Afterlife Imagery in Sweden: The Role of Continuing Bonds

Authors

• Annika Jonsson Karlstad University
• Lars Aronsson Karlstad University

Abstract

This article investigates how images of the afterlife are conveyed both on- and offline by people in Sweden identifying as mediums, spiritualists, spiritual, agnostics or atheists. It also explores whether the images encountered can be traced back to a relational or non-relational social imaginary. In this particular context, a relational imaginary facilitates relationships between the living and the dead. Such relationships are referred to as continuing bonds in a growing body of work. In contrast, a non-relational imaginary may promote relationships between human and nonhuman beings or ignore relationships altogether. The ambition is thus twofold – to excavate images of the afterlife and to discuss what separates these images on a deeper level in terms of the concept of the imaginary. The empirical material consists of face-to-face interviews and online observations.