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Anthony Maranise is an instructor of Religious Studies at The University of Memphis, a certified life-coach, chaplain, and is the author of 4 other books and numerous academic pieces. Primarily a theological scholar with expertise in the intersections between sports and spirituality, Anthony received his Masters from Christian Brothers University in Memphis, TN. At the time of this book's publication, he is also a 20+ year cancer survivor, treated at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and remains active in advocacy for advancing cancer research as well as in facilitating spiritual direction for persons affected by cancer.
Reviewed by Darin Godby for Readers' Favorite
In his book Cross of a Different Kind: Cancer & Christian Spirituality, Anthony Maranise, M.A. provides spiritual insight to help the reader as they explore the various difficulties that cancer can cause. He gives a very detailed, insightful view concerning God, Jesus dying upon the cross, and the agony they both experienced in their own way. He poses the thought that if God and His Son experienced agony, why would we feel that we should escape any turmoil or difficulty? Receiving bad news can be traumatic. Dealing with the news of cancer (for the person or another individual) can be devastating. While the news is certainly shocking and even scary, it isn’t the end because, as Maranise points out, one must realize the importance of the soul and how it lives on forever. We must refocus from thinking only about the physical issues at hand to seeing that we were created as a living soul in the image of God.
While people suffer from cancer, they can also experience suffering concerning their walk with the Lord. The enemy certainly tries to make it difficult for the believer just as it is for someone who is a cancer patient. Part III of the book helps the reader focus on “The Fullness of Life, For Cancer Survivors.” This section is very encouraging and helpful to enable the reader to move forward rather than to become self-absorbed with their own issues. This is a very rewarding and encouraging book to help both the cancer patient as well as family members, and those who desire to better understand how cancer affects others.
