Religious Views About Death

Questions about death, what may come afterward, and how we honor those who have died are approached differently across religious traditions. Learning about these perspectives can deepen our understanding of others while inviting reflection on our own beliefs and assumptions.

This 1.5-hour live online class offers an accessible introduction to beliefs and practices surrounding dying, death, the afterlife, grief, ritual, and remembrance within Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, and Judaism.

You will explore both Eastern and Western traditions while considering how religious teachings may shape understandings of mortality and mourning. Because no faith is practiced in exactly the same way by every person or community, the class also emphasizes the important roles of culture, family, personal experience, and individual interpretation.

The goal is not to compare or evaluate beliefs, but to encourage curiosity, cultural humility, and respectful engagement when questions of death and grief arise in personal or professional settings. Time will be included for open discussion.

Open to everyone. No previous knowledge or professional experience is required.

Registration includes a certificate for 1.5 Professional Development Hours (PDHs).

All proceeds help support the Center for Death Education’s nonprofit mission to make accurate, compassionate education about death, dying, grief, and end-of-life care accessible and affordable.