How does an atheist attend a Christian funeral?

Answer 1

ANSWER:

The families of atheists still need closure, to gather together to celebrate that person's life, to mourn their loss together.

Atheist funeral can be whatever the atheist wanted. An atheist may have a traditional religious funeral to please his theist family, if the atheist said that was what he/she wanted done. Funerals are for those left behind.

Or, the atheist may have stated they do indeed want a secular/nonreligious service, in which case a funeral home with an atheist officiant to say final words would be appropriate.

Many atheists do chose to donate their bodies to science to further advance knowledge. This must be arranged in adnvance, and the med school must be notified immediately when the person dies. After two years, the bodies are cremated afterwards. (this cremation is then free of charge as well) The ashes are either returned to the family or buried by the school, whatever family wants done.

Some atheists do choose to be buried in the ground, in traditional manner, although many atheist feel the earth is precious, and do not want to waste 10 feet of it for a dead body. (think if EVERYONE did that...for thousands of years.....)Instead, they choose cremation, and have a special nature spot to have ashes sprinkled, for their family to go to for remembering him/her.

They can still have funerals, though.

Some choose very traditional funerals, hopefully, with god-free words. Many find the Universalist Unitarian churches to be atheist-friendly.

Some atheists chose to sidestep the entire funeral scenario completely, and may chose a non-funeral home setting for those who loved him/her to gather. The body is cremated (or donated to science) and the loved ones gather at a beach, a forest, a favorite hall, even a pub room, the atheists' favorite place, or-- if a small group--the person's home or backyard.

Many atheists tend to be practical, and some may have asked that in lieu of flowers, that a donation is to be made to their favorite charity. But, atheists, like anyone else, can not be lumped all together, they are individuals.

Having those who knew and loved the atheist speak, the reading of poetry, playing of songs he/she loved--or songs chosen by friends and family that remind them of the person who has died--- photo boards/memory boards, toasts to the life that has just ended, discussions of the person and how they were important to you, are all appropriate.

Most atheists believe their 'existence' after their death will be just like their 'existence' before they were born.

Answer:

A good example is Kurt Vonnegut's remark before Isaac Asmov's funeral reported by the people he was speaking to around the time of the funeral:

"... before Asimov's funeral, Vonnegut stood up and said about Asimov, 'He's in heaven now,' which ignited uproarious laughter in the room. 'It's the funniest thing I could have possibly said to a room full of humanists,' Vonnegut said ..."

Answer 2

An atheist may attend a funeral, whether it be Christian, Buddhist, Muslim or any other religion. The main thing is to respect the occasion and the beliefs of those present.