1 - American attitudes towards death, more specifically American Christian attitudes toward death and funerals are too morose. I understand that we mourn the loss of loved ones because we won't see them again in this world (and we might mourn the death of non-believers for deeper reasons) - however, we would do better to see the death of Christian brothers and sisters as celebrations.
Scripture tells us that 'to die is gain" and that "it is far better to depart and be with Christ" (Phillippians 1) - too often we don't embrace the unspeakable joy that one encounters as they pass from this mortal coil to eternal glory.
Our common denominator as believers (regardless of financial position, hardships, status, etc...) is that we all have a great future hope. When one of us passes into that reality it should be a thing of joy. Lets disgard the black clothes and the somber mood. Rather, we should take a hint from the Irish and the southern African - American playbooks.
When a beloved fellow believers dies, lets party...they are in heaven.
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2 - The weight of condemnation is a thing which directly correlates to our soteriological status. If we are unsaved, we are under condemnation due to Adam and nothing we do can lift that death sentence (Romans 5). However, if God has mercifully elected us, our condemnation is lifted and we are in Christ (Romans 8).
Remember that if you feel the hand of God discipling you. That thing you undergo is a trial given to you in love and not in anger (Hebrews 12). Be thankful for his correction as it draws you closer to him and induces your spirit to be more like Christ.
We can hash this out while I'm stuck in the cave this weekend.
ReplyDeletePoint 1 - I completely disagree. The Scriptures are far more morose than the average Christian funeral/celebration service. Take two passages, one familiar, the other perhaps not.
In I Cor. 15, Paul does indeed talk of the triumph of victory over death. Notice, though, that he links this victory (and its celebration) to the future resurrection ("last trumpet" etc.). Surely we can lay claim to it in thanks now (v 57), but we can't ignore the fact that the celebration that Paul is describing comes after a specific eschatological act - and one that is still to come.
Second, consider Isaiah 24-26. Here the prophet sets out the imagery of the earth as a tomb, defiled both by mankind's actions and its dead. The hope of ch 26 culminates with the giving up of the dead. Paul is familiar with this passage (I think he has it in mind in Romans 8:18-21), and it certainly fits with I Cor 15 - the great hope of humanity in death is the hope of a future resurrection. As great as heaven is for believers who die today, there ought to still be great anticipation for the renewal of all things.
I do think there's a place for celebration at Christian funerals, but I think we miss the focus of Paul's words with an all-out celebration service. When I die, I hope that I am mourned (because no matter where I go, death is a curse) and the Gospel is celebrated.