Spiritual bonds to the dead in cross-cultural and historical perspective: Comparative religion and modern grief

Author(s): Goss, R.

Journal/Book: Death Stud. 1999; 23: 1900 Frost Road, Suite 101, Bristol, PA 19007-1598, USA. Hemisphere Publ Corp. 547-567.

Abstract: Contemporary spirituality within continuing bands with the dead is placed into the comparative context of Western Christianity and Japanese Buddhism. Throughout history, humans have maintained interaction with two kinds of dead: ancestors and sacred dead, the first characterized by symmetrical relationships and the second bg asymmetrical. Continuing bonds are deeply connected with, and are often in conflict with, bonds to the nation and (in the West) to God. In this framework , the authors find that continuing bonds in the present function within the private sphere and have very limited functions within the larger society, resemble traditional bonds with the sacred dead, and, at this lime, offer a mild critique of the values and lifestyle on which consumer capitalism is based.

Note: Article Klass D, Webster Univ, Relig Dept, 470 Lockwood, St Louis,MO 63119 USA

Keyword(s): BEREAVED PARENTS; RESOLUTION; JAPAN

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