Death is an enemy of life in the obvious sense that it brings an individual’s life to an end. But it’s an enemy of life in a broader sense to.
Death interrupts life, everyone’s life, life in the broadest sense. Death turns festivity to mourning. Death prevents us from bringing our projects to an end, an end that gives our projects their meaning.
If a close friend or spouse dies, suddenly the world is emptied of one of the few persons - perhaps the only one - who knew you. You have to continue life not only alone but unknown . Death disrupts our sense of integrity and coherence.
Death is also the death of the living.
Peter Leithart
Peter J. Leithart is President of Theopolis Institute. He is the author of numerous books on theology, literature, and culture, including Theopolitan, Defending Constantine, and Baptized Body.
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