The sobering thought of death stirs up tension and uncertainty within our souls. Oftentimes, we see life and death as two separate events, but our living and dying are intrinsically linked. In order to flourish as humans, we must lean into the God-given virtues that inform our perspective on a life well-lived and move beyond viewing death as defeat. Jesus exhibited this in His human life on earth, teaching us the importance of trusting God in the face of life’s greatest uncertainty. How do we talk about death in a way that isn’t demeaning to the end? How can we accept our limitations in humility and surrender?

Chris and Eddie are joined by Dr. Matthew Levering, author of Dying and the Virtues. In this book, Levering articulates the nine virtues that we need to die (and live) well: love, hope, faith, penitence, gratitude, solidarity, humility, surrender, and courage. Drawing upon his unique experience of faith, Levering explores how the reality of death draws us nearer to God in dependence and trust. He talks to Eddie and Chris about the significance of rituals within the Christian tradition, living a life of praise to God, and what the book of Job teaches us about our humanity.

Dying and the Virtues by Matthew Levering

The Spiritual Benefits of Dying: Review of Dying and the Virtues by The Gospel Coalition