A New Faith

The scientologists pick the wrong science fiction writer as their prophet. They should have selected Larry Nevin whose characters (the belters) know how to honor their dead. In lieu of (or perhaps in addition to) a wake for their dead, Belters have a custom known as the ceremonial drunk. When a Belter dies, his or her close friends will typically get intoxicated (either alone or in groups according to one's nature or circumstance) and reminisce about the deceased. I also appreciate their religion involving the worship of the dread god Finagle and his mad prophet Murphy.