Complete 9 pages APA formatted article: Compartive Relgion: Shinto and Judaism. Religion is a human notion concerning the supernatural, spiritual, sacred and divine personalities and worlds. There exist different religions depending on what every group of people believes in. In every religion, different rituals are performed at different stages of age. Today religious rituals are mainly categorized into three main groups based on purpose.

There are rituals meant for initiation, death, and worship. Initiation rituals are those actions or practices that signify a rite of passage from one state to another in the community. Death rituals are usually performed when a person dies and in many cases acts as last show of respect in many communities. In recognition and appreciation of the supernatural personalities that control or ultimately wield power and authority, different religions perform rituals of worship.

Each religion has its own ways and symbolic meanings of the acts performed different rituals.

Being amongst the oldest religion that has survived on earth, Judaic rituals and practices have continually influenced other religions such as Islam and Christianity (John 2000). The religion holds on a number of religious principles the most being the belief in a single supernatural authority – Yahweh or God. This means that absolute authority is neither placed on any human or mortal personality nor on bodily beings but in the Highest God who is believed to be all-powerful, all present and omniscient (Daniel, 1994).

Once a person is proclaimed dead, their eyes are shut and the body is, on the floor, laid. The body is then covered and next to the body candles are lit. As a sign of showing respect, the body must never be left alone (George, 2000). The isomerism (keepers or guards) – rooted from Shin-Mem-Resh – are charged with the responsibility of keeping the body company at all times.

Since giving respect to the deceased is of great importance, the isomerism is not allowed to drink, eat or perform any commandment in their presence.&nbsp.&nbsp.

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