How do atheists on this site feel about cemeteries, tomb stones, funerals, etc. ?

Question

Not really a theological question, I'm just curious.

Answer 1

I get a little sad. It is strange to describe how they make you feel.Good question- one I cannot answer

Answer 2

Being an atheist and being able to appreciate spiritual occasions can co-exist. I am the only outspoken atheist in my extended family (who are all Roman Catholic) and going to a funeral is never a problem for me. Let other people grieve in the way they want to, whether it involves religion or not. No one says you have to believe in God to go to a religious funeral. If someone brings up the topic, simply respond passively and do not ignite any discussion. If they want to believe that their family member is now living forever, let them do that. Don't torture your own family by telling them what you actually believe; it will only make the entire grieving process difficult for all of you. Save it for a more appropriate time, if one ever comes up. Remember, you're grieving too -- appreciate the fact that this religious ceremony is honoring your great uncle.

Answer 3

I think cemeteries and tomb stones are selfish. A body is meant to decay and become part of the earth. Titanium caskets and acres and acres of manicured lawn don't do a thing for the planet.

I think that funerals are one of the most necessary rituals humans have. We love others and when they pass, we need to say goodbye. Funerals are very good for the living.

Answer 4

Unfortunately they take the place of parks in many of our cities. Not bad that they are used like parks for walking in, just bad that we have so few parks and other quiet places to enjoy.
Funerals are for the living not the dead. The dead have no grief.
Cemeteries, well what else would you do with a dead body but bury it or incinerate it.
Tombstones. Yes, if you want a marker for where the bodies are buried (many cemeteries want flat markers now so that they can mow the grass easier)

Answer 5

George Carlin said it best: "What kind of medieval superstitious bullshit is that, burying dead people? We need that phosphorous for farming! Plow those [people] up!"

Can't answer unbiased for funerals, being as I get paid to play the organ at them.

Answer 6

Funerals and memorials are for the living, to help them grieve. I think they're a waste, personally, and plan to be cremated.

Answer 7

waste of time and $$...too much fake attention and reverence paid to dead...burial arose as a way of getting rid of stinking rotting bodys...not as a ceremony as we've made it...who givs a damn once you're gone..really

Answer 8

I would think that 99% of them want all of the above. Pops

Answer 9

What the hell do you think? Honestly, just because we don't believe your god or your afterlife doesn't not mean we do not have respect for our dead dumbass.

Answer 10

a complete waste of space, rock, and time...but to each his own...