Christian Funerals - Which Type is Right for You?
|
Christian traditions and messages are subtly different by denomination. When you arrange a funeral for yourself or someone else, you will want to consider their faith and the way they cherished their Christian beliefs. This article explains. By Josie Elyzabeth There are perhaps nearly as many different Christian funerals as there are Christian religions. You don't have to do much studying to learn that there are many different denominations professing the Christian faith. Although any of these customs honor God, the traditions as well as the messages are subtly different. When you arrange a funeral for yourself or someone else, you will want to consider their faith and the way they cherished their Christian beliefs. There are plenty of overlaps, of course. When it comes to Christian funerals, you can be sure there's no 'one size fits all.' What works in the Catholic tradition may also be adapted to fit the Protestant lifestyle as well. It is OK to combine some of these traditions, as long as they fit within your own belief system. For traditional Protestant funerals, the service is usually conducted in a funeral home or church. This is done by a minister. Family members and friends can usually participate by sharing stories about their loved one and giving eulogies. There are also a lot of prayers and hymns during a Protestant service. It is hard to create a cookie cutter description about a Protestant funeral. There are many different types of Protestants even! If you're considering this type of funeral, just consult your minister about different traditions and make sure you personalize them to honor the person who has passed away. Catholic funerals are very similar. They are usually more formal, but this is definitely not a rule. There are differences in the way that certain parts of the service are preformed. One of the main differences is in the way that Holy Communion is viewed. Catholics believe that it is actually part of Jesus' body, which makes communion at a funeral that much more special. When it comes to Quakers, their traditions and services tend to be very somber. There isn't much talking, and much of the time is spent silently thinking and praying. Everything is done very simply and never with extravagance. The Greek Orthodox Church does things slightly different. Unlike many Christian traditions, the body is not preserved. The bones are put into the building after being dried out in the sun. The ceremony is usually a private event with family members. As you can see, there are many different Christian funerals. You'll find that all the different denominations conduct their ceremonies in their own way. Even so, none of this has to be set in stone. Customs can change or bend according to a family's needs. Consider what your loved one would have wanted, and do what you think will honor the deceased. About the Author: Make sure to visit Funeral Readings for everything you need for planning a funeral - including funeral programs and even funeral insurance. Article Source: Eulogy Site - http://EulogySite.com More free articles: 1st Rate Articles - 1stRateArticles.com |
|