fear.page

Fear of Death as a
Mechanism of Social Control

CATHOLIC:

       Fear of Judgement Day motivates Catholics to obey the Ten Commandments and live a life honoring God. "For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body whether good or bad."
(2 Corinthians 5:10)

       "If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life he was thrown into the lake of fire." (Revelation 20:15)

      The Christian belief in life after death motivates individuals to live a life worthy of heaven. Knowing that hell is the alternative to heaven, Catholics strive to find salvation (ie. get their name written in the book of life).

   MORMON:

      Even though they do not believe that many people go to hell, their belief in different levels of heaven, leads them to strive for holy and devout lives. By being obedient, they achieve the highest level of heaven where they will be reunited with their family. The afterlife is a better place for almost everyone, and thus the fear of death is diminished by a positive image of the life hereafter.

   JEWISH:

      Since death marks the end of life for Jewish people, their immortality is gained by what they leave behind. Thus, they desire to live each day as though it could be their last, in order to leave behind memories, accomplisments, and a legacy that will make a difference on the world.

       "These are the deeds which yield fruit and continue to yield fruit in the time to come..." (Talmud, Shabbat 127a).

       "The first question a person is asked when he stands before the Heavenly Throne is, "Were you honest in your business affairs?" (TB, Shabbat 30).

       The expectations of a Jewish life are so high because they have only one chance to help people and make the world a better place, and every act influences another.

       While the Mormon and Catholic faiths focus on the afterlife, the Jewish mechanism for combating the inherent human fear of death is by embracing it, and living life to the fullest and with constant awareness of their own mortality.