http://ideastations.org/articles/afterlife-series-on-all-things-considered-2013-10-04
Questions for our clergy guests: Tom Bennett (Quaker Friend); Fr. Gerald Twaddell (Catholic priest); Rabbi Miriam Terlinchamp (Jewish clergy). Father Twaddell and Tom will be with us on 2 October. Miriam will come (hopefully with her new baby!) on 4 December. You can post them here or bring them to class on 25 September.
These are great questions! I'm so impressed. I'll pick some (we can't cover all of them) for class. Also, I'll post some internet resources about basic beliefs, like what I've started below, to give you more information.
Here's an explanation of the Presbyterian (Protestant Christian) teachings on death:
http://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/today/end-life/
Your questions:
General about death & dying
- What do you think causes fear of death? Are you scared of death?
- When is it appropriate to talk to children about death? Is before high school too early?
- Why do you think death seems to be taboo in our society?
- Do you think death should be celebrated?
- How often do you deal with death?
- How do you feel about reincarnation?
- When does the soul leave the body? What happens with PVS patients?
- How does your tradition prepare the dying person? the body? the survivors? What are your funeral and mourning practices?
- Is cremation acceptable for your tradition?
- How often do non-religious people ask for clergy when they are dying? Have you seen a difference in behavior between believers and non-believers?
- If God's kingdom is now, is death bad? What does that imply about heaven/hell?
- Have you ever dealt with death in prison?
- What does your tradition say about assisted suicide?
- What happens after death? Is there an afterlife? Do spirits persist after death?
What does Judaism say happens after death?
How do Christians interpret death? Catholics? Quakers?
Non-death religious questions
- How did you decide to become clergy? Did you grow up in a religious family? Did you join the religious life because it makes you closer to God? Has that vocation changed your views about death? Do you still question any tenet(s) of your faith?
- Is there one God? (Is the Christian God the same as the Jewish God?)
- What role do women play in your tradition? Are women treated differently in your tradition? How are women Rabbis viewed in Judaism?
- What role do women play in your tradition? Are women treated differently in your tradition? How are women Rabbis viewed in Judaism?
- What are the greatest/worst contributions to the world from your tradition?
- Why is there a stereotype about Jewish people and money?
- What major rituals and traditions bind your community?
- What are the coming of age ceremonies & requirements?
- Why do some traditions circumcise? What's the religious significance?
- What clothing or coverings are used in your worship services?
- What food prohibitions are involved in your tradition and why?
- What scripture is sacred to your tradition?
- How often do people of your tradition pray? What does that involve?
- What unifies Friends? scripture? worship? beliefs? tradition? Don't all Friends consider themselves Christian? How did Quakers originate? Who are the key figures in the tradition? What's the concept of inner light and is that analogous to the Holy Spirit?
- Are we all born with sin? Do you think human nature is good or bad?
- Is it difficult to be in the minority?
- "I was reading somewhere that said that each person's relationship with God is unique and individual. Some connect with God through prayer, others see the Divine in the majesty of the natural world, others may not think about God on a daily basis. Why is this?
GET: What do Catholics believe about exorcism?
Do Catholics believe the Bible is error-free?
Please explain purgatory.
TB: is there something within your faith with which you disagree?
Do Quakers, today, still give different names for the days of the week & months?
MT: what is the biggest faith challenge you have been through?
Why do Jewish people not believe that Jesus was a prophet?
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