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Buddhism Vs Christianity

1356 Words6 Pages

Hypothesis:
Both Buddhists and Christians believe that there is life after death, and that what they do in this life will determine what happens to them in the next. Therefore the rituals surrounding death in these religions actually symbolize the beginning of a new existence.

Framing:
This report will convey the symbolization and hidden meanings behind death in Christianity and Buddhism, explain what is believed to happen after death in both of these religions, compare the rituals surrounding death in Buddhism and Christianity, apply Turner and Van Gennep’s theories to these rituals, and argue that, through the beliefs of these religions and the symbols used in their rituals surrounding death and burial, the end of a life actually symbolizes …show more content…

Explanation to support point sentence: While these two religions share concepts and beliefs, the conductation of their rituals is starkly dissimilar, and these rituals convey strongly different meanings through the participants, methods and symbols. Evidence and explanation to support point sentence: Christian funerals are conducted by a priest, and have the purpose of celebrating the life of a person and remind the living that our lives do not end in death. Anyone associated with the dead person of their family may attend the funeral unless the family have specifically asked for privacy. (Mr Meara, Interviewee, 22/07/15) Christian funerals generally take place in a Chapel, but may also take place at the location of burial of the person, or a place of significance to their life if they have specified it in their will. (BBC Authors, Christian Funerals, Online; 19/07/15) Buddhists however, have a whole other world of meaning and objective hidden behind their funeral rituals. Buddhists generally cremate the dead or do what is called ‘Exposure of Corpse’. Cremation is the burning of a corpse to ashes, and is said to be done in assistance of the person who is dying, so as to make their reincarnation smoother and to make sure they do not leave anything behind in their …show more content…

Explanation to support point Sentence: While the rituals held in these religions are quite differentiated in process and meaning, the theories of ritual presented by Lovat and van Gennep connect these rituals and beliefs through their overall outcome; that the end of physical life on earth actually symbolizes a new phase or beginning. Evidence and explanation to support point sentence: Arnold van Gennep and Terence Lovat both dictate an entrance, climax and exit to all rituals, with Lovat also distinguishing a preparatory and celebratory phase. The author has already investigated the process of the rituals, and now is going to focus on the outcome or final objective of the rituals. Both Christianity and Buddhism believe that there is another life after death. Mr Meara stated that Death is a new beginning of the next phase of life, becoming unionized with God for eternity. (Mr Meara, Interviewee, 22/07/15) Buddhists believe that one's karma dictates their form of reincarnation, during which they are reborn into a new body to live out another life. (Ven. Pende Hawter, Death and Dying in the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition, Online; 19/07/15) Linking Sentence: After reviewing Van

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