CHAPTER I IDEAL When death is viewed from a strictly biological point of view, the logical and sustainable choice would call for the cremation of the deceased. However, humans do not view death strictly from a biological viewpoint. Rather, cultural and religious values result in humans viewing death from a philosophical standpoint by attempting to attach meaning to the passing of a loved one. Therefore, sustainable methods are not always chosen.
I will reference religious scriptures as evidence for the views that are held, whilst describing the final rites during the funeral ceremonies. The locations and spaces are specific, often essential to fulfil the requirements. The sequential order of the ceremony concludes at the resting of the corpse. Each faith group has preferences of how the deceased are disposed of, by understanding its significance, we can start to understand why it is cherished.
Generally humans are prone to a philosophical school of thought. According to the German Philosopher, Arthur Schopenhauer, “the fear of death is the beginning of philosophy, and the final cause of religion.�8 A review of philosophical reasoning concerning death is important to provide a complete interpretation of the human experience of death.
The results of this dissertation will help identify which religious groups, and their funerary practices would need to evolve in order to be sustainable. The main criteria for the requirement of change is whether or not a city, such as London, can sustain their funeral procedures.
Often the process between the declaration of death and the disposal of physical remains is decided by a human’s personal beliefs, influenced by faith and culture. Hence, the final rites becomes a ritualistic procedure. Once a person is pronounced dead, the family and friends of the deceased are left to mourn and decide the final rites. The final rites are also impacted by cultural, financial and religious backgrounds of the deceased. This chapter provides an overview of the ideal death, as dictated by the respective religious denomination in London. Both religious and nonreligious groups have sub-groups and organisations called sects where the final rites vary. However, I will be focusing on the core practices that are shared in the larger groups. This chapter aims to provide an understanding of the preferred methods of these larger groups when it comes to the final rites of the deceased.
8
(Durant, 1991)
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