Instead of Death: New and Expanded Edition

by William Stringfellow

The first edition of 'Instead of Death', a critique of both the institutions of the Church and the more secular but no less destructive institutions of the state, became a small classic. After its publication, Stringfellow's life was deeply affected by a serious illness, his work in East Harlen, and his efforts on behalf of the cause of women's ordination to the priesthood. Thus, although a substantial portion of the original text was unchanged, his experiences had given him added insights that were expressed in two new one on money and the struggle for security, the other on the politics of death and life. A long preface dealing with Stringfellow's motivations for writing this expanded version of 'Instead of Death' is also included.

Genres: Religion, Theology

Paperback

First published January 1, 1976

About the author

Frank William Stringfellow (April 26, 1928 – March 2, 1985) was an American lay theologian. He was active mostly during the 1960s and 1970s.

Reviews

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Modern in an older time, ahead of the curve, these words describe Instead of Death: New and Expanded Edition.

I wish I had read this earlier in my short life, a great critique of a variety of issues but the hardest hitting in my mind was him going after the economics of the Protestant work ethic.

[Naum · Rating 5 out of 5]

The original edition of this book is 50 years old (though this edition was edited by the author before his death in the 80's, and he retained most of it, and just added a few chapters). It's a short book (~112 pages) ostensibly aimed at young adults, but certainly not solely confined to that age group.

Remarkable how prescient and how on target Stringfellow is -- I'd recommend this title to all, except, even though it's not a long read (I finished it in a few hours), Stringfellow's writing is unique in that each sentence and paragraph packs an immense payload. But I pledge to you it it is well worth it -- and the sands of time have not diminished the luminous value one iota. The themes of Christian identity, the culture (and church) inability to properly deal with issues such as death, sexuality, marriage, loneliness, etc. still echo loudly in 2013.

This feels like reading a Biblical prophet translocated to the modern era.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

William Stringfellow moves me to action in prayer as well as to meet the world's needs. He points out choices between true life and baubles, vain glory. The world and politics may be calling us to that ever more.

Brilliant.