Christian Funerals - Different Types
Author: Josie Elyzabeth Article source: http://www.articledeshboard.com/. Used with author's permission.
There are many different kinds of Christian funerals. When you study Christianity, you know that there are different denominations and faiths under the Christian umbrella.
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.
Of course, many of these overlap as well. There is definitely no one size fits all when it comes to Christian funerals.
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 so long as it fits within your own belief system.
During Protestant funerals the service usually takes place in a church or a funeral home. A minister conducts the service.
Family members and friends can usually participate by sharing stories about their loved one and giving eulogies. There's also a lot of prayer and hymns during the Protestant service.
As you can imagine, Protestant funerals aren't defined by a cookie cutter. There are even a lot of different kinds of Protestants.
If you're considering this type of funeral just consult your minister about different traditions and make sure you personalize to honor the person who has passed away.
Catholic funerals are often quite similar. They tend to be more formal, but this is not a strict rule. There can also be differences in the way people perform different parts of the service.
The way the Holy Communion is viewed remains one of the biggest differences. Catholics believe it truly is part of Jesus' body, so the communion at the funeral is even more important and special.
Quaker funerals are another. In the Quaker tradition these are fairly somber events.
You won't hear much talking, and most of the time people will be silently praying or thinking. The whole thing is very simple, never ostentatious.
Greek Orthodox funerals also do things a little differently. The body is not preserved like it usually is in some Christian traditions.
The bones are actually dried in the sun and are put into a building. The ceremony itself is usually just done 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.
Make sure to visit Funeral Readings for everything you need for planning a funeral. Including Funeral Sermons and even Funeral Etiquette.
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