Christian Funeral
A Christian funeral is simply the burial of a dead person with specific Christian rites; usually, burned ground. Most Christians refused to cremate a dead body until modern times since it was believed inhumanly was only practiced by pagans. After the rise of Christianity, however, many Christians used cremation to save cremated remains for resurrection. In addition to saving the body for resurrection, the ashes of a Christian funeral can also be given as a gift of comfort to friends and family members.
A Christian burial, unlike a traditional burial, does not use a casket. Instead, a memorial cross is placed over the body before the burial. The coffin is then placed on a bier, opened as usual but before being lowered into the grave. A Christian funeral service often includes hymns, readings, prayers, and music.
There are several instances when a coffin is used at a Christian funeral service. For example, the family may choose to have a viewing of the deceased’s body. In this instance, all mourners gather around the coffin before the body being lowered into the ground. Another instance is when a child is buried with their parents. The child is presented to the grieving family and friends, while the coffin is temporarily displayed.
Christian funerals do differ from mainstream funerals in the way they mark a burial. In mainstream ceremonies, the deceased is generally given a final goodbye during service before being interred. This is accompanied by an offering of jewelry, prayer beads, or unique flowers.
A Christian funeral service does not follow this tradition. Instead, those attending the service are encouraged to offer their condolences to the surviving family members. Doing so allows them to take a moment to say their final goodbyes to their deceased. Some examples of readings commonly offered at a Christian funeral service include “In Jesus’ name,” “Amen,” “Ayers,” “farewell,” and “pray for me.”
Many Christians believe that they are closer to God than the rest of the world. This is why many offer their last prayers or words of comfort to those gathered at the service. They believe that God will grant them eternal life in heaven. When their loved one passed away, these individuals feel that they are now being rewarded according to how their loved one lived their life. Many also believe that the deceased are better now because they have gone to a higher place, such as heaven.
Sometimes a Christian Funeral Service may be held in a church. Since it is usually held in a church, the minister or clergy usually preside over the service. The officiant, or usually the reverend, is a member of the clergy of the church. In a sporadic case, the deceased may have been a member of another church but has met their maker at the particular church. In this case, the deceased has gone to a separate church that worships a different god.
Christian Funeral or Christian Burial customs vary from country to country. In the United States, Christian Funeral practices have been observed as separate from other denominations such as Jewish and Catholic. While some denominations do hold services for the deceased person after their death, Christian Burial traditions usually follow the practices followed by the Church of Christ, which is also the most significant religious community in the world. Christian funerals and burials do not follow any set traditions and are instead individual to the individual families who have deceased members.