Sister Death: Political Theologies for Living and Dying

Life and death are seen as opposing forces, but Beatrice Marovich argues that this view is influenced by Christian political theology. She proposes that life and death are family, and that a racialized political theology that pits them against each other in a state of war must be disrupted. Sister Death offers an alternative view in which life and death are contested, tense, and mutually empowering, and features original works by Krista Dragomer that stage an ongoing conceptual conversation with the text.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 07 February 2023
Publisher: Columbia University Press

Death is often perceived as the ultimate adversary of all living things, representing a stark binary in human understanding. However, Beatrice Marovich contends that this perception has been significantly shaped by a strain of Christian political theology that has left its mark on both religious and secular narratives. In her book, Sister Death, Marovich seeks to challenge this notion by advocating for a more holistic understanding of life and death as part of a larger family.

Drawing on a diverse range of sources, including Saint Francis of Assisi's figure of "Sister Death," Marovich critiques a racialized political theology that pits life and death against each other in an endless war. She argues that this perspective fails to recognize the interconnectedness of all living beings and perpetuates harmful stereotypes and biases. Instead, Marovich proposes an alternative view in which life and death are not mortal enemies destined for mutual destruction. Instead, they are engaged in a contested, tense, and sometimes mutually empowering form of connection—a sisterhood.

Through her engaging and accessible writing, Marovich deftly integrates the insights of various disciplines, including theology, philosophy, psychoanalysis, and grassroots "death positive" movements. She offers a profound reconsideration of the relations between life and death, challenging readers to view them as part of a larger interconnected web of life.

In addition to Marovich's text, Sister Death features a series of original works by artist Krista Dragomer that stage an ongoing conceptual conversation with the text. These works, which include paintings, sculptures, and installations, explore themes of death, loss, and transformation, providing a visual complement to Marovich's philosophical and theoretical arguments.

Overall, Sister Death is a thought-provoking and innovative book that offers a fresh perspective on the complex relationship between life and death. By challenging traditional narratives and advocating for a more inclusive and interconnected understanding of these two fundamental aspects of human existence, Marovich provides a valuable contribution to the field of philosophy and spirituality.

Weight: 396g
Dimension: 140 x 216 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231208376