Subject: Death FAQ, Semi-monthly posting
From: death@anus.com (A.N.U.S. Death Squad)
Organization: http://www.anus.com/etc/ - Total Chaos
Keywords: death, dying, grief, preparation
Newsgroups: alt.death,alt.consciousness.near-death-exp,alt.support.grief,alt.rock-n-roll.metal.death

Archive-name: death-faq
Last-modified: 2002/06/19 
Version: 0.1
URL: http://www.anus.com/etc/death/
Posting-frequency: semi-monthly

FAQ: Death
For alt.death and related groups.

Contents

I. Definition
II. Background
III. Hypotheses
IV. Preparation
V. Uses of

I. Definition

A working definition for that which we do not survive to 
explain might be:

"Termination of the process of life; state of closure in process of life."

Merriam-Webster says:
1 : a permanent cessation of all vital functions : the end of life

American Heritage Dictionary says:
1: The act of dying; termination of life. 
2: The state of being dead. 

II. Background

Each of us slowly became aware that we were conscious. Our environment had
created itself around us. We were unconscious to any developments before
that time. Now that we are aware, we are aware of time, both our own time
and the concept of history that occurs through actions over time. Our only
method of perceiving time is through its change, and at some point, we
perceive our perceptual organs themselves are disconnected and thus we do
not perceive the cessation of time. For this reason we are baffled by
relativity in the world, as our own relativity to own observations is
rendered absolute, and often in denial insist on concrete symbolism such
as our definitions of "life" and "death." 

III. Hypotheses

There are several major hypotheses regarding death:

1. "Materialism" - the limits of our environment occur at the boundaries
of the physical world, and there is no form of transcendence or afterlife.
2. "Iconographicism" - we exist in a pure form after we die, in a world
that resembles the symbolism of our thoughts and dreams more than the 
natural reality of conflict/chaos.
3. "Transubstantionism" - we are regenerated in other forms, e.g. a 
distant forest in a pleasant spring breeze.
4. "Transmigrationism" - we are reincarnated as other humans, animals,
plants or microbes.
5. "Atomicism" - our energy and consciousness itself belongs to something
larger which continues while we, the context arrangement to a fragment
of a larger consciousness, do not carry on.

So far there is zero proof for any of them.

IV. Preparation

There is little to do except assure the dying that all that can be done
is done, and that they are now going to cease. There are some helpful 
guides in printed matter that can offer further insight:

How We Die: Reflections on Life's Final Chapter
by Sherwin B. Nuland

Facing Death and Finding Hope: A Guide to the Emotional and Spiritual 
Care of the Dying
by Christine Longaker

The Dying Time: Practical Wisdom for the Dying and Their Caregivers
by Joan Furman

Making Friends With Death: A Buddhist Guide to Encountering Mortality
by Judith L. Lief

Improving Care for the End of Life: A Sourcebook for Health Care 
Managers and Clinicians
by Joanne Lynn, Janice Lynch Schuster, Center to Improve Care of the
Dying, Andrea Kabcenell, Institute for Healthcare Improvement

V. Uses of

Death has many uses. When one stops to consider the positive aspects of
death, it often has breathtaking consequences in the mind.

- Removing the embittered and feeble-minded.
- Fewer humans means more space for nature.
- Each death is one fewer daily lie from a human being.
- Death stops the fear of death.
- Creates amusing tax deductions.
- More parking spaces.
- Ends all psychological difficulties.
- Scares children into submission.
- Provides ample subject for literature and song.

While we are mastering technology at a rapid pace and learning new ways
to lengthen life, the concept of death - life ceasing - is as inherent to
life itself as the concept of life beginning. It is unlikely we'll ever
get rid of death.

Copyright (c) 2002 alt.death punks