The Art of Dying - by Rob Moll (Paperback)

About the Book

In this well-researched and pastorally sensitive book, Moll explores the particular rituals and spiritual disciplines that have directed the actions of both the living and the dying, providing insight into death and dying issues with in-person reporting and interviews with hospice workers, doctors, nurses, bioethicists, family members, and spiritual caregivers.

Book Synopsis

Death will come to us all, but most of us live our lives as if death did not exist. Medicine has made dying more complicated and more removed from the experience of most people. Death is partitioned off to hospital rooms, separated from our daily lives. Most of us find ourselves at a loss when death approaches. We don't know how to die well.

For centuries Christians have prepared for the "good death" with particular rituals and spiritual disciplines that direct the actions of both the living and the dying. In this well-researched and pastorally sensitive book, Rob Moll explores the Christian practice of dying well. He gives guidance for those who care for the dying as well as for those who grieve.

This book is a gentle companion for all who face death, whether one's own or that of a loved one. Christians can have confidence that because death is not the end, preparing to die helps us truly live.

A decade after writing this book, Rob died in a hiking accident at age forty-one. This edition includes a new afterword by his wife, Clarissa Moll, reflecting on Rob's life, death, and legacy.

Review Quotes

"I have never known another man like Rob Moll. His example as a husband, father, and editor inspired me to do what Jesus expected of me in those roles. He and his wife, Clarissa, have brought joy, hope, and friendship to my wife and me among many others. We will grieve the loss of Rob for the rest of our lives, until we see him again before the throne of God. I'm grateful that Rob still speaks to us through his typically mature reflections in The Art of Dying. And I'm eager for more readers to hear in this new edition from Clarissa, a gifted and dedicated writer herself. You and I don't know what tomorrow holds. But we know our Savior invites us to prepare for death, which we need not fear, because we belong to him, body and soul."

--Collin Hansen, editorial director of the Gospel Coalition and host of the Gospelbound podcast

"It's a plot too fitting to be believed: a sage wise beyond his years writes the book on dying and then dies himself, leaving a widow and four young children. But reality is like that. Face death, Rob insists, and live in light of Christ's promised resurrection. His beloved Clarissa's incandescent afterword marks her emergence as a writer in her own right, situating Rob's masterful book for posterity. Read this book only if you want your life changed, bettered."

--Jason Byassee, Butler Chair in Homiletics and Biblical Interpretation, Vancouver School of Theology

About the Author

Clarissa Moll is the widow of Rob and the mother of their four children. Her writing on grief has appeared in Modern Loss, Practical Homeschooling, The Gospel Coalition, and Christianity Today.

Rob Moll (1977-2019) was an award-winning journalist and communications professional. His career included roles as an editor for Christianity Today, communications officer for World Vision, and director of business operations for Eventide Asset Management. His writing appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Books and Culture, and Leadership. He was also the author of What Your Body Knows About God.