Why Don’t Christian’s Celebrate When A Christian Dies?

[naomi24]

The pope has died and there will doubtless be much weeping and wailing at his demise- but why?  If Christians believe that he has gone to spend eternity in blissful peace with his maker, what's not to like?

[Old_Geezer]

Presumably they think any celebration is for those in heaven welcoming the new arrival. Those down here grieve over their loss.

[Clone]

I dunno.

As far as I am concerned, a bloke I don't know has died and that's it.

Even though I think religion is bonkers and borderline lunacy, I take no pleasure in his death. (unlike some) 

[vulcan42]

Yes it's strange, people express sadness and at the same time say s/he has gone to a better place.

[Khandro]

What a stupid question.

[jackthehat]

There are no stupid questions, khandro; only stupid answers....as yours indicates.

I think OG sums up the matter well.

[dave50]

Why do some nationalities weep and wail in the street when their leader dies? I can't see that ever happening here if and when a prime minister dies.

[barry1010]

I'm always sad for those left behind, I grieve for the end of times shared  when my loved ones die but take comfort knowing their pain and suffering is over and they are at peace in heaven.

I don't see a conflict between grieving and knowing they are in heaven.

 

[Old_Geezer]

Some cultures teach each new generation that they must show excessive emotional displays.

 

Others, like here, train folk to try to be calm and take things in your stride. Stiff upper lip and all that.

[douglas9401]

I'd suggest 'believing' rather than 'knowing'.

Anyway, that's what the after party is for, steak pie and a few beers.

[Untitled]

the pope is definitely not in heaven lol.

 

[naomi24]

^ 11.30.  There speaks the man who would be God.

 

Why is it a stupid question, khandro? 

[Khandro]

n. //Why is it a stupid question, khandro?//

Because every society and in every religion throughout history have mourned not celebrated the passing of loved ones.

The question is asinine, because it is a back-handed attempt to mock.

[naomi24]

Khandro, you're wrong.  The question is genuine.  I've known people very happy to die because they believe they're going to a place they want to be.  We cry because they're gone, but we're crying for our loss - which is really pretty selfish.

[barry1010]

I don't think it's selfish to mourn the loss of a loved one, it's normal, human emotion.

We can mourn and be happy they are no longer suffering at the same time, indeed it can bring comfort.

Anger at being left is a normal part of bereavement too.

[andres]

Isn't a Wake a celebration ?People get together ,eat and drink and honour the deceased.

[Khandro]

n. //..but we're crying for our loss - which is really pretty selfish.//

That is a pretty weird thing to say & sounds to me like it's from someone 'unencumbered by emotions'.

[naomi24]

Really khandro?  How does thinking of others rather than yourself render you 'unencumbered by emotion'?

[andy-hughes]

The minute you start to love anyone or anything, there is going to be pain at the end of it. That's part of what makes us human.

As I understand it, for Christians, the sadness of loss is tempered by a belief that a loved one goes on to something better.

Personally, I believe that is a comfort mechanism, and if it comforts believers, then that's a good thing. 

But human nature requires a period of sadness and loss first, before the comfort of belief can come along.

[Khandro]

naomi; I don't understand you, you say "we're crying for our loss - which is really pretty selfish"  and then you say you are "thinking of others rather than yourself."

Which is it, are you crying for others or yourself?

When my mother's death left me broken-hearted, I wasn't crying for myself.

[andy-hughes]

Khandro - Who do you feel you were crying for?