why do churches have graveyards?

Answer 1

I like this question - my initial reaction was -well of course its because when people die they want to be put as close to God as they can.

However, on reflection it could be a marketing strategy that aims to remind us all that we are mortal and should come to church so that we can enjoy heaven in the ever after and financially contribute to the upkeep of the parish. |Perhaps?

Answer 2

It's the other way around. The graveyards have churches. Not all churches have graveyards. It's so people can feel near god when they lose someone, so the dead are in a sacred place and because it's easier for the funerals and the memorial services.

Answer 3

Churches has graveyards because the church is God's home and it is like god haves his children come back to live with him. Well tha tis what I think.

Answer 4

Yeah, saw this and thought, straight forward, but it is a strange one. Why would people surround a place of worship with a depressing reminder of our mortality and I agree, I think it is a marketing strategy. "You better come to church and pray! Look what's going to happen to you! Guarantee your first class ticket to heaven by worshipping here now!"

By the way I would like to state that i mean no disrespect to any religion, I understand that it's very important to alot of folks.

Answer 5

Because for Christian's their church means alot to them, they spend alot of time there,and for most it's where they first came to know God.Its only natural to want to be layed to rest in a place you hold so dear to your heart.I'm pretty sure though in most places it not really done anymore.Matter of fact I don't think I have every actually seen one other than on TV and in pictures.

Answer 6

not all churchs do nit wit back in the day when the settelers first came and jacked this land from chief ilinawic and his people all the churchs bury ed there dead out behind the church what the closes place to god the church read a book some time it obviously could not hurt you proved that

Answer 7

If you think about it, for Christians, most other "life events" occur in a church; they are christened, have first communion, are married, etc., in a church. It stands to reason that there would be a site for the final stage of life, death.

Answer 8

Religion has a quite a lot to do with death in terms of ceremonys etc. You need somewhere to
a) bury the dead.
b) commemorate them with some kind of memorial.

Answer 9

they dont have graveyards......ive never seen a church with a graveyard

Answer 10

'Because it is illegal to leave a 'Cadaver' in a 'Bus-Shelter'. However I believe it is permissible under certain criteria for the 'Speaker of the House of Lord's to allow recently deceased people
who had in life given a few quid
to a certain 'Lord L*vy' for his
best chum Tony's 'Holiday-Fund'
that their bodies be allowed to
rest with the living-Dead that inhabit that Historic house!