1.1.7 Funerals Flashcards
What is a Christian funeral intended to do? (3)
- Provide comfort for those who mourn.
- Celebrate and thank God for the life of the deceased.
- Prepare the deceased for the next life (as such it is a rite of passage – a ceremony that marks the transition from one stage in life to another).
Where do most Christian funerals take place?
- Most Christian funerals take place in a church. Some may take place at a crematorium and some take place at both – the service is held at the church and then the coffin is taken to the crematorium.
- Christians who choose to be cremated often believe that the afterlife is spiritual and that the physical body will not be needed.
What 6 elements do Christian (particularly CofE) funeral services comprise of?
- The minister reads Jesus’ words – “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25); this reminds those present that those who believe in Jesus will be resurrected and have eternal life with God. It comforts those who mourn.
- The belief that having faith in Jesus and following his example will lead to eternal life is also reinforced by the lighting of candles. Jesus is often called “the light of the world” because he guides people towards heaven.
- Biblical passages are read, for example Psalm 23 – ‘The Lord is my shepherd’. This is comforting as it reminds those present that God is with them during the hardest times. It also reminds them that God will accompany those who have died and that they are not alone.
- A eulogy. This celebrates the life of the deceased and is a way of thanking God.
- The burial of the coffin or cremation. A committal is said which further reflects the belief in resurrection and eternal life. The committal hands the deceased over to God’s care.
What does Psalm 23 – ‘The Lord is my shepherd’ say - biblical passage read at funerals?
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.”
What is a Eulogy?
In a eulogy, a loved one(s) or friend(s) talks about the deceased – their life, family, achievements, what they were like and so on. It may include poems, images, stories or music.
What is the committal, which is said at Christian funerals when the coffin is buried/cremated?
“We have entrusted our brother/sister N to God’s mercy, and we now commit his/her body to the ground: earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust: in sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our frail bodies…”
What 9 ways do Catholic funerals differ to Church or England Funerals?
- Usually, the funeral rite begins with a vigil of prayer the day before a Mass. The vigil may be held at a Catholic church, a funeral home, the family home or an alternate location.
- The coffin is taken to church, which represents the deceased being taken back to be with God.
- The coffin is sprinkled with water as a reminder of baptism.
- The Funeral Mass is enacted, with prayers asking God to take care of the deceased person and prayers for their soul. Prayers are also said for the mourners.
- The Funeral liturgy often includes Holy Communion.
- There are readings centring on Jesus’ resurrection and the hope that the deceased will also be resurrected at the Day of Judgement.
- Then follows the committal, at which there is a short ceremony in the cemetery as the coffin containing the body is committed to the ground.
- Incense is waved over the coffin, to represent prayers being offered up to God on behalf of the deceased.
- The Lord’s Prayer is said along with prayers for the deceased’s eternal happiness with God. Then the coffin is lowered into the ground while the priest recites the following words: ashes to ashes, dust to dust.
What happens at a Vigil - Catholic funeral?
During this time, those in attendance offer prayers and condolences to the family and scripture may be read. Eulogies, singing and poetry readings may also be offered during the vigil.
What words are said as a coffin is sprinkled with water at a Catholic funeral?
In the waters of baptism [name] died with Christ and rose with him to new life. May s/he now share with him in eternal glory.
What are humanist funerals like?
Humanist funerals are an opportunity for the family and friends of the deceased to grieve, to share memories, and to celebrate the life of the person who has died. It is a profound and necessary occasion for those still living.
What is a humanist funeral intended to do?
- As humanists do not believe in life after death the service is not intended to prepare the deceased for the life to come.
- Instead, it is an opportunity to remember the deceased person – their qualities, personality, the life they led and their achievements.
- This reflects the humanist belief that all human life is special because it is unique.
What may humanist funerals include? (6)
- Music
- Poetry
- A eulogy describing why the person was special
- Lighting candles
- Quiet reflection
- Non-religious reflections on death
Why do humanists believe funerals are important?
Humanists believe that services such as this are very important as they help people to celebrate the life of someone they have loved.
What do humanists believe the focus should be at funerals?
The focus for many humanists should be on the person and the life that was lived, not on what holy books or religious authorities say will happen to them next.
