Why isn't death a joyous occasion for people who practise Christianity?

Question

People at funerals are so sad. I would think that people who believe that when they die they leave their physical bodies to go live with God would want to celebrate.

People celebrate birthdays, weddings, job promotions, graduations, holidays and so on, but on the one day it really counts, the most important day of someone's life, their last day, the day they meet their maker, who shares with them all the answers to the mysteries of life, and the day they receive everlasting life and eternal bliss, people grieve for them. What are those grieving people thinking? Shouldn't they be having a party to celebrate the dead's passing over?

According to Christianity, Humans are not supposed to judge others because it is God's job. Therefore, people who practise Christianity must assume that everyone is going to Heaven. So, why isn't death a joyous occasion for people who practise Christianity?

Answer 1

so we're not allowed to miss them? regret that we never told them how much they meant to us? to praise their accomplishments?
A Christian funeral is refered to as a celebration of life. Or at least that's what my husband calls them. He's a Methodist pastor in case you're wondering?

Answer 2

I am a Christian, and I agree with most everything that you have said. But as far as no one ever grieving at a funeral, I believe that it is only the nature of a human being to be sad when they lose a close love one at their time of death. If you read in John 11:35, you will see that even Jesus wept at the loss of Lazarus. For Lazarus was very dear to Him. But one thing that I must disagree with you concerning, is that we as Christians must assume that everyone is going to Heaven when they die. For the Word of God tells us that a tree is known by the fruit that it bears. (Matt. 12:33). In this example, Jesus is telling us that we will know what kind of a life that a person is living, by the fruit that they bear. In other words, whether they are saved, or they are lost. We are not being judges just by examining the way in which a person lives their life. It is a pretty simple way of being able to tell whether or not a person is a Christian, or if they are still lost. Most certainly, a Christian should rejoice at the time of a loved one's death, if they truly believe that they have gone to Heaven. And this can only be determined by the life that they have lived while on this earth. But still, as human beings, we will usually all grieve, at least to some point, when we lose a dear loved one.

Answer 3

Christians who are strong in their faith, often have a different kind of funeral for other believers. When our 28 year old drummer died in an accident, the church had the most rousing song service, very celebratory for Ryan, because we knew that's what he would have wanted. We knew where he was, but he was too young to die so suddenly. As human beings, we can't help but grieve, yet we grieve with joy and hope for Ryan.
However, at the funeral of unbelievers, there is no hope, and most of us don't like to think of where that loved one ended up. It's hard to celebrate when you know your loved one is going to meet God unprepared, without Christ. I couldn't celebrate that. It wrenches my heart, because I know I will never see them again.

Answer 4

Very good question. I was thinking about that today, too. Actually I would also ask those who don't believe in life after death, why is it not equally joyous to die, since they think there is nothing at all, therefore there is no hell, no pain, no suffering, just nothing...

I think death is not joyous for anyone, because we leave something behind. Our family, our profession, our plans for the future, our goals... that is the saddest part of dying. Other than that, death is good. For me, it is like going back to where I came from, the Spiritual World.

Peace!

Answer 5

Very good point KJ. We do celebrate when we know, with what certainty we can have, that they are going to heaven. But there is nothing wrong with mourning for our loved ones when they pass on, because we will miss them. When my father died, I was joyous because I am sure he knew the Lord. I put this on his memorial stone ..... Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. Psalm 116:15

Answer 6

A Christian funeral and burial is sad only in that we will miss the person whom we love that has died an earthly death. It is a celebration of life eternal and as a Christian we look forward to that day when we will be reunited for eternity in the place Jesus has gone to prepare for us. As a Christian, I don't "practice" anything; I walk with the Lord day by day on this earthly journey knowing that He is able to keep that which I've committed unto Him against that day!!!

Answer 7

I'm going to answer the 2nd part of your question 1st.
Your logic is flawed. Just because it's God's job to judge you does NOT mean everyone is going to Heaven. When God judges you guilty of not being righteous enough to enter Heaven, you won't.
Repent and accept the gift of salvation by faith, and God will accept Jesus' perfect sacrifice for you.

We are happy for Christians who have died, it is our only comfort when we know we won't see them again until we die, or Jesus returns to translate His Church to Heaven. We are sad our loved one has died, simple as that.

Answer 8

the Christian funerals that I attend are celebrations of life. People are sad only because they will miss their loved one, until they join them. Natural, Jesus wept for people that died too. There is a time for every purpose under Heaven.

Answer 9

You are making an assumption. It is a joyous occasion. When my mother died from lung cancer I was happy she was out of pain. The sadness is for our loss not hers. Next We also had an Irish wake which is definately a celebration of their life.

Answer 10

While we do indeed find comfort in knowing our loved one has gone to Heaven to be with our Lord, we grieve for the loss that it is to US. Also, we love people who are not Christian......there is cause for weeping.

Never again, will I be able to tell my grandmother that her flower garden is blooming, or how my children are growing.
Never again will my brother call to tease me about getting older on my birthday.
Never again will my best friend sit with me for a cup of coffee.

There are three people (there are really more) who will never again grace my earthly life with their presence, there are three who are no longer here to love me, encourage me, have good times with me.....why would I NOT be saddened by my loss of them?

Answer 11

It is after the funeral that people are happy. During the funeral people are just saying good bye for now. Its just like your saying good by to your mother you may not see for a long time with no communication!