Part I. Belief systems in society and human history : interpretations of the mysteries of life and death -- Introduction to death and religion in society -- Faith, why people believe and the need for tolerance -- The characteristics of a religion or belief system -- The range of belief paradigms -- What happens when we die? -- The soul : what is it; where is it; and does it exist? -- What does death mean to patients and their relatives? -- Near-death experiences, deathbed visions and visions of the bereaved -- The entanglement of religion, ethics and societal development -- The uses and abuses of religion -- Part II. Managing death in different faiths and doctrines -- An introduction to religions and belief systems -- The landscape of religions worldwide and in the UK -- The Baha'i faith -- Buddhism -- Chinese religions -- Christianity -- Hinduism -- Islam -- Jainism -- Judaism -- Rastafarianism -- Secular philosophies and other belief systems -- Shintoism -- Sikhism -- Zoroastrianism -- Part III. Legal aspects of death in the UK -- Life and death as biological and legal constructs -- Medico-legal issues at the end of life -- The responses of professionals and relatives around death -- Medical certification of the cause of death (MCCD) -- The registration of death -- Coroners and autopsies -- The body after death -- Disposal of the body -- Life support, brain death and transplantation -- Performing last offices -- Less common circumstances -- Deaths in Northern Ireland and Scotland -- Future changes in England and Wales.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.