Funerals

The funeral service originated in man’s effort to induce the ghost soul to depart for its future home, and the funeral sermon was originally designed to instruct the new ghost how to get there. 87:2.3

when a wealthy man died, fearing that their property would be confiscated, the funeral was held up until the family donated a large sum to public welfare or to the king, an inheritance tax 69:9.6

Egyptians believed preservation of body facilitated passage through future life 95:2.4-5

Only kings and the rich were promised a resurrection; therefore did they so carefully embalm and preserve their bodies in tombs against the day of judgment. 95:5.13

Almost every group had a different idea regarding the destiny of the ghost soul. The Chinese and Egyptians once believed that soul and body remained together. Among the Egyptians this led to careful tomb construction and efforts at body preservation. Even modern peoples seek to arrest the decay of the dead. 86:4.8

Ancient funeral wastes were enormous. Modern man is not supposed to fear ghosts, but custom is strong, and much terrestrial wealth is still consumed on funeral rituals and death ceremonies. 87:2.10

religion has unduly impoverished life for the pretended enrichment of death 92:3.7

On worlds settled in light and life, “funerals” are occasions of supreme joy, profound satisfaction, and inexpressible hope. 55:2.5-6

Bible parallels

Passages that the paragraphs cited above parallel, quote or reinterpret, from Duane Faw’s Paramony cross-references. Hover a reference to read it.

• Sheol 86:4.8 — Lk 16:17-26.