The Tragic Consequences of Denying Death

Each day we are bombarded with images of death and torture...the war in Iraq; school shootings and certainly the evening news all make us acutely aware of global death and our own mortality. In this constant state of sensory overload, it is easy to become desensitized. The reaction of many people is to become numb, depressed, apathetic and isolated, causing us to disconnect from the basic aspects of our own humanity.

(PRWEB) May 6, 2004 -- Current research by terror management theorists (TMT) clearly demonstrates that our fear of death makes us more determined to defend our own worldview, including our national and religious symbols - to the death.

Seattles Ernest Becker Foundation" will host a free community lecture at Seattle University to explore global and individual defenses against death anxiety, identify their root causes, and suggest ways to live a full and compassionate life despite our awareness of the reality of death. Presenters Lisa Firestone Ph.D., and Joyce Catlett M.A., co-authors of Creating A Life of Meaning and Compassion will address a number of questions related to how individuals grapple with these challenges both in their personal lives and in the context of the current world situation, including:

•How has the fear of death contributed to terrorism and the international crisis we face today?

•Why do many people turn to self-destruction and violence to reduce the fear of death?

•How do these self-protective ways interfere with sexual fulfillment, love, and closeness in intimate relationships?

These and many other questions about life and death will be answered during the upcoming program, Issues of Life and Death: Life Affirming Death Awareness, sponsored by the Ernest Becker Foundation on Wednesday, May 12, 2004, 7:30 p.m. at Seattle University, Schafer Auditorium, Lemieux Library. This event is open to the public and a $5.00 donation is suggested.

Additional information and interview arrangements with Lisa Firestone, Ph.D., Joyce Catlett, M.A. of the Glendon Association, or Neil Eglee of Ernest Becker Foundation are available upon request. ###