Question:
Dear Greg,
For
a college class of mine I am writing a paper comparing Christian values
exhibited in their burial practices with that of the Islamic faith.
I’ve hit a wall and am having a difficult time finding out some key
answers. I post a few questions that are stumping me.
How do burial practices of today reflect Christian values and culture?
What Christian symbolism is seen in our way of burial? How did some of the Popes exhibit Christian symbolism in
their burial? What biblical
passages outline a pattern for the role of a funeral or the art of burial?
If
you could answer these questions it would be a giant help.
Thanks for what you do and what you stand for.
Keep up the good work.
Respectfully,
Brandon
Answer: Dear Brandon,
The
Christian tradition of burial is directly related to the Christian doctrine and
belief in the resurrection of the body (see 1 Corinthians 15 for example).
Christians have, for example, placed the body face up, expecting, as it
were, the resurrection (not that Christians believed that God would be unable to
resurrect a face down body, but the practice itself demonstrates the belief).
I am not aware of, and can not comment about, how Popes have been buried
and any significance that might be gained from such a study.
Christian funerals give hope to those who survive the dead by:
1.
The Christian belief that the soul/spirit goes to God at the time of
death—
2.
The resurrection of the dead.
All
the best with your paper.
In
Christ,
Greg
Albrecht