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This makes sense in many religious contexts. For instance, traditional Christianity asserts belief in the "resurrection of the body." This implies that the body
by joshuacc 16y ago
This makes sense in many religious contexts. For instance, traditional Christianity asserts belief in the "resurrection of the body." This implies that the body isn't a mere shell to be cast off, but is actually part of what made the person who they are, and is worthy of respect. Thus you have saints relics in Catholicism and Orthodoxy.
I assume that other religions offer explanatory contexts for their rituals as well. These may or not make sense when transferred to a modern secular society.
- allenp 16y agoI think it is important to note that ceremonial burial was practiced by archaic secular societies as well - including Neanderthals. I think that we need some sort of group activity to help us transition to new situations - ie graduations, weddings, funerals, in Japan there are now wedding-like ceremonies for divorce with both families attending. I think at its basic level there is something along these lines: change is uncertain, the group is here to witness the change and the group is not startled, I'm ok because the group is ok.
- eru 16y agoDo you have more information about the divorce ceremonies?
- allenp 16y agoHere is a link: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE65K3YV20100621 http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE65K3YV20100621
- joshuacc 16y agoGood point about it being group response to change. I guess I was thinking more of the particular ways in which the rituals are shaped by the surrounding religious culture. "ceremonial burial was practiced by archaic secular societies as well - including Neanderthals." Is there evidence regarding religious belief among the Neanderthals? I'd love to read some material on that.
- jimbokun 16y agoHow do we know Neanderthal society was "secular"?
- allenp 16y agoYou got me - we don't really know either way.