Description
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Pastor and Theologian M.L. Incerti provides an up-to-date multi-disciplined and pastoral theological response to Physician Assisted Dying (PAD) and Euthanasia (EUT). The book is a morally challenging journey to stand in support of those in extreme suffering, especially in view of an ever secular society for assisted dying and for arguments in favour of autonomy.
Where is the Church in all of this? Time to stand up and speak OUT!
The book provides a critical cross interdisciplinary analysis of euthanasia and assisted suicide/dying in addressing the current issues for and against forms of euthanasia from England with the new assisted dying bill progressing into law. Other formed opinions are available from empirical data from Canada, The Netherlands and the U.S. state of Oregon. Plus, key sources where voluntary euthanasia (VAE)/ Physician Assisted Suicide (PAS) is legal.
This book has six chapters that focus on distinctive analytical aspects of research and final recommendations. The details of the entire structure are as follows:
• Chapter One: Introduction. This chapter denotes the background of the study supported by the most important
problem statement, aim and objectives, rationale, and significance with present, and future perspectives.
• Chapter Two: Methodology. Defines the processes, techniques and methods used in the study for the data collection, processing, and analysis for the results.
• Chapter Three: A Critical Interdisciplinary Analysis. Collates secondary disciplines like historical-political, legal, bioethical, philosophical, and sociological arguments for and against forms of euthanasia.
• Chapter Four: Euthanasia and assisted dying, a theological response: Critically analyse the Judeo-Christian approach to assisted suicide and euthanasia. It develops a theological framework for responding to those contemplating assisted dying via a hermeneutical exploration of scripture in relation to Christian ethics, focussing on the process of death and dying and God’s moral character towards those who suffer.
• Chapter Five: Pastoral Care Application: Provides the practical pastoral implications of euthanasia and assisted dying. Strategies for pastoral care, and counselling for sufferers, families, friends, are developed.
• Chapter Six: Final recommendations with further study and training with support appendices
L.Layton –
It was quite extensive. I enjoyed the various viewpoints – especially the theological, political and philosophical perspectives. Still not sure it will become law, but according to author, it is only a matter of time when it will eventually will!
Mike Cummins –
Great book. I was particularly taken back from comments made about the prime minister and his agenda on euthanasia. As also how assisted suicide was never about mercy but eugenics. Love the factual detail on this. Highly recommended
Nancy Palmer –
I am bit mixed on some of the arguments, but you can’t fault the material he uses and key sources. Well written and highly controversial at times with Starmer and the Labour party.
Adrian D –
Loved the book. You got to laugh about how Christian leaders got together and wrote a letter to parliament without consulting with the Christian MPs who voted in favour of Assisted dying and decriminalizing abortion for women in England and Wales. The churches really don’t have a clue in how to address public matters properly. Sad but true.
Review by Mike Southwell, Licensed Lay Minister. –
As a Licensed Reader in the Church of England I found this book to be quite amazing. Whilst we may all have our own views of the proposed changes to our laws to permit assisted dying if one is suffering and there is a prediction of less than six months to live, there are always going to be so many caveats to be wary of. M L Incerti has looked at this subject in great depth and he has meticulously listed his sources of reference to each topic he covers.
He notes (page 17) that Jeremy Hunt, MP, had voted against assisted dying four times, but has now voted for it. Hunt notes that he had previously been against it because of the pressure that could be put upon elderly people who may worry about being a burden upon their families, but he finally voted for it because the proposed law is tightly defined to those with a terminal diagnosis of six months or less. On page 53, M L Incerti mentions how Sir Keir Starmer emphasised that assisted dying is a matter of public choice, asserting that the law should reflect the desires of the majority! The passage then continues to comment that when MPs cast their vote based on their own views this could be seen as disregarding public views. M L INCERTI then considers that when 224 Labour votes were cast in favour of the Bill, this served to underline the view that Sir Keir Starmer is the political force propelling the Assisted Dying movement in this country.
Members of the House of Lords are suggesting many changes to the law as passed in the Commons and it seems fairly obvious that this law has many grey areas that cause concern.
My own view is that all of our members of Parliament should read M L Incerti’s book and only then make their minds up as to whether this law should ever be brought into being. His “Final Thoughts” on page 196 are a good summary of his writing and the whole book provides much food for thought. I enjoyed reading this fascinating book, which has been so well researched, and it has certainly helped me to form my own views on the subject of Assisted Dying.
Mike Southwell
February 2026