should a funeral be about the persons life or a sermon?

Question

I went to a funneral friday and all it said about the person was the day she was born and the day she was baptised and the day she was sent to heaven --rest was sermon --ifeel that a funneral shouls celabrate a persons life

Answer 1

Agreed! Funerals are not for the dead, funerals are for the living. They should be cathartic, to aid the grieving and healing process. The best way to do that for most people is to open them up to talking about and celebrating the life of the deceased, so they can safely express their own emotions about their loss. A joyful celebration of someone's life is the very best way to honor all they accomplished, and to help the loved ones they have left behind.

And, these things should be non-denominational, so that friends of all faiths (or none at all) can honor the deceased without anyone being forced to endure unwelcome/uncomfortable pressure to follow anyone else's beliefs.

Answer 2

Funerals are for the living, not the dead. It is important to spread the gospel of hope to those who may never hear it except at a funeral. Hopefully, the sermon concluded with an invitation to accept Christ.
The family had input on the services. They elected to have the officiate give the eulogy. I'm sure an obituary was available that gave an account of the life the person lived. Only what we do for Christ will last. A wonderful tribute to the humility of the decedent and his/her family is what this sounds like.
My sympathy for everyone's loss. My joy at heaven's gain.
May the decedent rest in peace.

Answer 3

Good funeral messages should primarily focus on "celebrating" that persons life by reflecting on traits that were memoriable.
If the person had religious beliefs it's important to remember that as well, but if you walk away with a generlized sermon and feel that they've glossed over a memorial to the individual it doesn't serve the purpose that you came.

Answer 4

A funeral should be a celebration of a persons life, their accomplishments, their goals and aspirations. It should be a party, a place for those who knew them to get together, remember the good times and grieve the hard times. If said person was religious, a religious sermon would be a part of that, but not exclusive in my mind.

Answer 5

I have attended a few non religous funerals - but they were called A Celebration Of Life. Family and friends speaks about the person, what they meant to them, what they contributed to the world, and what they will miss about them.

Sounds strange, but despite tears, it usually is a really enjoyable event, as everyone remembers the person that died with laughter, stories, tears, and honesty. Whether, you have met the people that are at the Celebration or not, you all have something you want to share, and you meet new friends and old.

It also helps the people that are grieving hard, to remember some of the good times

Answer 6

If a person has not left any specifics about how they would like their funeral service performed, then you get whatever the ministering official deems appropriate.
It's never too soon to begin expressing your desires for your final arrangements. If you're over 18 (in the US) you should already be filing a Living Will (ask your doctor about one). You should be putting together your will (even if all you have in your estate is a $30 savings account & a car loan). And most certainly, you should be talking to your family about what you would like done in the event of your demise.
If you're a church member, talk to your minister/pastor/priest. Ask them what your church recommends, and if the procedings are/are not flexible.

Answer 7

i agree, because i am agnostic. religion is not the main priority in my life. If the family and the deceased are extremely religious, sermon would be best for the funeral. In my opinion it's what the deceased would have wanted.. and even so, I agree that at least a little about her life and personality should have been discussed. But who knows, maybe that's what the viewing and such are for.

Answer 8

iWe had an awesome service for my brother who passed away 3-9-06.I made a list of our favorite sayings.I asked each member of the family what they will always remember him saying.We had that printed out along with the cards of memorial.We played candelbox,Zack wylde,beautiful by (aguilara).My oldest brother had a cd of "Staind" songs performed by an orchestra and that was the background music.Everyone showed up sad,all the friends and people who hadn't seen him in a while.My parents of course.We went through the list and we all laughed.We took turns telling funny stories and my kids got up and said some real comforting words to the crowd.There was nothing anyone could have said that would of been inappropriate.Everyone was leaving feeling good about it.People were smiling. It was my brother who died that was lucky to see heaven,we are still waiting.The pastor who knew my brother well said,he had it his way all the way to the end.Some people got saved too.The pastor said he had never been to a funeral like that one.

Answer 9

I agree that a funeral should be a last tribute to the person's life not a chance to preach a sermon. Did anyone give a eulogy?

Answer 10

Most people who set up their own funerals make their wishes known as to what kind of service they want.

Next in line is the family, a religious family who has chosen a pastor/reverend/whatever to be the prime speaker at the funeral may want to be comforted in their religion.

The point of it all is really to say goodbye, and get closure.

I'm sorry for your loss.