Death

With all the death or impending death that has lately been in the news, Matthew Yglesias gets all confused as to what Christian teachings are about death. He seems to be hearing that death should be embraced but if that's the case why don't Christians just "off" themselves and get to heaven quicker.

Here's my take on the matter. We're here on earth for a reason and that reason is to God's work (e.g. Is. 6:1-9; Gen. 12:3). This is a crucial part of the Christian faith whether you believe in salvation by grace or by works. The way in which we live our life is important. It's not a thing to be wasted or uselessly cast aside.

However, we can take hope in the eternal life that is sure to come following our earthly death (e.g. any of Paul's letters). There's a great song in the African-American tradition "Well Done Servant" which essentially says that when the singer dies he wants God to say "well done servant" about the singer's life.

Death is not to be rushed but neither is it to be feared. There's hope even in death because although a person may look dead (and, indeed, their mortal life has ended), they have been raised to new and eternal life.

At least, that's how I see it.