Grief's Emotions & Mourning's Behaviors: God's Plan & Man's Discretion

by Harry Krueckeberg

Overview

"Wholesome Grief"...are the two words by St. Augustine that inspired this essay on grief and mourning; and more specifically, the wholesome and unwholesome nature of grief's emotions and mourning's behaviors. My personal interest was motivated by my curiosity regarding the wholesomeness of my emotions and behaviors associated with my wife Sue's death.

This essay is based on and inspired by the works of many secular writers, but the words of St. Augustine, Dr. Martin Luther and Holy Scripture are the most significant and meaningful.

The words "wholesome grief" (found in Book 7 of Confessions1) had nothing to do with death but were used by St. Augustine in describing his struggle to find God. Regardless, the two words raised a question in my mind. What are grief's unwholesome emotions and mourning's unwholesome behaviors? In addition, how is "wholesomeness" defined and how have my personal emotions and behaviors fit that definition?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781666265866
Publisher:	Barnes & Noble Press
Publication date:	12/03/2020
Pages:	154
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.36(d)

About the Author

Born in 1934, Dr. Harry Krueckeberg is the son of a Missouri Synod Pastor of 40 years. Harry was born in Napoleon, Ohio; a lifetime Lutheran.

His education after high school includes Bachelor and Masters Degrees from Purdue University and his Doctorate from the Pennsylvania State University. After two years on active duty in the US Navy, he spent 33 years in academia. He retired from the College of Business, Colorado State University as Professor Emeritus.

He has been active in the Lutheran Church with roles as a congregational Chairman, Elder and Secretary. He has been active in the Rocky Mountain District as Chair of the District Campus Ministry Committee and a member of the District’s Mission Southern Africa, and served as the District’s Archivist and Historian.
Harry co-authored Guide and References for the Study of Psalm XXII (English and Spanish), and Campus Ministry Tool Box; and authored Historical Developments in the Rocky Mountain District and Martin Luther,
a Chronology of the Reformation in Words and Images.

Editorial Reviews

Once again my dear friend Dr. Harry Krueckeberg successfully blends research, biblical truth and personal testimony. His story continues to bless me and I am confident the same will be true for every reader. To God be the Glory!

Congregational Services Director, Rocky Mountain District LCMS (Aurora, Colorado) - Rev. Paul Albers

My clinical experiences over these last 30 years tells me many of our bereaved would struggle being open to viewing their grief/mourning journeys in this manner/light.

Certified Grief Counselor, Good Samaritan Society (Loveland, Colorado) - Chaplain Douglas Overall

I was surprised at the effect this essay had on me personally. It brought me down a road of recollection and reconciliation with the grief caused by the death of many loved ones in my family and my family of faith. Yes, even a pastor must process the real feelings of grief that plague us all on this side of the resurrection. Harry has provided beautiful words of comfort for the grieving that flow from God's hope-filled Word and I am confident that many will be blessed by his efforts!

Pastor, Peace With Christ Lutheran Church (Fort Collins, Colorado) - Rev. David Magruder

I am very enriched by your consistent description of grief and mourning from a Christian perspective. All my previous knowledge about these emotions and behaviors has been from a psychological point of view.

Clinical Psychologist (Wellington, Colorado) - Dr. Lloyd Thomas