ABSTRACT
This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the key concepts discussed in the preceding chapters of this book. The book provides an account of continuing bonds in Ancient Mesopotamian culture that shows their impact on group identity and cohesion and the importance of family identity in this cultural context. It explores from a sociological perspective how different cultural frames create differences in the attitudes of whole societies toward their dead. The book also explores how continuing bonds can help overcome philosophical problems around belief as a linear and logical construct through casting belief as a communal practice or a shared ritual imbued with rich meaning. It shows that people do not simply "resolve" grief but that there is a dynamic ongoing process in which people reorganize their lives following a significant loss.
