`The Life and Death Dilemma` By Joni Eareckson Tada

The Life and Death Dilemma

The Life and death Dilemma is a thought-provoking book which explores the difficult decisions Christians face when dealing with literal life or death situations . Its biblically based reasoning makes it different from other books on the market that exist . While some existentialists would argue that choosing between life and death are complex issues this book argues that making these decisions may seem complicated , but by relying on God we can make these decisions in a way that would honor Him

The author uses a fantastic quote

by Anton Chekov to describe what it is that makes us become bogged down with troubles . Chekov says , Any idiot can face a crisis it 's this day to day living that wears you out ' This is absolutely true . Tada subsequently says , Chekhov 's words were no doubt intended to be a backhanded encouragement . They elicit a knowing smile from those of us facing the day-to-day struggles of modern life--mortgages , diapers , cranky bosses , sibling fights aches , and pains . Such mundane troubles wear us out , and a crisis now and then can seem a welcome diversion ' One crisis can be dealt with fixed , and handled even in a matter of minutes . But it is how we respond to the seemingly lifelong struggles that we are forced to deal with that truly become the constant stressors . What would happen if Chekhov were told of our struggles ? What would he say when he found out a was stressing us out , or that money was going to be tight this month

The Christian interpretation of how we live our day to day lives is very complex , and I would argue is unlike any other group of people . As Christians , we strive to go about our daily lives in a Christ-like manner . This includes the entire lifespan-from birth until death . Joni Eareckson Tada 's argument throughout the book is that through our suffering , we can begin to see and know God on a much more intimate level . However , she never goes quite as far as to use the clichyd mass of fluff that Christian authors often give- Everything happens for a reason ' and When God closes a door , he opens a window ' Yes , he does-so we can jump out of it ! The author actually gives real substantive advice on how to deal with trials that God gives us

I feel that Tada is particularly qualified to write this , as she herself has been stricken with a form of paralysis . I do not believe that anyone would say she is fortunate to have suffered , but she somehow has managed to not only draw closer to God , but to make an excellent career helping others cope . Through her thirty years in a wheelchair the author has a very special understanding of what it is to cope with these particular struggles , in addition to how to reach for God for help

The author also takes a unique perspective on the church 's role in helping out...