Science and Religion in the Context of a Good Death

Josiah Taru and Elaine Howard Ecklund investigate the ways that both religious and non-religious individuals conceptualize a "good death" and how they draw upon both scientific and religious frameworks to work towards that end. Through interviews with 48 participants, the authors found that, regardless of religious orientation, participants commonly envision a peaceful death as ideal. Many perceive scientific and religious beliefs not as conflicting, but as complementary tools—what the authors describe as “malleable boundaries” between the two domains. While some individuals see science and religion as distinctly separate, others blend elements—like the belief in an afterlife—employing what the study terms both religious and scientific ‘toolkits.’ Even non-religious participants sometimes express ideas of an afterlife, such as becoming stardust or a part of the universe. A key insight from this study is that end-of-life preferences and care choices stem partly from how individuals perceive the interaction between science and religion. The study underscores the necessity for tailored end-of-life care—especially for non-religious individuals, whose spiritual needs may often be overlooked.

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