Discussion Post
As you have read in the course text, the foundational beliefs of all religious traditions include cosmogonies (the answers to the questions of how we came to be, why we are here, and what happens to us after we die) as well as theodicies (the reasons for why humans experience suffering). What similarities do you see between this week's highlighted religious traditions? How do the cosmogonies surrounding death and the afterlife differ? How a culture or religion prepares for and ritualizes death can give you a lot of insight into their beliefs about life and the afterlife. In this Discussion, you will consider the culture of the living practitioners of various civilizations based on their burial rituals and views on death. Explore the BBC Religions and Ethics resources from Resources. Consider the similarities and differences between two religious traditions, specifically looking at their views on death, burial rituals, and the afterlife.
Reflect on what you can infer about the cultures that practice those religions based on your answers to the previous questions.
The response should include a reference list. Double-space, using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.