...THE AFTERLIFE Bailey Miller Cultural Anthropology Dr. Su Il Kim December 1, 2014 In many cultures there is the idea of religion and its ever changing. Even in similar faiths, such as all the derivatives of Christianity, there is variation in their beliefs. In Roman Catholicism their belief in salvation and the afterlife is that it must be earned by being part of the church community, basically meaning that a Roman Catholic would only gain entry into the afterlife if they attended church [Stewart]. In Baptist churches they believe that only those who believe, who have been baptized and also believe Christ is their savior may enter the afterlife [Buschart]. On the other hand there are the non-Christians, sometimes referred to as pagans; though in this age the term is more used for polytheists who aren’t Hindu believers or ancestral worshipers. In my own religious beliefs, Wicca, the afterlife varies based on the god or goddess being followed. In Greek based Wicca there is an afterlife and depending on how your soul acts in that life varies on where you’ll be sent [Marks]. In Cherokee following paganism, how my mother follows, they do not believe in a literal place like heaven but more that when a person dies they go on as ghosts, wandering the earth [The Tradition Belief System]. Then there are the non-theistic groups like agnostics and atheists. Agnostics tend to vary from person to person on death and the afterlife so it’s hard to tell what they believe [Agnostics]. Atheists...
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...days of cave paintings, people in different parts of the world with different beliefs and customs have found interests in incorporating stories into their artworks. Whether they did it for symbols and personification, worship, or even just decoration, their narratives always have and continue to illuminate the social, political, and religious meanings of their cultures. In 1400 BCE, Egyptians of the 18th Dynasty and New Kingdom included narratives in their artworks to reveal and signify their religious and political beliefs. Egyptians during this time period strongly believed in the ka, the soul of the deceased that would remain on earth and reside in another object. Another strong belief of theirs was the hierarchical scale and that the higher you are on it, the more significant your existence is. The Nebamun hunting fowl from tomb of Nebamun depicts Nebamun in the afterlife hunting birds from a swamp, and the hieroglyphics included on the fresco say that he is enjoying the afterlife. The narrative showcases the afterlife and was placed in Nebamun’s tomb to remind his ka how life on earth was and to ensure that he would live a happy life. It also depicts hierarchical scale since Nebamun, a powerful ruler is the largest being in the fresco. Since this artwork includes signs of hierarchical scale, showcases recreation and the afterlife, and was created for the ka, its narrative communicates both religious and political meaning of the time period. Fast-forwarding a hundreds of...
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...Between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers lies a land called Mesopotamia. Around 3300 B.C., the world’s first civilization developed in Mesopotamia’s southeastern region. Since one of the basic features of a civilization is a complex religion, one can imagine that the first civilization had many religious and moral beliefs. Their beliefs shaped the way that Mesopotamians lived their every day lives. These religious and moral beliefs included practicing polytheism, believing in afterlife, and favoring justice. The ancient Mesopotamians were polytheistic, which means they worshipped and believed in more than one god. They believed that the gods and goddesses controlled all aspects of life. The people liked to appeal to the major gods and the gods of natural forces. Mesopotamians also thought that it was their job to make the gods happy, and in return, the gods would protect their city-state. To ensure this protection the people would build temples, make sacrifices, and perform rituals for the gods. In The Epic of Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh prayed and made sacrifices to many different gods. Before Gilgamesh and Enkidu left on their adventure, they gave offerings to...
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...Essay Question One The beliefs about death had evolved greatly over the periods of time. Whether it may have been the First humans, the Sumerians, the Ancient Americans, Jewish, Christian, or any religion in between, each era was a bit different. The comparison and contrast to one another have different aspects to how they perceive the afterlife or what happens before and after death. As time passed, many different religious faiths existed. How each transpired was solely based on the era. In ancient times, there were a variety of religious faiths in existence. However, there were three that stood out from the rest. The first was the Mesopotamian faith (early ancient times), which was of great importance within Mesopotamian culture. For Mesopotamians, the gods were living realities who affected all aspects of life. The center of each Mesopotamian community was the temple complex, which consisted of ziggurat with a temple at the top. It was here that the main god or goddess, in the form of a statue, resided. It would be here that all religious ceremonies took place. This temple complex would dominate both individual and commercial life, thus demonstrating the close relationship between religion and culture within Mesopotamia and the belief that there was an afterlife of immortality. The second was the Egyptian faith. Like the Mesopotamians, the Egyptians held their faith in high regard. They had a vast number of gods, all of which were associated with heavenly...
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...Elements of Religious Traditions Elements of Religious Traditions In striving to understand religious traditions it is important to understand what religion is. The common translation of religion is “to join again,” “to reconnect” (Molloy, 2010, p. 5). Religion cannot be accurately defined with a single definition because there are many differences. Most definitions found in dictionaries are not completely accurate or complete. Dictionary definitions according to Molloy, 2010, p. 5, indicates religion is a belief system that consists of the worship of a single God or multiple gods, ceremony, ethical and moral code, and prayer. To define better religion one should identify the characteristics commonly found and accepted as religions (Molloy, 2010, p. 5). To identify the elements of religious traditions one must explain religious traditions relationship with the divine, sacred time, sacred space, and their relationship with each other. Scholars believe the following eight elements are commonly found in most religions (Molloy, 2010, pgs. 6-7): * Belief System * Community * Central Myths * Rituals * Ethics * Characteristic Emotional Experiences * Material Expression * Sacredness Understanding the key critical issues in the study of religion will help one understand that there is a vast number of religions with a vast number of beliefs (Johnson, 2013). Religions Relationship with the Divine To identify religious traditions relationship...
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...The AfterLife SURVEY: Have any of you actually thought about where you would go when you die? _Yes, all the time _Yes, but not often _No _I really just don’t care Do you believe in an Afterlife? If yes, please explain why and/or what you believe it is like. Regardless of your answer to the previous question; Do you believe in the Supernatural? Such as ghosts, spirits, demons, angels, poltergeist etc.? If yes, please explain why and what you believe in, as far as the supernatural occurrences and experiences are concerned. Have you ever witnessed any supernatural occurrences? If yes, please explain. IDEAS AND BELIEFS THAT PEOPLE HAVE ABOUT THE AFTERLIFE HOW DIFFERENT RELIGIONS VIEW THE AFTERLIFE. CATHOLIC JUDAISM CHRISTIANITY ISLAM WICCAN TAOISM ATHEISM SATANIC MORMON AMISH NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCES CHILDREN VS ADULTS EXPERIENCES REINCARNATIONS HAUNTINGS DEMONS ANGELS EXORCISMS HEAVEN VS HELL PURGATORY? GOD(S) EDITORIAL: OPINION/BELIEFS/ARGUMENT: The Afterlife does exist; although it may vary on different points depending on each individual who experiences it. Some first hand and others may witness another individual’s experience in some way. Whether it’s through spiritual (feeling) means or physical means (apparition). SUPPORTING EVIDENCE: Why are my beliefs valid? ------------------------------------------------- The Afterlife: a pretty broad and potentially complicated idea for most people...
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...Erechtheion, an architectural building interestingly using six maidens as support columns. Through studies of the architectural history of this piece, Michael Lahanas suggests that the temple was constructed as “a complex design that supposed to represent the legendary contest between Poseidon and Athena for guardianship of the city of Athens” (Lahanas). The relationship between the art and the culture of the related civilization depicts through its purpose as a temple. Some articles suggest that the temple was a place where worship occurred for both Poseidon and Athena; the structure survives and reminds of the religious history by Athenians, in Classical Greece. This genre of art influenced the culture of that civilization by providing space for religious beliefs to grow and continue; the culture influenced that genre of art through their religious practices and beliefs. Hellenistic Greece The art selectiton for the Hellenistic Greece period is “Lysippos, Apoxyomenos (The Scraper),” (Benton, DiYanni, 2008, p. 77); originally a bronze sculpture and replicated in marble reveals the competitive nature and strife to succeed with greatness. The Scraper represents the relationship between art and culture of Hellenistic Greece by capturing how the civilizations interest became more individualistic rather than basing on the successes of the whole civilization. The art would have influenced the culture of that civilization by stimulating others to focus more to make higher individual...
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...Belief in Heaven and Hell Christopher Shane Inlow CGD218: Visual Literacy in Business Professor Felicia Maxwell October 31, 2010 I. Introduction A. Thesis Statement II. Religion and History A. Definition Heaven and Hell B. Heaven and Hell in many religions. III. Heaven, Hell, and Culture Influence A. Cultures around the world B. C. IV. Conclusion Heaven and Hell, the belief in the existence of both realms has influenced human society throughout history and most likely before recorded history. “Many people follow a religion because it promises them happiness in life or in some kind of life after death, or they believe it will save them from eternal damnation. The prospect of an afterlife also offers hope to those who suffer in this life.” (World Book, 2010). After life is a thought process that helps eleminate the fear of nothingness that often accompanies the thought of death. This life is often seen as a precursor to eternity. Many view this life as a test. The score determines where the after life will be spent, Heaven or Hell. Religion and the concept of an afterlife has affected and been affected by both culture and history. The belief in Heaven and Hell has been held and is still held today by various cultures and religious sects. Therefore, the definition and name of the afterlife are influenced by the respective culture or religious affiliation it belongs too. The religious...
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...poverty on the religious views and practices of teenagers. Based on data collected from the National Study on Youth and Religion, Schwadel shows that income level has some impact on the religious practices of youth. Type of Article This article would be considered a research article due to the fact that while the data was collected from existing sources, Schwadel used the data to determine if the level of income had an effect on teenagers’ religious views. The Survey Method was used to conduct this research. They called 3,290 teenagers nationally and asked a series of questions. Those individuals who did not or would not answer over the phone were followed up with a mail-in survey. Summary Schwadel determined through data collected via the survey that social class had a great deal to do with a teenager’s religious views and practices. He found that upper to middle class individuals were more likely to attend organized religious services, while lower class individuals were more likely to value private worship and scripture reading. It was also noted that lower class individuals were more likely to have no religious affiliation than that of the middle and upper class, regardless of their parent’s religious views and practices, as well as associate with those who hold the same religious beliefs. Teenagers in low income families were also less likely to follow the same religious practices as their parents. The social class of teenagers also played a key factor in the belief of an afterlife...
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...OF RELIGIOUS TRADITIONS Elements of Religious Traditions Name: Eugene Clinton Course: REL/133 February 18, 2012 What a religious tradition says A religious tradition is based on particular beliefs that a group of people or a community adhere to. Religion and religious traditions thereof come about as human beings seek to understand themselves, the purpose of their existence and the existence of the people and the things around them. Traditions are particularly based on the individual’s conception of himself or herself and whatever context that he or she lives or exists in (Molloy & Hilgers, 2001). It is, therefore, common for individuals to take up religious beliefs according to their religious orientation. This is mostly based on what the community that he or she lives in has always believed in and practiced. Theologians and philosophers alike identify that most of the religious traditions adopted by people are based on their childhood experiences and the perceptions that they have grown up with in regard to fear as well as security (Sutcliffe, 2002). While most religions may have particular teachings contained in religious books, others do not have such definitive aspects, but the followers and those who practice the religion know what is expected of them according to their religion (Molloy & Hilgers, 2001). This mostly passed down from one person to another to a point where it becomes more of a culture or rather a tradition. Some of the religious traditions...
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...Origins of Religion • The First Civilizations • Early Religious Patterns • Religion was centered around capricious entities that needed to be appeased – The Phoenicians: • Baal Hammon (male storm god) and Tanit (female fertility figure) • Tophets (walled cemetries) excavated reveal that often children were sacrificed • Prehistoric Communities • Paleolithic and Neolithic Settlements • Life in Neolithic communities led to the development of art and religion. There was a belief in a higher power. Mother Earth (source of all new life) and Father Sky (all powerful). There is also evidence of burial of the dead. • Neolithic Religion • Led to reverence of ancestors – Old persons often received elaborate burials • Religious worship of early farming communities were centered around Mother Earth (source of life)and Sky God(all powerful male) • Megaliths were erected to relate to religious beliefs • Megaliths included burial chambers, calendar circles, or marking celestial occurrences – Rising sun, solstices, equinoxes • Neolithic goddess • Life in New Towns and Villages • Religious shrines could be found (2 per household) – A goddess was the venerated central deity • Metalworking became a predominant activity around 6400 BC – Abundance of copper and lead in the area – Gold and silver also appear • Farmers had to produce...
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...Many of the great works of ancient Egypt depicts regular and detailed depictions of human beings and the nature. Moreover, due to the highly religious nature of ancient Egyptian civilization, Egyptian artists have depicted gods, goddesses, and Pharaohs. The function was to describe their divine nature. Ancient Egyptian art is characterized by the idea of order. Symbolism and the use of simple geometry played an important role in establishing sense of order. Nonetheless, many Egyptian arts were not meant to be seen and were hidden from the commoners. For instance, the magnificent treasures of Tutankhamun were not to be seen by people. The first dwellers of the Nile Valley started making engraved drawings on the steep high faces of rocks, in the early eighth millennium BC .They were believed to be a manner of recording data. The depiction of the essential day today activities of their lives, like wild games, hunting scenes, river boating and domesticating animals were among the drawings. The art of the Predynastic period has endured in the form of carved stone , ivory grave goods, pottery vessels, which were placed near the dead body in burial cavities. Figures of living beings dedicated in fulfillment of a vow, were often female statuettes made of pottery and ivory. They may have related to early fertility followers of religious beliefs, as they amplified sexual features. Some of the painted scenes on pottery vessels show the prehistoric rock-carvings and styles and preoccupations...
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...In the book titled American Religion: Contemporary Trends, the author, Mark Chaves discusses many of the declining beliefs and practices that are occurring in the United States today. There is one exception, however, which is discussed in chapter two, diversity. In this chapter Chaves states that religious diversity is in fact growing rather than declining. In chapter three though, Chaves begins the pattern of declining beliefs and practices by discussing the decline in overall belief, and more specifically the decline in the belief of the literal word of the bible. It seems contradicting to begin with explaining the expansion in religious and then examining the decline in belief, however, the two concepts intertwine with each other bringing...
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...Ancient Egyptians/Religious Aspect Your Name Class Name Professor’s Name Date Assignment is Due Ancient Egyptians/Religious Aspect Ancient Egypt was a primeval civilization of eastern North Africa, concerted down the lower reaches of the Nile River presently referred to as the modern country of Egypt. The civilization banded together around 3150 BC with the political amalgamation of both Upper and Lower Egypt under the 1st pharaoh, and it greatly developed over the subsequent three millennia. Its history transpired in a succession of stable kingdoms separated by phases of relative volatility identified as Intermediate Periods. Ancient Egypt reached its pinnacle at some point in the New Kingdom, subsequent to which it entered an epoch of dawdling decline. Egypt was later conquered by a sequence of foreign authorities in this late period, and the pharaohs’ rule officially fizzled out around 31 BC at the period when the early Roman Empire subjugated Egypt and made it a province Consequently, Ancient Egyptian religion covers the assorted religious beliefs and rituals that were been practiced in ancient Egypt for a period of over 3,000 years, commencing from the pre-dynastic age until the espousal of Christianity during the early centuries AD. Originally, these beliefs concentrated on the adulation of multiple divinities who symbolized diverse forces of nature, power, and thought patterns articulated by the means of intricate and assorted prototypes....
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...to fit people's beliefs and spiritual hunger. Both Christianity and Hinduism are very powerful systems that influenced millions to this day. Providing not only principals and morals to live by to cleanse away your sins or bad Karma, redeem yourself to righteousness, but also a different outlook of events for the afterlife. Christianity was found in the Roman Empire around 1st century C.E. This religion was organized by a perfect man sent from heaven named, Jesus Christ. People believed he was the Messiah; the one sent by God the great and powerful. To support this claim, Jesus had performed miracles such as curing those who suffered from Leprosy, any other forms of illnesses and even resurrected a man named Lazarus. Furthermore, Jesus preached of God's purpose. He told the people of his town the truth about his God's kingdom, and the hope of resurrection in the afterlife to live forever happily on the new cleansed paradise earth. Hinduism, originated from India and formed around 2000 B.C.E. Rather than...
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