Death, Dying, and Beyond

Death, Dying, and Beyond presents students with a collection of thought-provoking articles and essays aiming to demystify the concepts of death, dying, and what follows. The anthology features a constructivist approach, incorporating a range of western and non-western contexts to provide a comprehensive view of these inevitable stages of life.

This book is structured into three sections. The first section investigates the conceptualization of death itself, addressing questions around the criteria for determining death and the idea of social death. In the second section, it contemplates the process of dying, the psychological and societal facets of facing mortality, and the ethics surrounding end-of-life decisions. The final section examines the aftermath of death, including mournful practices, interactions with the deceased, and the impacts on cultural and personal narratives.

Death, Dying, and Beyond is an ideal resource for courses in sociology, religious studies, psychology, philosophy, nursing, English, and law. It involves analyzing perspectives on death and dying and fosters an environment for students to examine their values and attitudes towards mortality.

Megan Leverage is a lecturer in the Department of World Religions and Cultures at Western Michigan University. She holds a Ph.D. in religion from Florida State University.

Rebecca Esterson is the dean of the Center of Swedenborgian Studies at the Graduate Theological Union, where she is also Associate Professor of Sacred Texts and Traditions. She holds a Ph.D. in religious studies from Boston University.

Stephen Covell is the chair of the Department of World Religions and Cultures at Western Michigan University. He holds a Ph.D. in religion from Princeton University.

Susan Caulfield is a retired professor in the School of Interdisciplinary Health Programs at Western Michigan University. She holds a Ph.D. in criminology and a master's in comparative religion.