Do Atheists Have Christian Burials?

Question

what is the prefered funeral service for an atheist? would their wishes be to have their service in a church, funeral parlor? would a reverend or priest be requested to speak or conduct the service? thanks

Answer 1

There are several secular ways to have a funeral.

When my partner died of cancer 6 years ago, we had to deal with the multiple family faiths. (As more families intermarry, this will become a frequent issue.)

He and I were atheists, but his parents and mine are Christian. I asked a Unitarian minister whom I knew well to hold the service. (Unitarians are frequently secular humanists or atheists.) There was no Bible reading, but the minister did include the Lord's Prayer, at the request of his parents.

In New England, frequently there are "United Churches" in the smaller towns. Ours is a combination Unitarian/UCC church. We held the service there, but I removed the cross. On the front table we had placed flowers, a picture of him, and the urn containing his ashes. At the end of the service, we released 43 helium balloons into the air; he was 43 years old.

The next day the family went to scatter his ashes on a nearby mountaintop. We had no clergy present for this private ritual. I read there a letter he had written expressing his wishes that his remains be scattered there.

There is a book on amazon by Susan Mumm entitled "The Rituals Resource Book: Alternative Weddings, Funerals, Holidays and Other Rites of Passage" that has an atheist funeral ritual in it.

Answer 2

There are humanist pastors, who lead these kinds of services. I think the director of the funeral home can lead them as well. I've been to an atheist funeral and it was led by the family. The song "Imagine" by John Lennon and another song. The focus of the service was about how her life was led for others and the legacy she left behind.

It was a really lovely service.

Answer 3

It depends on the person... although, since they're dead, they can't control the type of service that will be conducted for them. However, I would hope that out of respect to the deceased, they are given the type of ceremony that they requested before they died.

As for the type of service that an atheist would receive, I'm more than willing to bet a judge or a Justice of the Peace would conduct it, and the atheist would either be buried or cremated.

Answer 4

Some of these individuals have family that request such, others do not. Some of them request such, others do not. By that time it is too late for them to get into heaven so it r5eally does not matter for their own good. We can only hope thaqt GOD can make a difference in some of our lives before the judgment. Have a great week!!
Eds

Answer 5

I'm Deist. I have specifically asked for no funeral (I believe they are a waste of money). I would rather have the money that would be spent on a funeral used to help others who need it. I only want a small stone. Nothing more.

Answer 6

Athesits have Atheist burials or cremations, unless his or her friends or family give them a Christian burial in direct disrespect of their beliefs.

Answer 7

I have asked to be stuffed, mounted, and left to my daughter's husband. Other than that, I want a Viking funeral. The reality is that the service isn't for me, it is for those left behind, and if they want to have whatever service they want to have, I doubt I'll have much to say about it.

Answer 8

If I die before my Mom I will most likely have a Christian burial because she's a Christian.

If it makes things easier for her than I don't care...I'll be dead.

Answer 9

Depends on the person's wishes and then again if the wife was not an athiest she may do it in a church.

Answer 10

Cremation, secular memorial service, the end. I used to like the idea of burial, but I don't like the idea of people going to my grave to "visit me". I live my life fighting delusion, I don't want to give the people I love any reason to delude themselves.