Why did Virginia Tech have such a 'politicall correct' funeral service?

Question

What do you think of the politically correct funeral at Virginia Tech, where the place is 85% Baptist.. The university called in 4 speakers: 1 Muslim who read the Koran and invoked the name of Allah, 1 Buddhist, 1 Rabbi and 1 Lutheran who quoted no scripture and did not name the name of Jesus. Although the students were 85% Baptist, and although there are huge Baptist churches around, a Baptist speaker was not invited

I guess that would be a politically correct funeral... but to be honest.... Virginia Tech did a major disservice to the students to have a "funeral" like this which in no way represented the students of the local community

How is this a fitting service for the students and community? It sounds like 'politically correctness' gone a muck!

I certainly think it is more than appropriate to have a rabbi speak because of the professors, but rather odd to not represent evangelical, Baptist views, but have rather a liberal Lutheran speaker

Answer 1

I also took note of that. No Evangelical/Fundamentalist Minister, and as you said no mention of Jesus Christ. It is an attempt to keep Conservative Christianity out of Academia.

It wasn't a fitting Service, and I couldn't stomach it, I turned it off. Christ isn't welcome on College Campuses unless His WORD is muted, and homogenized, to blend in with what the PC Police deem unoffensive.
Be Blessed in Christ Jesus !
Outraged

Answer 2

I haven't read any stories about the service yet, so I'm a little behind some of the other answerers.

But I am sure this was not the victims' Funeral. I would guess it was a community memorial service, so the religion of any given person would not be an issue. Rather it would be an attempt to get the University to come together, and prepare to get back to the work that needs to be done.

Such a service has to be open and welcoming to all the students and faculty. The speakers you mentioned would do that.

Based only on your question, the Imam did not preach the five pillars of Islam, or tell the attendees that "There is no God but Allah, and Mohamed is his final prophet."

The Buddhist probably didn't discuss how life was suffering, and how a belief in the Afterlife was a distraction from keeping people from attaining enlightenment.

The Rabbi and the Lutheran, likewise, probably did not speak on issues that confronted other religions and outlooks.

I don't know the religions of the victims, except for the Concentration Camp survivor. But If they weren't all baptist, it would be very inappropriate for there to be a denominational service.

If "Politically Correct" means not honoring the victims religious beliefs and backgrounds, then yes, it was politically correct. And no, it is not "gone amok." It is respectful and sacred.

Individual religious beliefs of the victims ought to be reflected in their individual funerals, and I'm sure they will be.

Answer 3

Maybe to have people of other faiths show their respect and honor the students who died. People each have their own faith and they can act on it according to their traditions. To demonstrate the unity of people of all faiths in supporting and praying for the victims. Each family is having their own funerals in which they can worship or pray as they see fit. Religion in public school functions is not based on popularity. That would be unconstitutional. There are other countries you may go live in if you don't like that. The message sent was somber and meaningful and demonstrated spiritual unity. Advocating a divisive and narrow-minded approach doesn't help the situation. You are wrong and misguided on this issue. To think it is all about the surviving students and Baptists is really arrogant and ignorant. A holocaust survivor saved some students lives and died in the process and that means nothing? If you are a Baptist and this is your attitude you are not making Baptists look very good.

Answer 4

Yeah, what assholes those Virgina Tech people are. I mean, they were probably trying to honor the asshole of a professor who was Jewish and protected his students by bringing a rabbi. What nerve these Virgina Tech people have. Oh, and some of the students seem to be of minority status and have faiths outside of the Baptist faith. Yeah, they really blew that one. Next time something like this happens, we better rally and make sure it's all about the Baptist.

Answer 5

Where did you get the statistic that 85% of people at VT are Baptists?

Furthermore, why is so wrong that different faiths be represented? And why are you so hung up on Jesus' name not being mentioned? Why do you even care? It's not about YOU - it's about the people who died that day. I'm pretty darn sure they weren't all Baptists. Unless you are the parent or family member of one who died, I don't think you have any right to judge the service or anything to do with it.

And the word is amok. Not a muck.

Answer 6

The tragedy at Virginia Tech affected more people than just those surrounding the campus; it affected the nation. As such, and since the whole nation would be viewing, it makes sense that they would have this type of service. People of all faiths, all around the country and the world, could relate to a more broad-based service.

Answer 7

I somehow doubt that all of those killed were Baptists. Professors Librescu and Loganathan come to mind.

At any rate, it was a service to pay respect and should be viewed in that light. Each person who was killed will have a personal service according to their own faith.

Answer 8

Memorial services are about remembering the dead - I'm sure nobody really intended to offend you.

Answer 9

Because it's the right thing to do...show respect for everyone. I can't understand how bloody selfish some people are!

Answer 10

It was primarily a means of paying respect and expressing sympathy- theology wasn't of any great importance.