How do you handle attending a funeral where the practices are unscriptural?
Question:
This past weekend I attended my grandmother's funeral, but I have a question. My family is very unscriptural in most of their ways, but while I was there they had a woman preach or eulogize the funeral I am wondering if I am in sin by attending it and staying for the services?
I was trying to pay respect, but at the same time, since I feel as if I was supporting what was going on when I really don't support it, I got angry at times my family supported it!
Answer:
"Better to go to the house of mourning Than to go to the house of feasting, For that is the end of all men; And the living will take it to heart. Sorrow is better than laughter, For by a sad countenance the heart is made better. The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, But the heart of fools is in the house of mirth" (Ecclesiastes 7:2-4).
You are correct to note that attendance at a funeral is to show respect for the one who had died and to give support to the family left behind. Since you didn't plan the funeral, there is nothing you can do about the activities. All you can choose is what you will or will not participate in doing.
I've been to weddings conducted at Roman Catholic churches. I go to be a witness for the couple and to share their joy. But I don't participate in the mass or service that is held. I simply sit politely and quietly through it.
I've been to funerals held by denominational preachers. Again, I'm there to show support to the family members I know. But I don't participate in the religious service -- especially the parts which conflict with God's teachings. Instead, I sit politely and quietly through it.
Often, when I know that the funeral service is going to be too objectionable, I make a special effort to go to the wake and skip the service.
Response:
Thanks very much for your quick reply. I just hope and pray I might live my life in a way that will allow my family to see that Jesus (according to the Word) is the only way.
