RELIGST 2M03 Lecture : Relig 2M03 Complete Notes for Full Term - Death and Dying

• School: McMaster University
• Department: Religious Studies
• Course: RELIGST 2M03
• Professor: Sherry Smith

Document Summary

We learn how we are supposed to behave when death happens based on social and cultural values. Are maintained through language, religion, customs, symbols and media. Even though we may use the same words to describe death the meaning differ throughout cultures. Cellular death: the process that results when the heartbeat, respiration, and brain activity cease. Brain death is the irreversible cessation of all functions of the entire brain. The act of dying: the end of life; the total and permanent cessation of all the vital function of an animal or plan. (webster"s dictionary). In some cultures people are said to be dead after 40. In hindu culture there is the cycle of reincarnation. In christianity it is believed people just shed the body and their soul lives on. Some cultures believe the dead and the alive co-exist. Name avoidance: believing you can"t say the name of a decsed beliving their soul wil not leave the world.