1. Moreman claims that Western societies are "death-denying cultures." Do you agree or disagree? Discuss at least one social attitude, behavior, or practice in modern America that you think helps prove or disprove his claim, and explain why it supports or contradicts his argument. You can discuss your own religious or cultural community as part of your response.

2. If you had to pick one of the following approaches to focus on in studying death and the afterlife, which would you pick? Explain your choice.
Comparing and contrasting ideas and patterns of belief about death and the afterlife across different religions and cultures in order to understand the range of beliefs and attitudes towards death and the afterlife;
Analyzing empirical data (polls, statistics, social science research, psychological experiments, etc.) to find out how different communities and societies think and act about death and the afterlife;
Evaluating individual experiences through interviews and narratives and interpreting their words and texts in order to get a handle on their subjective feelings, thoughts and impressions about death and the afterlife within their own lives.

1 answer

1. I disagree with Moreman's claim that Western societies are "death-denying cultures." One social attitude in modern America that helps disprove this claim is the open discussion and acceptance of death and dying in the field of palliative and hospice care. These healthcare practices place a strong emphasis on maintaining the dignity and quality of life for individuals facing terminal illnesses. Through conversations about end-of-life choices, advance care planning, and emotional support, palliative and hospice care providers actively address the reality of death and encourage individuals to make informed decisions about their own dying process.

Moreover, in my own religious community, we actively engage in rituals and ceremonies that acknowledge death as a part of life. For example, in my church, we hold regular memorial services to honor the lives of those who have passed away. These services provide an opportunity for reflection, remembrance, and a collective acknowledgment of the deceased's impact on our community.

Both the practices in palliative and hospice care and the religious rituals in my community demonstrate an openness and acceptance of death. They promote an understanding that death is a natural part of the human experience and encourage discussions about it. By actively engaging with death and dying, individuals in Western societies are challenging the notion of being "death-denying."

2. If I had to pick one of the approaches to study death and the afterlife, I would choose the approach of comparing and contrasting ideas and patterns of belief about death and the afterlife across different religions and cultures. This approach allows for a comprehensive understanding of the diverse range of beliefs and attitudes towards death and the afterlife present in the world.

By analyzing the different religious and cultural perspectives, we can identify common themes, patterns, and unique aspects of various beliefs. This comparative study would provide insights into how different societies construct meaning and understanding around death and the afterlife. It would also allow for the exploration of the roles that cultural, historical, and social factors play in shaping these beliefs.

Additionally, studying the range of beliefs and attitudes towards death and the afterlife across different religions and cultures can foster intercultural understanding and appreciation. It helps to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions while promoting dialogue and respect for diverse perspectives.

While analyzing empirical data and evaluating individual experiences can provide valuable insights, focusing on the comparative approach allows for a broader examination of the topic and the opportunity to consider the various cultural, philosophical, and religious nuances surrounding death and the afterlife.