Why Don’t Christian’s Celebrate When A Christian Dies?

[naomi24]

The pope has died and there will doubtless be much weeping and wailing at his demise- but why?  If Christians believe that he has gone to spend eternity in blissful peace with his maker, what's not to like?

[Electrochem]

Many Christians "celebrate" the death of a fellow Christian. In fact, I have been to funerals where there is very much a joyful atmosphere. It has to be remembered that funerals are for those who are left behind.

Because I sing in a church choir, I often get called on to sing at funerals, mainly those of people who were members of the church. Sometimes, I feel a deep sense of empathy for the mourners, particularly if the person who died was young or a child.

I have written down the instructions for my funeral. There will be favourite hymns and some fin anthems and music, then off to the crematorium.

 

[andy-hughes]

Electro - I'm sure people celebrate the life of the departed, rather than the fact they they have just died!

[douglas9401]

Is this all Christian's or only the greengrocer's?

[Electrochem]

andy-hughes @ 18:49, you are quite correct. It is indeed a celebration of the life of the deceased. 

[Cloverjo]

Has a bot taken over your name and avatar, Naomi? From the misplaced apostrophe to the strange question about people being upset about someone dying, it doesn't sound like you.

I'm not religious and couldn't give a flying flip about the pope dying, but I cry when someone I love dies because I and others love them and miss them. Not selfish. 

[naomi24]

It's me, clover.  The apostrophe is surplus to requirements - my phone's auto correct isn't always correct.

[nailedit]

I must have been the last person on God's green earth to have known that the pope had died.

I was picked up this morning by my long term friend, who is a retired Pastor, to accompany me to court this morning.

I had no idea, (not keeping up with recent news) until  he mentioned the popes death.

We had some debate about the //Prophecy of the Popes// for anyone that's interested.

(Aside from my legal issues).

Anyway, whats not to like about death (as per naomis post) if you are religious?

A welome relief from life to many...

Religious or not....

[Arksided]

I can't imagine celebrating the death of someone unless you're a Muchkin from The Wizzrd of Oz.

 

[Bazile]

^^its not celebrating their death , but celebrating their life 

[Arksided]

^ Yes Indeed! Gosh

[Khandro]

Bazile et al  . //its not celebrating their death , but celebrating their life // 

Normal societal convention decrees that funerals are where you mourn the dead, and memorial services, which usually take place after about a six month interval, are where you celebrate their lives.

[Untitled]

I don't think there is anything wrong in celebrating the death of somebody who did terrible wrong. If nothing else, they are no longer capable of harming anyone.

[Arksided]

For me usually a time for mourning after someone has passed away... shed a tear or two... but later celebrate their lives... I don't know the full story on this one, so I'll reserve any further comment.

[Bazile]

@1406

There are Christian denominations where the mourning sits aside the celebration of the life , especially at the funeral service 

[fiveleaves]

Grieving is a normal human reaction when a love one dies. For a Christian if they have given their life to Jesus while on earth there is the promise of eternal life in the presence of God.

People are capable of displaying more than one emotion funny enough. When a Christian dies his family will naturally grieve and experience deep sadness, while also there is joy that they are with God. There is no conflict here, all are valid emotions

[MartinJ121]

You don't want to over specify why people act in a certain way. We are complex creatures and act out of a soup of reasons.

Saying the dead are in a better place or their suffering has ended, deals with them but what about us who are left behind? The investment we had in our relationship is now lost. Their passing has created a hole in our life.

We can be thankful for who they were to us; and for the memories we can carry with us. We can honour them by practicing what they taught us; but there is value in grief, learning to let go. We are not in charge and need to accept our limitations with grace.