The Worst Experience at a Protestant Funeral: A Personal Account

As someone who has navigated both the intricacies of Catholic and Protestant religious practices, my experiences have often been enlightening but occasionally quite disturbing. This article shares one of my most unpleasant experiences, which occurred at a Protestant funeral in Sweden.

From Parochial School to Rejection

During my formative years, I attended parochial school, which included some rather bizarre rituals. One of these involved a glass box containing the hand of a dead bishop. The students were lined up to kneel before this relic and kiss it. I, however, had no tolerance for such religious customs and clearly expressed my aversion. For my protest, I was suspended for a week. This negative experience reinforced my decision to leave the church and embrace a more secular lifestyle.

Funeral Etiquette and Personal Beliefs

Funerals are another matter entirely. I try to avoid attending them whenever possible, unless they have a deeply personal or community significance. In this case, a close friend's funeral provided the impetus for my attendance. Understanding that his sudden diagnosis and subsequent passing were deeply troubling for his community, I committed to honoring him in whatever capacity I could.

The Background

My friend was a cherished member of our community, serving on the homeowners association board and helping us settle into our new home. He had a successful career as an experimental aircraft test pilot and was well-respected in both his personal and professional circles. Our friendship was close, and his passing was a significant loss.

A Descent into the Unexpected

During the funeral, things quickly took a turn for the worse. The religious service did not resonate with me, nor was it tailored to the life of my friend. The priest's sermon began with an Old Testament example about a father sacrificing his son, which seemed disconnected from my friend's life. The subsequent story of the Prodigal Son was equally irrelevant, as it did not reflect the loyalty and dedication my friend had shown throughout his life.

The Unforgettable Experience

As the service continued, the daughter led a moving but self-centered eulogy, further diminishing the respect and dignity the service should have served. The prayers and hymns dragged on, and by the time it was time for the Holy Communion, it became clear that leaving was the best option. Despite my reservations, I stayed, hoping to honor my friend in some small way.

The Aftermath

In the end, while I remained to show support to the rest of the community, I felt compelled to protest the church's service, writing a letter to the head of the church to voice my disapproval. I left the service with a heavy heart, but knowing I had been present for my friend in his final moments. No amount of money could have made up for the way he was remembered that day.

Key Takeaways

While religious services are often intended to provide comfort and guidance, they can also be deeply disappointing. It is important for priests and organizers to consider the impact of their rituals on the families and friends of the deceased. Funerals should honor the life and legacy of the individual, not simply adhere to religious traditions for the sake of maintaining a ritualistic setting.

Keywords

By reflecting on such personal experiences, we can better understand the nuances of diverse religious practices and the importance of community support during difficult times.