by Jade Brooks

Created on: April 21, 2009

Could views of death all have a similar string of truth? Is it possible that views of death from a religious belief stand point are just explained differently. Think about these questions for a minute. If you consider that many people see the same incident then describe the event, and their explanations of the same event vary. The way that people translate and process information differs. We learn, think, understand and look uniquely different. A puzzle has many pieces each part has a place; together we can conceive picture. Let's evaluate some of these different beliefs and their views on death with a brief understanding of each.

Catholics and some Christians believe that when we die we go to heaven. Through the cross over from life we encounter our maker God, angels and saints. We reconnect with other family members and friends that have passed before us. While our body stays here on earth, our spirit descends to a pain-free existence for the worthy ones. People, whom have spread evil on earth, did not acknowledge God, practice the faith, and confess their sins will be eternally punished in hell.

Hinduism views of death for those who have lived on earth and obeyed the code of conduct there are multiple heavens filled with ultimate pleasures. For the people who have disregarded the code of conduct, there are multiple hells filled with constant painful tortures. Hinduism has a strong belief in the theories of Karma. After death their are two choices for the good; a path to the sun or a path to the moon. For the people whom were bad there is no above choice, they go to hell to get tortured until purified. There are multiple planes, levels, universes, and more depth to the Hindu belief. The heavens and hells are temporary everyone returns to the worlds , until they ultimately achieve the home of God.

Jewish believe that their acts here on earth either bring punishments or rewards. Rejoining of the ancestors upon death which include gatherings of people from the scriptures. The bad people are severed and their death is like turning to ashes. The souls continue after death unconsciously. There are three groups the righteous, who are risen to heaven; the in between that will go to heaven as well; The evil or wicked that go to purgatory.

Each one of these beliefs used above in regards to their views of death had similarities. One definition of reincarnation is rebirth of a soul. Whether one returns to a life on earth, rises to heaven, or life in another universe, in the end, there are dues to be paid for the evil, bad or wicked. Rewards are given to the people who spread goodness. Even though the use of terms and words may vary from sins to bad karma, etc. Do these beliefs really differ that much from each other?

Which one of these beliefs is literally correct? Maybe they all have a string of truth and just different descriptions or explanations. Who am I to judge or decide? I can only choose for myself. Maybe this is another choice in life. We choose what we like to wear, eat, who we keep company with. We get to choose our beliefs in life and views of death. Ignorance means lack of knowledge. Without knowledge of the other beliefs, how can you exclude them? With these only brief descriptions of my understanding and interpretations I hope I shed some light for a harmonious ending in life or in death.

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