Christian Perspective

 Considers death in the context of man’s spiritual nature. Death entails the destruction of the
physical body, as man is created from dust and in death, he returns to dust ( Genesis 3:19).

HOW SHOULD ONE FACE DEATH AND LOSS?

 Grief, the natural reaction to death and dying.

 Bereavement, the state of loss brought about by death.
 Mourning, the process by which person deal with death.

FIVE STAGES OF GRIEF BY ELISABETH KUBLER-ROSS

1. Denial – the dying person initially expresses disbelief regarding his or her situation
2. Anger – the person expresses frustration with his or her situation. They express that their
situation was “unfair”.
3. Bargaining – the dying person often voices his or her with that his or her life be prolonged
and he/she is willing to do whatever it takes to survive.
4. Depression – the dying person experiences intense sadness and exhibits disinterest in life
and its normal routines.
5. Acceptance – this is the last emotional stage of grief when the person finally comes to terms
with his or her impending death and embraced his or her mortality.

FOUR TRAJECTORIES OF GRIEF by GEORGE BONNANO

1. Resilience – the person remains emotionally stable despite the loss, continues with his or her
normal activities.
2. Recovery – the person experiences a period of grief, but this eventually gives way to recovery
and a return to normalcy.
3. Chronic Depression – the grieving person experiences intense and chronic depression which
continues long after death or traumatic experience has passed.
4. Delayed Grief – the person may seem to be well-adjusted but experiences feelings of grief,
anxiety, and distress at a later time.