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Dear Gift of Life: A Man's Encounter With Death
On his birthday in 1963 Bradford Smith wrote in his diary, “At 54 I am ready, and fortunately able, to plan my life without reference to earning more money. What I do can be for the doing’s sake, or expected fruits – a prospect as fearful almost as it is pleasant. What is worth doing?”
It was a formidable question, but he found an answer. Four months later he learned that he had cancer, and in the shadow – and illumination – of this fact he wrote his last pages, many of which appear in the present pamphlet.
It was a formidable question, but he found an answer. Four months later he learned that he had cancer, and in the shadow – and illumination – of this fact he wrote his last pages, many of which appear in the present pamphlet.
Paperback
First published June 1, 1965
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
April 21, 2024
This 1965 Pendle Hill pamphlet contains a collection of writings and poems by the author, all written in the time between finding he had terminal cancer and his death several months later. It is a remarkable collection, the poems being quite good, and all of it being accepting, uplifting and inspiring. Quoting it here, like I’ve done with other pamphlets along my trek, would be to diminish the value of words, the body of the collection.
Unlike the one-star reviewer, I don't have to agree with all of the author's religious beliefs or interpretations of historical texts to find great value in the writings. In fact his faith isn't transparently evidence in most of the writings. While I presume Smith's faith influenced his thinking, I find myself believing most of the poems would be easily read, enjoyed, thought-provoking and appreciation of life by nearly anyone regardless of their having any or absolutely no spiritual beliefs.
I highly recommend this short book for anyone encountering the awareness of their mortality with the usual dosage of fear, anger and/or despair. And for those whose loved ones are facing significant change in their lives.
Unlike the one-star reviewer, I don't have to agree with all of the author's religious beliefs or interpretations of historical texts to find great value in the writings. In fact his faith isn't transparently evidence in most of the writings. While I presume Smith's faith influenced his thinking, I find myself believing most of the poems would be easily read, enjoyed, thought-provoking and appreciation of life by nearly anyone regardless of their having any or absolutely no spiritual beliefs.
I highly recommend this short book for anyone encountering the awareness of their mortality with the usual dosage of fear, anger and/or despair. And for those whose loved ones are facing significant change in their lives.
January 1, 2024
Bradford Smith was active with the Friends General Conference and was a full-time Quaker. This book is published by Pendle Hill, whose stated purpose is publishing "spiritual" books with Quaker themes.
While dying of cancer, Bradford Smith reflects on his life with an attitude of gratitude. He serenely looks forward to nonexistence, as his worldview is pantheism. He writes as if he is totally oblivious to the fact that, the vast majority of people throughout history, did not have such charmed lives as his. He reflects how he feels a connection to his family, and humanity as a whole, and is comforted by knowing they will survive his death.
The reason I rate this book as a one is because Smith advocated a view of death completely at odds with historical Quakerism and the Gospel. Jesus did not say to the thief on the cross, "Let's die with an attitude of gratitude for the charmed life we lead. We go into nonexistence knowing we have contributed to humanity." Jesus said, "Today you will be with Me in Paradise." Which view of death would bring more comfort to one dying in pain?
If the book was published by a secular humanist press, I would have given it a higher rating. However, it was published by a publisher who claims to be rooted in historical Christianity. The whole book is at odds with the message of Easter.
Leland P Gamson
While dying of cancer, Bradford Smith reflects on his life with an attitude of gratitude. He serenely looks forward to nonexistence, as his worldview is pantheism. He writes as if he is totally oblivious to the fact that, the vast majority of people throughout history, did not have such charmed lives as his. He reflects how he feels a connection to his family, and humanity as a whole, and is comforted by knowing they will survive his death.
The reason I rate this book as a one is because Smith advocated a view of death completely at odds with historical Quakerism and the Gospel. Jesus did not say to the thief on the cross, "Let's die with an attitude of gratitude for the charmed life we lead. We go into nonexistence knowing we have contributed to humanity." Jesus said, "Today you will be with Me in Paradise." Which view of death would bring more comfort to one dying in pain?
If the book was published by a secular humanist press, I would have given it a higher rating. However, it was published by a publisher who claims to be rooted in historical Christianity. The whole book is at odds with the message of Easter.
Leland P Gamson
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews