Incurable disease is a natural phenomenon, inherent to the human condition. This book critically investigates the uniquely human experience of and response to illness and treatment, which affects the body, the mind, and the very core of human existence and identity. Uncertainties regarding the outcomes of laboratory and other investigations that aid in the diagnosis and assessment of disease exacerbate the apprehension inherent to the diagnosis of incurable disease. An excessively scientific approach may disregard the suffering patient. The book begins by analysing the nature, meaning and significance of hope in the context of disease, and goes on to reflect on the language of medicine and the role of emotion, ideology and politics in disease treatment and research. The epilogue reflects on healing as distinct from physical cures. Without hope, there is no future; without healing, no holistic recovery. The final chapters are devoted to the end-of-life period of this journey.

This book is a revision, extension, and reconceptualization of the original Afrikaans publication Hoop, Heling en Harmonie: Dink Nuut Oor Siekte en Genesing, winner of the 2021 Andrew Murray Prize for Theological Publications.