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KMID : 0895320170260020171
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Korean Journal of Research in Gerontology
2017 Volume.26 No. 2 p.171 ~ p.182
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Religious Perspectives on Aging and Death: A Comparative Analysis among Confucianism, Buddhism, and Christianity
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Lim Hyeong-Kwon
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Abstract
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The meaning of aging and death, which goes beyond scientific investigation, has been suggested by different religious traditions. For instance, Buddhism seeks to overcome aging and death, which is regarded as fundamental sufferings of humankind. However, aging and death, making us be aware of the transience of our life, paradoxically plays the positive role of interpreting present life as a process toward Nirvana (self-enlightenment). Although it is widely recognized that the central preoccupation of Confucianism, unlike Buddhism, lies in the political maintenance of this world, the order of this world is established by the practice of filial piety, and the significance of aging and death can only be understood under the ethical ideal based on filial piety. Since aging and death is understood by Christianity as the consequence of the Fall of man, this perverted state should be restored by God’s salvation. In sum, the significance of aging and death shared by different religions lies in their understanding of aging and death as a process toward human mental and spiritual growth.
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KEYWORD
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Aging, Death, Nirvana (self-enlightenment), Filial piety, Salvation, Spiritual growth
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