Religious Views on Death & Dying

An Overview of World Beliefs

Much of what we know and perceive about death and dying comes from our religious background. In fact, our attitudes about death are deeply connected with our views on religion. Whether or not we believe in a God or gods shapes how we view the afterlife or lack thereof. Our fear of death can either be compounded or eased by our religious outlook. If you believe in an angry God that punishes us for all trespasses, then death can be frightening. Believing that we all go to a better place after death, regardless of behavior, can cause apathy towards death.

There seems to be a sharp rift between Eastern and Western cultural views on Death. Mainly in the beliefs in and about “salvation”, reincarnation, and the afterlife. Beyond this, big differences in attitude  can exist  within sects  or branches  of the same  religious tree -  causing  more confusion. more

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