When someone doesn't have a religion, how are they buried?

Question

Assuming that burial is what happens after they die.
Usually people are buried as Christians or Muslims for example. What about those who never had religion? And whose relatives and friends are just unsure of what religion they were in coz they never mentioned anything about it when they were alive?
Do people just assume then? Or the government steps in and makes a decision?

Answer 1

There are many types of non-religious funeral ceremonies. And quite a few people opt to have no services at all. Nobody has to be buried with specific religious rites.

If the deceased's religious preferences are unknown, then they will likely be buried without a religious ceremony by their family, friends, or even by the state, if the person died indigent.

On the other hand, if the family opts for a religious ceremony, even if it would have been offensive to the deceased, there's nothing the guest of honor can really do about it. This happened to someone I know who made it clear that they wished to be buried with Orthodox rites, but the relatives demanded (and got) a Baptist funeral anyway.

Answer 2

The government only makes that decision if there is no next of kin. Our government does not care what religion a person is whether they are dead or alive. But if the government is forced to make that decision then probably a Christian burial.

But as long as your next-of-kin be available they make that decision.

Answer 3

Perhaps, its decided by the family. An atheist or an agnostic will most likely have family from some religion and may be buried accordingly.

Answer 4

In most instances, those without a religion will opt to be cremated.

If they haven't specified a preference (in their will for example), I guess it's up to family members. If there are other members of family buried in a certain graveyard for example, maybe they'll choose to have them buried there.

Answer 5

Is this in the US? Because in Britain you can be buried in secular plots. Some are like graveyards, others may be in woodland or somewhere picturesque.

Of course it's easier if someone chooses cremation. Then the family can take the ashes and do (mostly) as they please.

Ultimately it's up to the family. I chose a Humanist funeral for my father. And I still have his ashes to dispose of. Thanks for reminding me.
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Answer 6

A funeral home relies on the next of kin--if no next of kin-or executor-a judge will decide on the type--generally a direct burial without any attendees.
permission is attains from the judge to carry out the burial.

this is ark. law different states have different laws.

Answer 7

The family makes the decision. I have a will and my kids know what to do when I shuffle off this mortal soil. And it is not religious at all.

Answer 8

Funeral arrangments are up to the family, and the service doesnt have to be a religious one. Some families may have a religious one, even if the deceased were not themselves religious.

Answer 9

I wanted to be pickled and then cut up into little pieces and thrown in the ceiling fan to see how far the pieces get- but that's illegal apparently so I have to come up with something else

Answer 10

they are buried da same way as other.. they either get burnt to ashes, or put in a coffin.. etc.. u don't have to have a religion if u r going to be buried...