Guest Post from Dr. Dennis Ortman, MSI Press Author: Journey through Death
Today's guest post from Dr. Dennis Ortman continues the theme he started last week on dying and living.
Journey through Death
“Unless the grain of wheat dies, it remains just a grain of
wheat.”
--Jesus of Nazareth
Pope
Benedict XVI, the retired pope, recently died. One of his caregivers reported
his last dying words: “Lord, I love you.” He was echoing the last words of
Jesus on the cross: “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” Mahatma
Gandhi, called the “Great Soul,” was assassinated. His last words were a cry to
God: “Ram, Ram, Ram!” The last thought of these men before they died was not of
all the loved ones they left behind, but of God, who was their constant
companion throughout their lives. They faced death with a tranquil spirit.
Socrates,
the epitome of wisdom, faced his death with a similar calmness. He was
condemned to die on a charge of corrupting the youth of Athens. His friends
tried to convince him not to take that fatal drink. Socrates responded with a
reflection on death. He said, “When you die, there are only two logical
possibilities: either there is nothing or there is something. If there is
nothing, I can thank God for a good sleep. If there is something, I can look
forward to a good conversation.” The great Socrates admitted his ignorance
about death, but still embraced it with confidence and peace.
Death is a
leap into the unknown. No one can comprehend precisely what it is and where it
leads. Only faith or an enlightened reason can point a way to its meaning.
Today we
have two belief systems that offer differing perspectives on death: science and
religion. One system is based on reason, the other on faith. They propose very
different answers to the meaning of death. Is it a door or a wall? Is it a
problem or a mystery? Is it a beginning, a continuation, or an end? Is it an
escape from life or a fuller engagement in it? Is the fact of death cause for
despair or hope?
SCIENCE’S RESPONSE
Science
today has taken on the aura of a religion. Science’s God is Reason, which is
all-knowing and all-powerful. It proclaims that knowledge is power. The goal of
science is not just to understand how the physical universe works, but to
master it. Technology is its handmaid. As we learn the intricacies of our
world, we develop means to shape it for our own purposes. According to science,
by using our reason to control the universe, we become gods.
From the
perspective of science, death is simply another technological problem to be
solved. For many years in our culture, we lived in dread of the power of death.
It was a wall that ended life. To cope with our sense of helplessness in the
face of inevitable death, we simply denied it and lived as if the end would
never happen. We said jokingly, “There are only two certainties in life: death
and taxes.” But we learned that if you are rich enough, you can evade taxes.
Now our faith in the unlimited power of science and technology is leading us to
believe we can shatter the wall of death. We are becoming ever more confident
that the life we know now can improve and go on forever. We can be immortal.
Like any
religious person, science devotees live with faith, hope, and love. We have faith
in the power of science. Our hope is in unlimited progress and earthly
immortality. We love our material prosperity.
What is the
reason for such confidence today? Modern science has already extended our
lifespan. In the twentieth century we have almost doubled life expectancy from
forty to over seventy years, with the hope of continuing the trend. The reasons
are evident. Infant mortality is now rare. Because of advances in medicine,
deadly plagues have been conquered. Agricultural developments have practically
eliminated famines. Even large-scale wars have been deterred due to the nuclear
threat of total annihilation. Yuval Noah Harari, a popular historian and
philosopher, wrote, “For the first time in history, more people die today from
eating too much than from eating too little; more people die from old age than
from infectious diseases; and more people commit suicide than are killed by
soldiers, terrorists and criminals combined.” (Harari, Homo Deus: A
Brief History of Tomorrow. New York: HarperCollins, 2017,
p. 2)
In his book
about future trends, Harari observes that scientific advancements will make us
superhuman, like gods. Currently, science undertakes projects to upgrade the
human body and mind. Specifically, he points out that biological engineering is
unlocking the secrets of our genes to overcome our defects and reshape us.
Secondly, cyborg engineering will merge our organic body with non-organic
devices which are more long-lasting and can be replaced. Organ transplants and
prosthetic limbs, hearing and vision aids are already common. Finally,
artificial intelligence is already being developed to improve vastly our
cognitive abilities, and perhaps remake our brains. Scientists hope to break
out of our current organic limitations, subject to corruption and decay.
Science
worshippers criticize religious people for believing in fictions. They claim
there is no scientific evidence for either the existence of God or of the
eternal soul. They further accuse believers of longing for an unproven afterlife,
while withdrawing from the pleasures of the present life. Hope for some elusive
future reward and fear of punishment motivate them, they say.
Instead,
science, whose main allies are capitalism and consumerism, promises that we can
have ever-increasing material prosperity. It further pledges that material
indulgence will bring a lasting happiness. Regarding the conquest of death,
some scientists affirm confidently that we will be immortal eventually. “Just
be patient and trust in the power of science,” these scientists plead.
Yet
ironically, those devoted to science admit that chasing after more goods causes
anxiety and tension in the here and now. They acknowledge that we also still
die and suffer the anxiety of our mortality, until a remedy is found. Like the
believers they criticize, they hold out the hope of an eventual paradise in the
future. They promise the discovery of the fountain of youth, so we can be
forever young.
What is the
assurance that this will happen? Science too is driven by fantasy and hopes for
the future.
RELIGION’S ANSWER
In contrast
to science, religion proposes that life is a mystery to be lived, not a problem
to be solved, as Gabriel Marcel famously said. Admittedly, as the scientists
contend, many believers view their faith as providing them with clear
black-and-white answers to all their questions. They seek the security of
absolute certainty and eliminate all mystery. However, authentic religion as
preached by the founders affirms the central focus on mystery and personal conversion.
Jesus began his public ministry preaching, “The reign of God is at hand! Reform
your lives and believe in the good news!” (Mark 1: 15)
Death’s
Mystery:
All of us
live under the shadow of death. Religion addresses this existential concern
directly. If we did not die, we would not need religion to point a way for
comprehending our mortality. We tend to cling to life. We fear death, the
ultimate loss of control. What does it mean for us that we so desperately long
for life everlasting yet must die? Traditionally, religion has provided at
least four responses. In short, each response shows death is not a wall we
crash against, but an open door to new life.
The ancient
Greeks, who valued both reason and contemplation, believed that the soul was
immortal. It was imprisoned in a body, subject to unruly passions. In death,
the soul was freed from its prison of suffering. The soul was united at last to
the eternal Logos, from which it originated. For them, death was freedom, an
escape from the tyranny of mortal life.
Jesus
proclaimed, “I am the resurrection and the life.” After he died, Jesus rose
from the dead and became a glorified body. Paul announced that Jesus’ resurrection
is the basis of our faith. His resurrection forecasts ours and the final
transformation of the entire material universe. All creation groans and is in
agony to be renewed. Death begins the destined change of both our souls
and bodies. Christians celebrate their participation in the dying and rising of
Jesus Christ, called the Paschal Mystery, every year at Easter.
Jesus also
portrayed his death as a homecoming to the Father. Out of love, his Father sent
him into the world to save it. Jesus devoted himself whole-heartedly to
performing his Father’s will. Now that his work is done, the time is ripe for
him to return home. Similarly, our lives are a journey from God and a return to
Him in death. In the end, we return to our beginnings.
Hindus and Buddhists
believe that we are caught in a cycle of birth and rebirth, called samsara.
Throughout life we go in circles of suffering. Our cravings for satisfaction
from what is impermanent cause our suffering. Our relief comes from letting go
of our attachments and separate selves. When we have completely surrendered at
death, accepting its emptiness, we escape this earthly misery-go-round and
achieve final liberation. Eternal rest comes from a total surrender of our
self-centered desires.
These
teachings provide pointers for a personal exploration of the meaning of our own
dying. Intellectual assent is not enough. I recently visited an old friend,
Maryann, who is one hundred years old. She often talks about dying, not showing
any fear. Her daughter suggested that her mother prepare her own funeral
service. I suggested a way to start was to reflect on the dozens of Scripture
readings provided for the funeral Mass. Maryann always loved the Bible. So she
agreed. She has been reflecting regularly on the readings to dig deeper into
their meaning for herself.
Life’s
Mystery:
According
to our authentic religious traditions, the afterlife is not a complete ending
of ordinary life and beginning of something entirely new. It is a continuation
of an always present eternal life, the God of love. Admittedly, as the
scientists contend, many believers view this life as a vale of tears and place
of testing. They view God as a Judge. At death we face a judgment and are sent
to everlasting reward or punishment. The moment of death, then, is a
frightening trial. Nevertheless, there is another richer view of the mystery of
God’s love, overflowing now and forever.
When Jesus
went up to Jerusalem to suffer and die, he told his disciples, “The hour has
come for the Son of Man to be glorified.” He was approaching the hour of his
death in which he would reveal the full extent of the love that motivated his
life. That moment would sum up the whole of his life. He then added, “I
solemnly assure you, unless the grain of wheat dies, it remains just a grain of
wheat. But if it dies, it produces much fruit. The man who loves his life loses
it, while the man who hates his life in this world preserves it to life
eternal.” (John 12: 23-23) The time of death is every moment. Dying to self, we
free ourselves to love others whole-heartedly as Jesus did.
Our love
shares in the eternity of God who is love. He is present in our love now and
forever.
Furthermore,
we constantly remind ourselves of our communion with God in love. There is an
ancient tradition that our last thought before we die determines our eternal
destiny. In light of that, Paul encouraged his followers to pray constantly. He
was always conscious of the nearness of death. Believers of all faiths have the
practice of constantly repeating the name of God, to keep our minds focused on
His constant presence. Praying to Mary, the Mother of God, we ask her to watch
over us “now and at the hour of our death.”
The
Buddhist tradition also affirms the impermanence of life as a fundamental
truth. If we resist this reality, we will suffer. However, if we accept it, we
can be happy, even now. “All things are impermanent. They arise and they pass
away. To live in harmony with this truth brings great happiness.” (Source
unknown)
Living a
full life in the shadow of death, we experience ourselves being in the world,
but not of the world. We hold all that we have and all that we are lightly. In
death, we surrender all.
TRANSITIONS
By nature,
we all not only want to survive, we want to thrive. We seek to live life fully.
Modern science certainly improves the quality of our lives. It is nearly
impossible to imagine ourselves not existing. When our life is threatened, we
cling to it desperately. We fight to live. In the face of death, many people
have told me honestly:
“I’m
terrified of the unknown. I have no idea what happens after death.”
“I love
life. I don’t want to let it go.”
“I can’t
imagine being separated from my loved ones.”
“I’m more
worried about the pain of dying than death itself.”
“I’ve
always been a person who needs to be in control. I dread being completely out
of control when I die.”
Carl Jung,
the noted Swiss psychologist, observed a natural progression as life unfolds.
In the first half of life, we are preoccupied with constructing the outer structure
of our lives. We follow the social agenda. We start a career, build a family,
and settle down in our own home. We enjoy the comforts and conveniences modern
science provides. We hardly give death a thought in the vigor of our youth.
Then,
around midlife, a shift occurs, and we enter the second half of life. We sense
our mortality and that our time is limited. Perhaps we experience a health
crisis, those close to us die, or we just feel older. That can be a shocking
awareness. Thoughts of death intrude as a real possibility for us, and not just
something that happens to others.
At this
time, we tend to become more inward, focusing more on our interior life. New
questions emerge. What is really important to me? What really lasts? We begin
to let go of our attachments, which we increasingly see as burdens. Our outer
activities also take on a different meaning. We act with more freedom,
according to our chosen values. We are preparing ourselves for the final
surrender of our lives in death.
Trial by
fire
My brother
Rob was rudely awakened to his mortality when he was diagnosed with advanced
rectal cancer at age 52. He had always been health-conscious, eating well,
exercising, and avoiding stress. He danced to the beat of his own drum, travelled
often, a moved away to avoid the congestion of the city. Rob loved life. He was
always a seeker who looked for the hidden meaning of things. He was always open
to new experiences and adventures.
When he
received the cancer diagnosis, he was surprised, but not overwhelmed. He did
what he had always done in his life. He began researching his treatment
options, to see what science offered. Rob considered this a new adventure.
After undergoing traditional cancer treatment, he enrolled in a program of
alternative medicine in Mexico. Throughout this ordeal, Rob never complained
and kept a positive attitude. He continued to travel and live a simple life. It
was a trial by fire. He let the illness purify his spirit.
Even when
the cancer returned five years later, he accepted the news calmly. The doctors
told him he only had a few months to live. Without a hint of self-pity, he
began preparations for his death. He decided he did not want to die in a
sterile hospital room, but at home with his wife and surrounded by the nature
he loved. He also refused to take any pain medication because he wanted to be
alert at the moment of death. Finally, he instructed his family that he did not
want to be cremated until two weeks after he died. He believed, as some Eastern
traditions teach, that death is not a discrete moment in time. Rather, the soul
is still restless and in the process of dying for a period of time. He did not
want to short-circuit the process of giving up his life.
He died
peacefully at home as he wished. His confident surrender continues to inspire
us.
A MARRIAGE
Both
science and religion possess their own wisdom for living life fully and dying
with peace.
Unfortunately,
science and religion have had a contentious relationship over the years, like a
difficult marriage. For most of the time, religion has been the superior
partner. However, in the last few centuries, science has asserted itself and
assumed the dominant role. The challenge of today is to form an equal
partnership, respecting the uniqueness and differences of each.
In reality,
science and religion are both important for a full life. Each has its own
contribution to make. Each has its own sphere of action. On the one hand,
science focuses on the external material world. It questions how things work. It
attempts to understand and manage it for the benefit of all. On the other hand,
religion is concerned with our interior life and how best to live it in the
world. It looks beneath the surface of life, at the level of the spiritual
where we uncover meaning and value. In short, science deals with facts, while
religion guides ethical concerns. One shows us how to do something, while the
other guides us on whether or not we should do it.
Today, we
are a world community. Our decisions have a global impact. Therefore, it is
more important than ever that science and religion work hand in hand to resolve
our problems. There are many life and death issues that require the measured
perspective of both disciplines. For example, science has developed the ability
to engineer genes. Are there limits to our experimentations with animals and
humans? Science can manipulate our DNA. How far should it go? Science has
created novel means to mine our earth’s resources. How much should we exploit
our environment? Medical science can prolong life artificially. Should
there be any limits? Science is working on artificial intelligence that can
monitor, influence, and control our activities. How should it be used? Religion
offers an ethical view on these matters. Each new invention provides a
challenge and opportunity.
In conclusion, confronted with the reality of death, we naturally react with fear and dread. Death thrusts us into the dark unknown. We look for relief and enlightenment. Both science and religion offer their own helpful perspectives. However, their answers are not enough. We die alone and must take full responsibility for our dying. Each of us undertakes a journey of discovery of the personal meaning of our passing. Only then can we face death with courage and calm.
For more articles by and about Dennis and his award-winning books, click HERE.
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