This Incomplete One: Words Occasioned by the Death of a Young Person

by Michael D. Bush and Nicholas Wolterstorff

These premature deaths supremely test our faith.

This Incomplete One, edited by Michael D. Bush, features sixteen extraordinary sermons from preachers wrestling with the deaths of children and young adults. The preachers here include classic theologians -- Jonathan Edwards, Friedrich Schleiermacher, and Karl Barth -- and select modern preachers. Two especially noteworthy features are a thoughtful foreword by Nicholas Wolterstorff, author...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0802822274
• ISBN13: 9780802822277
• Release Date: May 2006
• Publisher: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
• Length: 185 Pages
• Weight: 0.56 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.9" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Wonderful Resource

This Incomplete One is a difficult, painful, searing book. It is also a book every pastor ought to have in their library. Perhaps it's a book that every Christian ought to have in their library. It's that important. It's important because it walks on ground few of us are ever prepared to tread, it enters into places we never want to go; yet, all too often, we find ourselves there, and need help, need resources, need something to begin to show us how to regain our feet and our faith. This Incomplete One is a collection of sermons preached at funerals for people who died too young. There are sermons for unborn babies, for children, for teenagers, for young people just entering into their adult lives, for a pastor in his mid-30s. There are sermons for people who died of sickness, of car accidents, of mountain climbing accidents. There are sermons by pastors who barely knew the deceased; there are sermons by fathers burying their own children. As you might imagine, every emotion is seared across the pages of this book: doubt, fear, rage, hope, joy in happy memories, disgust with the trivial words of thoughtless well-wishers, and, of course, deep sorrow and sadness. There are sermons by well-known pastors, teachers, and theologians across the centuries, including Karl Barth, Jonathon Edwards, Fleming Rutledge, and Friedrich Schleiermacher, as well as sermons by men and women unknown to me. The book becomes then a resource in two aspects: 1) it gives the minister words to consider when confronted with similar situations, and 2) it forces the reader to enter into this painful killing field, wrestling with the deep, unanswered questions found there, and thus, hopefully, preparing them emotionally and spiritually for the day they are called to minister in these trying times. As the book is simply a collection of sermons, the reader can pick it up and enter at any place, rather than reading straight through. I found this helpful, as it was difficult to read more than one or two chapters at a time without having to put it down and process what I was reading. Even as I read the last few sermons while flying home from Chicago earlier this month, I found myself choking up, tears coming to my eyes at the raw, naked emotion laid out in the thoughts and words of those facing the darkest terrors known to humanity. On the other hand, I've already given a copy to a friend who recently lost her son, copied a chapter for a couple who lost a child last summer, and recommended it to another friend who lost his nephew last summer. I have the feeling I'm going to be returning to this book many times; I also believe I'll continue to hand out copies to help people in their grieving process in days and years to come.

Very comforting

Gave this to my pastor to help her eulogize my 5 year old who lost her battle with cancer. I am not sure a pastor could do that service with out a guide. If you are facing long odds with a child you might find this comforting. Several stories are very uplifting. You will never forget your loved ones, these sermons will show you why the world won't forget them either.

For those who suffer with grief...

"This Incomplete One: Words Occasioned by the Death of a Young Person" Edited by Michael d. Bush. This book is a collection of sermons by known, and lesser known, theologians, who went through the terrible journey of losing a child. It is written from a Christian context, even so, if you are looking for something deeply theological or philosophical, this book is not for you. If, however, you are looking for gleanings of practical wisdom occasioned by many who have experienced tragedy, this book is a gem. "This Incomplete One" continues to touch me on many levels, as I reread its pages and meditate on its practical insights. Since the death of my wife of 30 years, I have read literally hundreds of books on death, dying, suffering and evil, in a personal quest to come to grips with self-mortality, and I stumbled upon this gem quite by accident, referred to me by a friend. One particular message titled, "Standing at the Grave", by Jeffrey J. Newlin, touched me deeply. Newlin addresses the many insensitive things that people often say to the one left behind, such as "He is in a better place." He gives appropriate responses without judging, and provides insight that goes beyond the awful loss of the moment. In reflecting upon pastor Claypool's sermon, he noted his "gratitude for what we have been given, instead of remorse over what we have been denied." Every page of this book is filled with timeless insights of comfort and hope, a book that is a must-read if you have, or are, taking a journey through personal tragedy and grief. As one who continues this journey, and who counsels others, this book is a ready reference. SG