Wisdom and folly in death and dying

This author presents the argument, in the context of homiletic reflections on Psalm 90∶12, that psychosocial care for the terminally ill continues to be compromised by the anxiety and denial of the staff who provide such care. An illustrative case example is offered. An explanation is provided in terms of the support for such denial in the instrumental values of our technological culture. The work of Kübler-Ross is presented as an example of the religious function of science in modern culture. A paradoxical prescription, based on Psalm 90∶12, is proposed as a solution to the problem. A postscript by a colleague of the author illustrates the subjective attitude of the staff advocated in the paradoxical prescription.