W5 Discussion Question 1: Managing Terror

Purpose: By the very nature of the literature you read this week, you have been forced to confront your own mortality and that of those you love. As has been argued this week, this is a difficult but necessary process if we wish to experience faith as a source of internal growth and empathy toward others, as opposed to strictly comforting. By discussing what you learned about ways of responding to this death anxiety--ways of managing terror--with your classmates, you will be able to process what you learned and practice articulating your learning.

Post: Describe the basic differences between defensive, fearful, anxious responses and existential, courageous, honest responses to our unique awareness of our own mortality. In your post, be sure to reference at least one of this week's readings with an in-text citation. You are welcome (but not required) to explore and include additional material, such as that on the Terror Management Theory website (links to publications, research materials, and further reading). Be sure to properly cite any sources used.

In addition, reflect on your experience confronting death anxiety in your own life. Note any "mortality buffers" that became illuminated as such this week (e.g., faith, family). How does it feel to discuss and reflect on these existential questions?