Grief is a universal experience, but how we process it can differ significantly from one individual to another. In SPIRIT, SOUL, AND BODY: What Happens to Each When We Die? author Tom Logan discusses understanding the grieving process. He outlines the five main stages of grief and how they apply to Christians and anyone dealing with loss.
The author focuses on the emotional rollercoaster that follows the loss of a loved one. He offers comfort and biblical insight to help readers deal with one of life’s most difficult challenges.
The Five Stages of Grief
The five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance were introduced by Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross. They have since become widely accepted as a framework for understanding how we cope with death. Tom Logan builds on this model, exploring each stage through a biblical lens. Moreover, providing real-life examples of how we can embrace and grow from these emotions.
Denial: The First Stage of Protection
When a loved one dies, the initial reaction is often disbelief. Even though we intellectually understand that the person has passed, it can be hard to accept emotionally. Logan explains that denial is more than refusing to believe what has happened. It is a way for our minds to gradually process the overwhelming emotions that come with loss. Denial, he writes, is nature’s way of protecting us from immediate emotional overload.
In this stage, Logan emphasizes that it’s okay to feel disoriented, to say things like “I can’t believe they’re gone.” It is part of how we cope, and it helps us ease into the reality of the situation.
Anger: A Natural Emotional Response
Anger is a powerful and often misunderstood stage of grief. People may become angry at God, at the deceased, or the circumstances surrounding the loss. Logan pointed to biblical examples, such as Moses’ righteous anger when the Israelites worshiped the golden calf, to show that anger can be justified and, in some cases, necessary.
However, Logan warns that anger should not consume us. He encourages readers to express their anger in healthy ways, through prayer or counseling, to prevent it from turning into resentment or bitterness.
Bargaining: A Desperate Plea
The third stage of grief involves bargaining, where individuals make promises to God or fate, hoping to reverse or ease the pain of loss. Logan explains that this stage is often filled with “what ifs” and “if only” statements, which reflect our deep desire to have some control over the situation. Bargaining cannot change the outcome. However, Logan suggests that it offers temporary relief from the pain of accepting the finality of death.
Logan uses biblical stories, such as Abraham’s bargaining with God over the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah. It shows how bargaining is a natural human response and an acknowledgment of our limited power in the grand scheme of life.
Depression: The Depths of Loss
Depression is perhaps the hardest stage for many to endure. Logan explains that this stage is marked by intense sadness and a loss of interest in activities that once brought joy. He stresses that depression is a natural response to loss and not a sign of weakness or failure. Through biblical examples like King David, who experienced deep depression after personal tragedies, Logan reassures readers that even the most faithful can experience this stage.
He also offers practical advice on how to manage grief-related depression, including seeking professional help if necessary, while reminding readers that God is always present during our darkest moments.
Acceptance: Finding Peace Amidst Loss
Acceptance is not about “moving on” or “forgetting” the deceased. Rather, it is about acknowledging the reality of loss and finding a way to live with it. Logan encourages readers to reach this stage at their own pace, without pressure from others to “get over it.” Acceptance involves adjusting to a new normal and honoring the memory of the loved one in meaningful ways.
For Christians, Logan reminds us of the hope in eternal life, which can provide comfort as we look forward to reuniting with our loved ones.
Conclusion
Grief is a deeply personal and complex journey, and SPIRIT, SOUL, AND BODY provide invaluable insight into experiencing this process. Through the lens of faith and biblical wisdom, Tom Logan offers readers practical advice on facing the stages of grief with understanding and hope. Whether you are a believer or someone seeking comfort in the face of loss, this book is a powerful guide to healing.
SPIRIT, SOUL, AND BODY: What Happens to Each When We Die? by Tom Logan can help you find peace in the midst of sorrow. Get your copy today!