III. Prepare for Eternal Life recent series had many elements and great suggestions. Underlying that practical directive, was a book form the Middle Ages The Art of Dying
- The Faithful of the Middle Ages had a robust faith, at least compared to modern society in the West. Some cast aspersions that they focused on death due to plagues and a brutish life. There might be some natural reasons to prompt the faithful to take seriously their death, but on the whole, it really was their love of the Lord and His Church which motivated the original text.
- Historical Context, Author, & Date
Council of Constance (1414 – 1418) emphasized reform, catechesis, and devout Christian living
Jean Gerson wrote a short treatise Scientia bene moriendi The Science of Dying Well, appeared at the Council of Constance and was widely distributed.
The author for the final form which was what was eventually distributed has been suggested to be Dominican but that is open to debate in academia.[1]
- Faithful Annotated Modern Translation Author & Date
TS restated- The purpose of this essay is threefold: (1) to provide a general description of the Ars moriendi in its longer and shorter versions, including overall structure and content; (2) to identify key principles in the Ars moriendi pertaining to preparation for death; (3) to consider how these principles both cast light upon limitations in contemporary approaches and also provide a remedy for them.[2]
Four Last things particular judgment, heaven, hell, final judgment. Familiarity of the truths of our faith. Credo. Death should not be fearful., meditating upon upon the beginning rather that end, mystical entry point into next existence. Helps a fearful generation of dying
[1] Thomas 1
[2] Thomas 3