at a funeral of an unrepented sinner?

Question

why doesnt the preacher tell us he is in hell suffering
why does he lie?????????
is it an acceptable lie to say he is resting in peace in a better place free from pain and suffering if we think he is in hell??

Answer 1

The preacher at my grandfather's funeral said he was in hell. To paraphrase:

"Harry's in hell now, so it's too late for him. But it's not too late for the rest of you."

It wasn't fun. And it didn't lead people to Jesus, as Pastor Stanley had hoped he would do.

There's a way of soothing the family without condemning their loved one to hell or telling a lie. Such as saying something like:

"Our dear ____ is in God's hands, and it is a great comfort to all of us that God is perfectly merciful and loving and the sole source for salvation...."

Answer 2

Funerals are for the living--so the preacher offers comforting words, even though he may have a pretty clear picture of the departed burning brightly away down yonder. The departed's rap sheet does not belong at a funeral...most attending the funeral already know, the family may have loved the departed no matter his felonious and evil life, and the only thing a preacher can do is help the family let go of all of it however they can. God sorts, preachers don't.

Answer 3

Because a funeral is about laying a loved one to rest, and to offer comfort and closure to that person's family. Regardless of whether or not you approved of the way this person lived their life, their family is still entitled to that.

Also, even in the Christian faith, most people accept that there is really no way to know the nature of another person's heart, and their relationship with God. So for a preacher to say that another person is definitely in Hell would be judgemental on his part, and also against the commandments of Jesus Christ.

Answer 4

The preacher doesnt need to be a believer or follow all those commandments
He is doing a Job that pays and he is required to follow the job description that is stamped on his attitude and agenda just like everyone else

Only people who put the money in the till are expected to actually believe, not make waves and obey the rules


Now...... doesnt that give me more call to beg for the 10 points than Poseidon's son?

Answer 5

I have been to many many funerals my father was a mormon bishop during my teens I would often attend funerals with him in order to do last minute details (typing and printing a program, ushering people to their seats, being there to accept flower deliveries, etc.) leaving my father free to comfort the family without the business end of a funeral interferring..


I once asked him a similar question He replied "I am not the judge, I simply give the family hope and comfort by giving them the best case scenerio in their time of distress.." To do otherwise would be cruel and presumptious of me."

While I do not agree with my fathers religion I agree with his approach of comfort rather than cruelty... A funeral is not for the deceased but for the living, the living don't need a fire and brimstone sermon while they are greiving the lose of their loved one they need kind words and comfort....

Is it a lie? Maybe, maybe not.. None of us will know for certain until we die... In the meantime it's far more important to be kind and comforting to others in their time of distress..

Answer 6

Unless the person has a will dictating how arrangements will be made and what will be said upon his or her death, the family has control over the entire funeral and burial. If you have issue take it up with the living and let the dead rest in peace. Personally, I can't see why you would go if you have expressed feelings such as this.

Answer 7

Funerals are for the living and the loved ones. I would rather have a preacher say, "He is finally resting at peace" then "I hope he didn't forget to pack sunscreen"

Answer 8

My religionn teaches that very thing....that a sinner does not rote in hell. My religion teaches that after we die, we all go back home to that God who gave us life. Our reception there will me wonderful. We will be greeted by loved ones and family members who have passed on before us. It will be a joyous time. My religio teaches that all us are granted eternal life due to the mission, sacrifice, love and atonement of Jesus Christ. All of us receive of this atonement be we male of female, servant or ruler, regardless of race or color, etc. This heaven is a joyous time, a wonderful place. In fact, one of my religion's leaders one suggested that if we were able to peer into the heavens to see what it was like, we would be overwhelmed with the anticipation of being able to go there.

My religion also teaches that we will be judged by Christ according to our works while here on this earth. In other words, the good and the bad that we will do will have a significance in what specific level of heaven that we will reside in. All of heaven is good, but those who lived good lives while here on earth will be sent to the best parts of heaven.

This doctrine is taught in the Book of Mormon by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Answer 9

Well its a funeral where people are mourning the loss of someone, and wouldnt be a good idea to say that "this sinner is burning in hell" . That just wouldnt be right.

Answer 10

I don't know how any Preacher could determine that a person did not accept Jesus Christ on his/her deathbed.
If he does, in fact know, then why bother with a Christian burial?