Christianity and the Sacraments

Abstract

This handbook is not intended as a manual of comparative theology. Death, which touches every one of us several times during our own lives, is associated with beliefs, rituals and traditions which vary widely between different ethnic groups. Within each of those groups there is the whole spectrum of observance, from the ultra-orthodox to the non-believing, non-practising atheist or agnostic. However, the death of a nonbeliever may have great impact on religious members of the family, and non-observance of religious laws may be a cause of anguish, shame and family disagreement.