Last Rites Across Faiths
Who performs the Catholic last rites and what are the main purposes?
A priest; to prepare the soul for a peaceful journey, forgive sins, and provide communion.
What is one key function of rituals in response to uncontrollable events like death?
Provide structure and coping support.
What is the difference between conventional and unconventional final acts?
Conventional = typical burial/cremation; Unconventional = sky burials, reef burials, cryonics.
What historical event increased embalming in the U.S.?
The Civil War.
What percentage of funerals in New Zealand occur outside churches?
~60%
In the Pentecostal faith, what determines whether a soul goes to heaven or hell at death?
Acceptance of Jesus before death and forgiveness of sins.
How does belief in an afterlife influence Catholic vs. Protestant funerals?
Catholics pray for purgatory; Protestants celebrate salvation.
Describe Tibetan sky burial.
The body is left for birds to eat as part of the cycle of life.
What law protects consumer rights when buying funeral services?
FTC Funeral Rule.
What cultural element often determines a person’s funeral style worldwide?
Beliefs about the afterlife.
What role does chanting play in Buddhist last rites?
Calms the mind and aids the transition toward rebirth.
Why do child funerals in some cultures (like China) exclude elders?
Children’s death is viewed as a bad omen; service is short and limited to younger attendees.
Why are “hanging coffins” used in some Asian cultures?
To protect from wild animals and symbolize elevation toward heaven.
What is a green burial?
Eco-friendly, biodegradable, minimal chemicals or containers.
What is a key role of the funeral celebrant in modern societies?
Conduct personalized ceremonies reflecting the deceased’s values and beliefs.
What is sprinkled on the dying in Hindu rituals, and why?
Water from the Ganges; purifies sin and guarantees rebirth.
What financial factor has increased cremation in the U.S.?
Lower cost compared to burial and embalming.
Describe the goal of cryonics.
Preservation for future revival. Preserve body in liquid nitrogen until cure is found.
How have generational values changed funerals?
Shift to personalization and online streaming; less formal and church-based.
Why might Maori graves be visited often by survivors?
To maintain connection with spirits who remain part of the community.
In Islam, what direction do the dying face and why?
Toward Mecca; signifies devotion and alignment with Allah during passage.
How has technology changed mourning practices?
Social media creates public, ongoing digital mourning spaces.
Why donate body to science?
To help future generations, avoid cost, or express gratitude.
What is a “celebration of life” and how does it differ from a traditional funeral?
Focuses on joy, memory, and personal legacy instead of mourning.
Compare how U.S. and New Zealand handle remote attendance at funerals.
Both use livestream/webcast options; NZ adopted this earlier for community inclusion.