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Thomas Lynch

Beliefnet Columnist

Thomas Lynch, a funeral director in Milford, Michigan, is the author of three collections of poetry: "Skating With Heather and Grace," "Grimalkin & Other Poems," and "Still Life in Milford."

His work has appeared in The New Yorker, Poetry, The Paris Review, Harper's, Esquire, Newsweek, The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Irish Times, and The Times of London, and his commentaries have aired on BBC Radio, RTE in Ireland, and National Public Radio. His collection of essays, "The Undertaking: Life Studies From the Dismal Trade," won the Heartland Prize for nonfiction and the American Book Award and was a finalist for the National Book Award. A second essay collection, "Bodies in Motion and at Rest," was published in June, 2000.

Columns and articles by Thomas Lynch

Faith Works, Hope Springs, Love Hurts Mar 29, 2005
We all are looking through a glass, darkly, as we anxiously try to make sense out of Terri Schiavo's final struggle.

Witness and Remember Nov 4, 2003
If we believe in something, isn't it important to watch it?

Stop and Smell the Roses...Again? Dec 15, 2000
The recent title 'Life Lessons' tells readers what they've already heard about life and death.

A.A.: Not Religious, Not a Cult Oct 13, 2000
When all the wrangling about A.A. is through, all I know is that it has given me the gift of sobriety.

Religion and Its Troubles Oct 6, 2000
In Belfast and Jerusalem and elsewhere, religion both defines and divides us, ennobles and estranges us.

Every Sadness a Sales Op Jul 26, 2000
Churches and funeral businesses are bargaining for bodies--at the cost of the religious consumer

Earth to Earth, Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust Jun 20, 2000
Whether we bury or cremate our dead, we need rituals that honor the difficult mystery of death

Learning to Pray Apr 27, 2000

The Rights of Men Feb 25, 2000
Thomas Lynch is pro-choice--for women and men alike.

Prime Cuts Jan 25, 2000
Why do Christians not circumcise?

A Slow Death Quickens the Faith Dec 5, 1999
What my grandmother taught me about the right to die