ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book seeks to trace some of the contemporary issues which Christian funerary liturgy faces. It summarizes the discussion thus far as having identified two main areas requiring our response: the nature of death and human existence and the social observance of death and bereavement. The book suggests that Christian funeral rites ought first to display a Christological response to death. It considers a number of liturgical texts currently in use in a variety of Christian traditions and geographical locations. The commentary will begin with that Orthodox text. Its distinctiveness will make an effective contrast with the subsequent commentary which begins by looking at the English language rites of the oldest continuing Western tradition - that of the Roman Catholic Church. The book concludes with some general reflections and questions arising from the work.
