Now widely recognised within palliative care, the concept of ‘total
pain’ is an intensely theological one at heart. In Light to those in
Darkness clinician and theologian Dr Charlie Bell holds up the concept
to theological scrutiny. Bell reflects on the ways that the doctrine of
‘the communion of saints’, might be used to help the church understand
how it can address “total pain” within individuals, and collective
trauma within the wider community. As such the book offers both an
important theological reflection for those in pastoral care roles and a
broader challenge to the church to become a place of solidarity and
accompaniment.
Dr Charlie Bell is John Marks Fellow, College Lecturer in Medicine and Praelector at Girton College, Cambridge.