resuscitation for terminally ill patients.
I am still sorting through some of her points in my head... but I was extremely grateful for the open questions and hard truths about such a little-discussed topic in American culture.
June 7, 2018
Joni never disappoints. Here is a challenging topic that is more far reaching than I realized. Joni is ever faithfully to God's Word, ensuring all is anchored there. Her practical approach is Gospel centric, not moralism and not pragmatic. I highly encourage pastors to wrestle with this work. I recommend this for anyone who believes people are important. If you want to love well, then engage this topic.
January 12, 2021
Joni's voice was so present in my mind as I read this: energetic, clear, encouraging, and honest.
While I felt it was somewhat repetitive at parts, it was a helpful and real approach to the reality and degradation of doctor-assisted suicide and how it adds flesh to the bone that "death is better than disability". Compelling and sobering, complete with a needed celebration of the hope that is eternal life.
While I felt it was somewhat repetitive at parts, it was a helpful and real approach to the reality and degradation of doctor-assisted suicide and how it adds flesh to the bone that "death is better than disability". Compelling and sobering, complete with a needed celebration of the hope that is eternal life.
February 7, 2025
Our society is becoming more desensitized and accepting of "physician assisted suicide" and disguises it in terms like "death with dignity" or "my right to die." I absolutely loved how Joni broke down this incredibly complex topic. If anyone can speak with authority on living with suffering, it's Joni. A worthwhile read for sure.
August 11, 2022
An incredible, insightful book on death and dying. It was a really good reminder that no matter how painful or hard our lives are, there is always hope. We don't get to choose some things - death is one of those.
March 28, 2019
3.5 stars
"Let those who seek death with dignity beware, lest they lose life with dignity in the process." - C. Everett Koop, as quoted on p 23
Tada reminds readers that those who seek to end their own lives or the life of someone they love don't say that it is "right" to die when life is too expensive to live, when death is simply easier, or for academic discussion. These individuals are in severe pain and/or despair. (p 64)
She also speaks to readers about the value of life - all life - and God's authority over it and ability to work within it. These were the strongest points of the book, in my opinion, particularly for those who are already Christians.
I did feel that this book was missing something, but I can't put my finger on exactly what that is.
"God works in your life up until the final moment. It may appear that nothing is taking place in the life of a dying loved one, an individual in a coma, or someone with a severe disability, but God is not hindered from accomplishing His work in life just because nothing seems to be happening. The work of God is spiritual activity, often separated a long way from one's cerebral, neurological, or muscular activity. Only eternity will reveal the work that was accomplished." p 119
"God can definitely work in the lives of people who have no intellectual capacity. Just look at the example of John the Baptist. While he was yet in his mother's womb, he leaped for joy. And even at his birth, he was filled with the Holy Spirit. Obviously, God did not need the baby to be able to process complex thought in order to make Himself known." pp 148-149
"Let those who seek death with dignity beware, lest they lose life with dignity in the process." - C. Everett Koop, as quoted on p 23
Tada reminds readers that those who seek to end their own lives or the life of someone they love don't say that it is "right" to die when life is too expensive to live, when death is simply easier, or for academic discussion. These individuals are in severe pain and/or despair. (p 64)
She also speaks to readers about the value of life - all life - and God's authority over it and ability to work within it. These were the strongest points of the book, in my opinion, particularly for those who are already Christians.
I did feel that this book was missing something, but I can't put my finger on exactly what that is.
"God works in your life up until the final moment. It may appear that nothing is taking place in the life of a dying loved one, an individual in a coma, or someone with a severe disability, but God is not hindered from accomplishing His work in life just because nothing seems to be happening. The work of God is spiritual activity, often separated a long way from one's cerebral, neurological, or muscular activity. Only eternity will reveal the work that was accomplished." p 119
"God can definitely work in the lives of people who have no intellectual capacity. Just look at the example of John the Baptist. While he was yet in his mother's womb, he leaped for joy. And even at his birth, he was filled with the Holy Spirit. Obviously, God did not need the baby to be able to process complex thought in order to make Himself known." pp 148-149
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March 8, 2019This book is largely focused on physician-assisted suicide, but I was most interested in the parts on palliative care for the terminally ill which is much more related to my context as a nurse. This book gave me a lot to think about. I never considered what negative impact the growing trend towards assisted suicide would have on the disabled community. I also completely agree that our culture is suffering-adverse and equates dignity with self-reliance (in other words, making the jump that if you lose your self-reliance, you have automatically lost your dignity and quality of life). The author ventures into what I would consider a very grey area when she talks about comas and semi-conscious states. All in all, this book was a useful and interesting read to me to formulate my convictions on death and dying in light of who God is and who He made us to be.
May 23, 2018
VT Reading Challenge: 35. a book about Christian living
February 25, 2018
when i chose to start reading this gook i thought it was going to be a pro-euthanasia. glad, i read it but it has not really changed my mind on the pro-euthanasia view that i have, of course the pro stance has restrictions on who and when.
this got a little religious but kind of expected with the topic.
this got a little religious but kind of expected with the topic.
December 8, 2017
From the preface: The last twenty-five years have brought a lot of change. When I first penned the words to When Is It Right to Die? much of what I discussed was theoretical. We had begun to see the first signs of the soul-chilling societal acceptance of physician-assisted suicide, but we had to travel abroad to find places where such acceptance of murder had become commonplace. Twenty-five years ago, my hope had been to provide a primer of sorts to readers whose only exposure to euthanasia was the occasional headline. But in the last twenty-five years, I’ve ached as I’ve seen more and more people stand behind the idea that a person has the “right to die.” And it gets worse. It is no longer a matter of merely “supporting” a person who has decided that his or her own life is not worth living. No, we are witnesses to more instances where the “right to die” has been given to a person with no say in the matter.
Joni Eareckson Tada's When Is It Right To Die is a must read in my opinion. Why? This book is literally a book about life and death, living and dying, right and wrong. It asks questions--tough questions--and provides some answers. But perhaps more importantly than providing all the answers, it shows readers how to go about finding the answers yourself--by digging deep into the word of God.
The book is divided into three parts: "A Time to Live?", "A Time To Choose," and "A Time To Die."
One of the questions asked is: Do we have the right to die? Does a person have the right to choose how he/she dies? when he/she dies?
Another question asked is: Does having a "low quality" of life mean that life is no longer worth living?
The first part focuses mainly on current issues and culture. It is good. It is important. It is foundational. But the second and third parts are where the book enters greatness. The second part has some great spiritual gems. The third part is very practical.
My favorite quote from the second part: "God points to the peaceful attitude of suffering people to teach others about Himself. Not only is He teaching those we rub shoulders with every day, but He is also instructing the countless millions of angels and demons. The hosts in heaven stand amazed when they watch God sustain hurting people with His peace. It matters to God not only that you live, but how you live."
My favorite quote from the third part: "We would communicate a far more compassionate message to those who are terminally ill and dying—and to be honest, even to those for whom dying is a long way off—if we focused our energies on helping people die right. To die right. That’s what it’s all about. Unfortunately, euthanasia has become a popular topic because people are led to believe that death by suicide or homicide is more dignified than dying naturally."
The book cover-to-cover is compelling and relevant. I highly recommend it.
Joni Eareckson Tada's When Is It Right To Die is a must read in my opinion. Why? This book is literally a book about life and death, living and dying, right and wrong. It asks questions--tough questions--and provides some answers. But perhaps more importantly than providing all the answers, it shows readers how to go about finding the answers yourself--by digging deep into the word of God.
The book is divided into three parts: "A Time to Live?", "A Time To Choose," and "A Time To Die."
One of the questions asked is: Do we have the right to die? Does a person have the right to choose how he/she dies? when he/she dies?
Is it right to die when a person sees no hope? Is it right to die when the pain becomes excessive, the medical costs prohibitive, the personal dignity shattered? Is it right to die when life becomes too burdensome? Where should the line be drawn? And who has the right to draw it? When is it right to say, “This much I can take, and no more!” Of this much I am certain: There is for each of us a time to die, and when that time comes, we should be prepared to go. But the problem remains: Exactly when is it time?
Another question asked is: Does having a "low quality" of life mean that life is no longer worth living?
Some say a society that measures people in terms of quality of life will preserve those who have a potential to function . . . and will neglect those who don’t. Oddly enough, society will ascribe to physically fit and intellectually capable people a very high quality of life, despite the fact that they are sometimes the most miserable, and a very low quality of life to people who are poor and disabled, despite the fact they are sometimes the most content. “Quality of life” is generally used as a counterbalance to the term sanctity of life.
The first part focuses mainly on current issues and culture. It is good. It is important. It is foundational. But the second and third parts are where the book enters greatness. The second part has some great spiritual gems. The third part is very practical.
My favorite quote from the second part: "God points to the peaceful attitude of suffering people to teach others about Himself. Not only is He teaching those we rub shoulders with every day, but He is also instructing the countless millions of angels and demons. The hosts in heaven stand amazed when they watch God sustain hurting people with His peace. It matters to God not only that you live, but how you live."
My favorite quote from the third part: "We would communicate a far more compassionate message to those who are terminally ill and dying—and to be honest, even to those for whom dying is a long way off—if we focused our energies on helping people die right. To die right. That’s what it’s all about. Unfortunately, euthanasia has become a popular topic because people are led to believe that death by suicide or homicide is more dignified than dying naturally."
The book cover-to-cover is compelling and relevant. I highly recommend it.
July 27, 2018
"Any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind." (John Donne)
I added this book to my reading list after listening to Joni Eareckson Tada's remarks at a conference earlier this year. She is quite an inspirational speaker, and a staunch advocate for the humanity and lives of the disabled, the vulnerable, the aged, and the forgotten. (She herself is a quadriplegic who has been in a wheelchair for 50 years since an accident disabled her.)
The book is a recently republished reworking of an original book the author published 25 years ago. Since then, the issues she discusses--predominantly assisted suicide and euthanasia--continue to hit the headlines with increased frequency as countries and states enact laws and practices that allow for (encourage?) these practices. (I'm thinking most recently of horrifying court battle around the life of little Alfie Evans in the UK.)
One thing I really like about the book is that it is more about principles than rules. There are a number of practical pieces of information--including the disambiguation of the many euphemisms we use for euthanasia, and a discussion of terms like "living will" and "advance directive"--but predominantly, the author presents cases and situations--heartbreaking, all of them--that prompt thought, including a section of questions to ponder at the end of each chapter.
There are a number of reasons this book touched a nerve on life and death issues. Many of these issues, to be sure, continue to garner our media attention--including abortion. (Though not discussed, it certainly relates to the dignity and value of human life, and many of the authors principals to consider could apply.) However, a little more close to home, I myself have reached middle age, and having lost my last grandparent this year (and my wife, her last grandparent last year), I have come to realize my parents (and hers) are the oldest generation now. I've also lost friends not much older than me to cancer fairly recently. For all of these reasons and more, the considerations of life and death are more relevant than ever, and I suppose it is never to soon to grapple with these principles, because one thing is sure: death--our own death, and the deaths of others--will impact us all.
I'd recommend this book to anyone, but be aware that the book and the author are unabashedly Christian. Some of the ideas she discusses will, I suspect, feel foreign to the non-believer or skeptic. However, my hope is that her first-person experience and her passion for the dignity of the dying might touch a chord and give something for even the staunchest proponent of the "right to die" to consider.
I added this book to my reading list after listening to Joni Eareckson Tada's remarks at a conference earlier this year. She is quite an inspirational speaker, and a staunch advocate for the humanity and lives of the disabled, the vulnerable, the aged, and the forgotten. (She herself is a quadriplegic who has been in a wheelchair for 50 years since an accident disabled her.)
The book is a recently republished reworking of an original book the author published 25 years ago. Since then, the issues she discusses--predominantly assisted suicide and euthanasia--continue to hit the headlines with increased frequency as countries and states enact laws and practices that allow for (encourage?) these practices. (I'm thinking most recently of horrifying court battle around the life of little Alfie Evans in the UK.)
One thing I really like about the book is that it is more about principles than rules. There are a number of practical pieces of information--including the disambiguation of the many euphemisms we use for euthanasia, and a discussion of terms like "living will" and "advance directive"--but predominantly, the author presents cases and situations--heartbreaking, all of them--that prompt thought, including a section of questions to ponder at the end of each chapter.
There are a number of reasons this book touched a nerve on life and death issues. Many of these issues, to be sure, continue to garner our media attention--including abortion. (Though not discussed, it certainly relates to the dignity and value of human life, and many of the authors principals to consider could apply.) However, a little more close to home, I myself have reached middle age, and having lost my last grandparent this year (and my wife, her last grandparent last year), I have come to realize my parents (and hers) are the oldest generation now. I've also lost friends not much older than me to cancer fairly recently. For all of these reasons and more, the considerations of life and death are more relevant than ever, and I suppose it is never to soon to grapple with these principles, because one thing is sure: death--our own death, and the deaths of others--will impact us all.
I'd recommend this book to anyone, but be aware that the book and the author are unabashedly Christian. Some of the ideas she discusses will, I suspect, feel foreign to the non-believer or skeptic. However, my hope is that her first-person experience and her passion for the dignity of the dying might touch a chord and give something for even the staunchest proponent of the "right to die" to consider.
October 25, 2018
In general, this is a good book. It is not what you might call an ethical treatise because it is not as organized and logically argued as many other bioethics books. There are good arguments against assisted suicide, which is what this book is mostly about, but they are not as philosophical as they are personal. That is not necessarily bad, but it just means that the place of this book is different than other bioethics books from Christian perspectives.
What are the things that I found a little frustrating in the beginning and really through more than half the book, was that I was not sure if she was strictly talking about physician-assisted suicide or any end-of-life situation from a terminal illness where life support might be removed. Towards the end when she starts to talk about terminal illness and life support and not just physician-assisted suicide, it becomes more clear what she was talking about in the first part of the book and the second. As far as being a polemic against physician-assisted suicide, it is generally a good book from a Christian worldview.
When she begins to talk about terminal illness and perhaps removal of life support or ceasing life-saving treatment, her argument is not as clear because she really only talks about the good of extending life. That is a good that Christians must consider because life is valuable since humans are made in the image of God. But there are other goods that we need to think about too. Sometimes there is the good of quality of relationships towards the end of life which can outweigh extending that life under burdensome treatment that reduces the quality of our relationships. Of course there are other Goods we could talk about too and a book review is not the place to discuss those. The point of me saying that is that she does not give a full picture of end-of-life issues since she does not consider other goods besides extending life. There are other books that are good for that, like David Vandrunen's book Bioethics and the Christian Life.
One of the aspects of this book that makes it so valuable is the person who writes it. Very few people have suffered like Joni has suffered, so her testimony has much more of a ring of truth to it and can engender hope and encouragement, than most of the rest of us. When we talk to people who are suffering it is not as real, I think, to them than when someone like Joni talks to them. For that reason alone, this book is worth reading.
What are the things that I found a little frustrating in the beginning and really through more than half the book, was that I was not sure if she was strictly talking about physician-assisted suicide or any end-of-life situation from a terminal illness where life support might be removed. Towards the end when she starts to talk about terminal illness and life support and not just physician-assisted suicide, it becomes more clear what she was talking about in the first part of the book and the second. As far as being a polemic against physician-assisted suicide, it is generally a good book from a Christian worldview.
When she begins to talk about terminal illness and perhaps removal of life support or ceasing life-saving treatment, her argument is not as clear because she really only talks about the good of extending life. That is a good that Christians must consider because life is valuable since humans are made in the image of God. But there are other goods that we need to think about too. Sometimes there is the good of quality of relationships towards the end of life which can outweigh extending that life under burdensome treatment that reduces the quality of our relationships. Of course there are other Goods we could talk about too and a book review is not the place to discuss those. The point of me saying that is that she does not give a full picture of end-of-life issues since she does not consider other goods besides extending life. There are other books that are good for that, like David Vandrunen's book Bioethics and the Christian Life.
One of the aspects of this book that makes it so valuable is the person who writes it. Very few people have suffered like Joni has suffered, so her testimony has much more of a ring of truth to it and can engender hope and encouragement, than most of the rest of us. When we talk to people who are suffering it is not as real, I think, to them than when someone like Joni talks to them. For that reason alone, this book is worth reading.
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March 2, 2022This was a strange reading experience.
I agreed with the author’s thesis (that disabled life is worth living and should not be coercively cut short) and disagreed with just about everything else, from her arguments to her weird insistence that society has always prioritized caring for the weak and downtrodden until our decadent and degenerate modern age.
It’s like Tada has to mention certain conservative touch points even when they undermine her points. “There is absolute morality,” she insists, and then launches into several chapters about how you really need to consult with your doctors and community and come to an individual decision on these issues informed by your specific circumstances. (So morality is relative, then?) ���The past was better than the present,” she insists, while also admonishing the families of comatose people to hang in there because “isn’t it wonderful how quickly medicine is advancing? Life is so much better for disabled people than it has ever been before, and maybe the cure for your loved one is right around the corner.”
I think it’s extremely messed up to say that suffering should be prolonged because maybe God can convert people whose brains are no longer capable of complex thought so they can go to heaven, but at least that argument is internally consistent.
She throws in a random dig at LGBTQ people at the end, too. It’s not even tangentially related to the subject of this book. Very cool. Voting for anti-LGBTQ, anti-choice, history-romanticizing politicians is definitely going to get the necessary public funds for the disability and end-of-life care programs you’re advocating for, Tada. Good job.
I agreed with the author’s thesis (that disabled life is worth living and should not be coercively cut short) and disagreed with just about everything else, from her arguments to her weird insistence that society has always prioritized caring for the weak and downtrodden until our decadent and degenerate modern age.
It’s like Tada has to mention certain conservative touch points even when they undermine her points. “There is absolute morality,” she insists, and then launches into several chapters about how you really need to consult with your doctors and community and come to an individual decision on these issues informed by your specific circumstances. (So morality is relative, then?) ���The past was better than the present,” she insists, while also admonishing the families of comatose people to hang in there because “isn’t it wonderful how quickly medicine is advancing? Life is so much better for disabled people than it has ever been before, and maybe the cure for your loved one is right around the corner.”
I think it’s extremely messed up to say that suffering should be prolonged because maybe God can convert people whose brains are no longer capable of complex thought so they can go to heaven, but at least that argument is internally consistent.
She throws in a random dig at LGBTQ people at the end, too. It’s not even tangentially related to the subject of this book. Very cool. Voting for anti-LGBTQ, anti-choice, history-romanticizing politicians is definitely going to get the necessary public funds for the disability and end-of-life care programs you’re advocating for, Tada. Good job.
December 19, 2017
In this book, Joni Eareckson Tada compassionately examines the subject of euthanasia (or whatever other “death with dignity” term you prefer). She isn’t primarily a theologian or philosopher, but a lovely Christian woman and advocate for the disabled who has spent the last 50 years as a quadriplegic.
She speaks gently, making use of examples from her own life (both personal struggles & advocacy experience) and the lives of others who have reached out to her, stories that garnered national headlines, medical data, legal decisions, and spiritual guidelines from the Bible. She asserts that the intrinsic value of human life calls for “sustaining life, but not prolonging death,” and freely acknowledges that often “knowing the difference isn’t easy.” Her overall approach is both wise and compassionate, overflowing with empathy and concern for the emotional and spiritual well-being of those who are suffering and offering practical advice in approaching difficult potentially-end-of-life situations.
Overall, you might be able to find more theologically/philosophically rigorous books advocating the same position, but the personal element in this book makes it a good place to start.
She speaks gently, making use of examples from her own life (both personal struggles & advocacy experience) and the lives of others who have reached out to her, stories that garnered national headlines, medical data, legal decisions, and spiritual guidelines from the Bible. She asserts that the intrinsic value of human life calls for “sustaining life, but not prolonging death,” and freely acknowledges that often “knowing the difference isn’t easy.” Her overall approach is both wise and compassionate, overflowing with empathy and concern for the emotional and spiritual well-being of those who are suffering and offering practical advice in approaching difficult potentially-end-of-life situations.
Overall, you might be able to find more theologically/philosophically rigorous books advocating the same position, but the personal element in this book makes it a good place to start.
May 12, 2018
Tada's book is as relevant as when it first came out in 1992, if not more so. Just this weekend, newspapers reported on a 104 year old scientist who chose to end his life. This is of necessity a dividing question. Tada makes it clear that she is against any measures to end a person's life. At the same time, she speaks compassionately about how suffering leads many to contemplate doing just that, as she herself has been in that place.
She talks about the difference between actively ending a life and deciding against interventions to prolong the process of dying. I wish she had spent more time on this last subject, as this is an area where many of us who agree with her basic premise still struggle. Where does the line fall between choosing to end a life and choosing not to prolong it?
Whether or not you agree with her, I do recommend reading Tada as someone who speaks eloquently from a place of personal experience. Review based on an ARC provided by the publisher through Netgalley.
She talks about the difference between actively ending a life and deciding against interventions to prolong the process of dying. I wish she had spent more time on this last subject, as this is an area where many of us who agree with her basic premise still struggle. Where does the line fall between choosing to end a life and choosing not to prolong it?
Whether or not you agree with her, I do recommend reading Tada as someone who speaks eloquently from a place of personal experience. Review based on an ARC provided by the publisher through Netgalley.
May 29, 2025
This book was not what I was expecting at all! I had no idea it was about the moral debate behind assisted suicide, but I’m so glad I read it. It provides such comfort on death and dying and answering difficult questions. It also encourages us to be dedicated to taking care of the sick and the disabled. To be a friend. To show them that their life has great meaning and there is a spirit and a soul within them that the Lord Jesus loves very much. This can be the difference between them giving up or them realizing that they have a life that is very much so worth living. ❤️
“But whenever you give a banquet, invite people who are poor, who have disabilities, who are limping, and people who are blind; and you will be blessed, since they do not have the means to repay you; for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.””
Luke 14:13-14 NASB2020
“Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly.”
Romans 12:15-16 NASB2020
“But whenever you give a banquet, invite people who are poor, who have disabilities, who are limping, and people who are blind; and you will be blessed, since they do not have the means to repay you; for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.””
Luke 14:13-14 NASB2020
“Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly.”
Romans 12:15-16 NASB2020
June 7, 2025
If you have a dog and say this dog gets sick, so sick the dog will suffer and then die. You would want your dog or any animal to die with no pain, compassion and dignity. Right? What is wrong with a human wanting the very same thing.
No one has the right to tell you that you don't have the right or deserve to die with dignity, compassion and pain free. If you're going to die anyway. What's the problem. A dignified compassionate death? We should be able to choose what way we want to go. I personally want my death to be like my beloved animals. I held them told them how much I appreciated their love, they get sedated, they are in no pain and held and loved until the second shot and they are gone in 2 seconds while being held by their loved one. I want a death exactly like that. If you tell me. "Well, you're not a dog". I'd say yes, but I want to choose my way to die like one. No suffering, no pain, dignified, and held by who loves me. How wonderful.
No one has the right to tell you that you don't have the right or deserve to die with dignity, compassion and pain free. If you're going to die anyway. What's the problem. A dignified compassionate death? We should be able to choose what way we want to go. I personally want my death to be like my beloved animals. I held them told them how much I appreciated their love, they get sedated, they are in no pain and held and loved until the second shot and they are gone in 2 seconds while being held by their loved one. I want a death exactly like that. If you tell me. "Well, you're not a dog". I'd say yes, but I want to choose my way to die like one. No suffering, no pain, dignified, and held by who loves me. How wonderful.
November 26, 2020
“When, if ever, if life not worth living. Who has the right to say whether or not the life of another is worth living? Is it right to die when people see no hope, no future? Is it right to die when the pain becomes excessive, the medical costs prohibitive, the personal dignity shattered? Where is the line drawn? And who has the right to draw it? When is it right to say, “this much I can take, and no more.”
Overall an easy at the surface read. I enjoyed reading through her personal thoughts on this topic as she wrestled between knowing gods design for her life and being tired of suffering. She just scratches the surface of a topic that is very present in our culture asking “whose life is worth living?” And I’m grateful for the examples from her life she shares, the letters other people write to her, and the scripture she reminds herself of. Enjoyable easy read.
Overall an easy at the surface read. I enjoyed reading through her personal thoughts on this topic as she wrestled between knowing gods design for her life and being tired of suffering. She just scratches the surface of a topic that is very present in our culture asking “whose life is worth living?” And I’m grateful for the examples from her life she shares, the letters other people write to her, and the scripture she reminds herself of. Enjoyable easy read.
March 6, 2019
This is a thought provoking book for anyone who questions the medical profession and the issue of euthanasia. Joni has a biblical and common sense perspective on the issue that will change the mind of someone who thinks that mercy killings are acceptable or those who think that life doesn't matter given certain circumstances. She has done her research and speaks intelligently and passionately about assisted suicide in a variety of scenarios. I was comforted by it and I think you will be to if this issue is of interest to you.
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May 21, 2021 I was half way through this when my husband started to talk about wanting to stop dialysis... Joni convinced me it might not be time for my husband to throw in the towel, but I reserved judgement and didn't give an opinion on it yet when my husband had a very serious heart attack he couldn't recover from. I had to withdrawal life support... I am so blessed to have had Joni's wisdom from this book behind me in the decisions I had to make in that long week... It was providence if ever I experienced it
January 24, 2024
Joni Eareckson Tada is such an inspiring person! As a paraplegic, she certainly has something to say about suffering. But she addresses it with such a God-given spirit of peace and simple trust in God.
This book is a strong, compassionate statement against assisted suicide, but it is also so much more. I came away with a real appreciation for the value of life and encouraged to find meaning in every aspect of it. I also loved the emphasis on community - we are all interdependent and need each other!
This book is a strong, compassionate statement against assisted suicide, but it is also so much more. I came away with a real appreciation for the value of life and encouraged to find meaning in every aspect of it. I also loved the emphasis on community - we are all interdependent and need each other!
April 15, 2024
Beautiful, heart-breaking book looking at death and life. The questions asked in this book have been plaguing me over the last little bit, and Joni’s response is both unique and incredibly helpful. Her perspective as a quadriplegic to answer questions of pain, suffering and the plague of choosing death over life that is sweeping our world is immensely beneficial. She helps readers to see that no matter the assumed quality of life, life is always precious, and to fight for the God appointed plan for one’s life is always worthwhile.
March 20, 2018
Excellent and thought provoking
I have always thought that I would never want to be a burden to my family so I have thought I would never want life support to keep me alive. But Joni points out the value of suffering both for the sufferer and for those who watch them suffer while still living for God's glory in whatever way they can. Our suffering with a godly attitude can be a blessing to us and to others.
I have always thought that I would never want to be a burden to my family so I have thought I would never want life support to keep me alive. But Joni points out the value of suffering both for the sufferer and for those who watch them suffer while still living for God's glory in whatever way they can. Our suffering with a godly attitude can be a blessing to us and to others.
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