Why do Christians cry when someone they believe is going to Heaven dies?

Question

I have asked this question before and I have heard some answers.

"Because it still hurts"
Why does it still hurt? (that is the question)

"Because we don't get to see them on earth anymore"
So? Do i feel sad or cry because I dont get to 'see someone' while in Canada again?

"Because we miss them/ wont see them for a while"
Huh? According to your beliefs they aren't gone they have just moved. I don't see how missing them because you won't see them for a while makes crying as if they are gone-gone make sense.

Why would you cry in despair because someone is in a BETTER place?

Isn't that the phrase you guys use? "better place"?

Gawdzilla:

your completely wrong, christians believe that they WILL see that person again, in heaven!

according to you atheists have every reason to cry but that doesn't apply to christians.

Bungyyow.

Again with the "will miss them" crap. did you read the details?

Answer 1

I'm an atheist, but in all fairness - it hurts badly to lose someone, no matter what you believe. Either way, you will never again tell this person you love him or her, never again look into their eyes, never again hug them. That sucks, no matter what.

Edit: What I didn't add, Bronze, is I remember feeling the same things at a time of loss when I still believed. It still sucked when I could no longer see them in *this* life. I suppose I didn't make myself clear. Sorry - my bad :)

Answer 2

I miss my daughter, and she "just" moved -- 2000 miles away from me. We visit infrequently, perhaps once a year if we're lucky, and we both cry when the visit is over.

I missed my husband when he was in the military and deployed to who-knows-where, for who knew how long. Did a bit of crying on that score.

*And*

I miss my loved ones who have died, even though I believe they are in heaven. Cried then, too.

Should I have thrown a party and done a little happy-dance for any of these, instead? If so, then I guess I'm not a very good Christian.

Answer 3

Because we, as human beings, are selfish. Although we believe that the person in question is in a better place, we miss them and want them back here with us. Sometimes we feel like the person died too young, or perhaps the death was traumatic in some way. Honest Christians can admit that they don't understand or agree with God's decision to allow a person to die.

Answer 4

I come from a very religous catholic family. (I left the faith but still respect them. Consider doing so)

For most Christians (and in every religion) they don't always just BELIEVE there is a heaven. During times of death esp, they're plagued by doubt.

"Is there a heaven?"
"What if we're wrong?"
"What if we never see them again?"

It's not like "you going to canada for a while" to them. Death is permanent, whether you'll see them again or not in another life. They wonder things like: "Will they be the same in heaven?" Heaven is a far off place that, most of the time, almost doesn't seem real. I've even talked to priests that have contemplated over this, admitting they have doubts just like everyone else.

Don't go bashing these people for crying. They're frightened of the uncertainties of death just like everyone else.

Answer 5

Christians are humans, too! It's natural emotion. They're going to miss them. They're going to have to do a lot of things and face some challenges on Earth without them. Even though they know they'll see them again someday, it still hurts a great deal. Everybody has emotions!! Including Christians.

Answer 6

Not only Christians cry but also non-Christians because crying is an act of grieving due to our human emotions. Crying is a human emotional feeling and act of a healing process. It is advisable to cry so that the person maybe completely healed.

Answer 7

I believe that it is a selfish wish to keep them alive even when you know they won't be suffering anymore. It's a mortal thing that many can not really explain. When my father died, I was sad because he would not be there to fish with me and the like, but I was also glad that he no longer suffered and was in a better place! You try to analyze it and it will drive you nuts. Just suffice it to say that in modern society selfish usually wins out...

Answer 8

I am a 51 year old male Minister...

I cry when I move away from people I care for. (I will miss them)
I cry when someone I know dies (I will miss them)
I cry at a sad, or happy movie.
I cry when I watch the "Passion of the Christ"
I cry when someone sings a song to Christ from the heart
I cry sometimes when I sing about or preach what Christ did.
I cry when I tell about what Jesus brought me out of...
I cry when someone does not understand why people cry

It is called "LOVE" and if you don't know that, then I cry for you now.

Answer 9

Why does anyone cry when a loved oned dies? Because they loved them and they'll miss them. Do you think christians shouldn't cry? You talk as if christians are an alien life form.

Answer 10

Sometimes, it is crying for Joy. Other times, it is crying because it makes US feel better. Funerals aren't for the dead, they are for the living. It is how we deal with emotion as Humans, whether Christian, Atheist, Hindu, Buddha, Muslim, matters not! It is as natural as eating when you are hungry or drinking when you are thirsty. Hope this helps. Thanks for the question, and have a great day!

Answer 11

If we do cry it isn't about them. It is about our loss, I am the one who misses my mother who died from cancer 11 years ago. I hope she is in a better place with no more pain. I am happy that she isn't in pain any more but sad for my own personal loss the love she showed me is no longer here.