"A few summers ago I attended two funerals in a week. One was for a man who was atheist and had lots of worldly success. The second was for a woman who was Catholic, raised three children and lived a much quieter life. In the first funeral the man's achievements were celebrated, but there was a deep sadness at the core of the service. No one would be seeing him again this farewell was final."
"The woman's name was barely mentioned, her achievements were rattled off in a sentence or two by the priest. This woman's individuality was dissolved during the Catholic mass into something more universal, neutral even. Yet despite this depersonalisation of the deceased, the second funeral was much more soothing. Reciting the words and rituals that were used in Catholic funerals the world over, the liturgy promised God would comfort us in our sorrow, and the Resurrection meant this parting would be brief."
Two funerals presented a stark contrast between secular celebration and religious ritual. A secular service celebrated worldly achievements but felt deeply final and sorrowful because the farewell was unequivocal. A Catholic mass depersonalised the individual through universal liturgy and brief mentions of personal details, yet offered profound consolation through promises of God's comfort and the Resurrection. Rituals and shared beliefs suspended rational doubts and provided sustained emotional reassurance in the face of death. An inclination to consider returning to faith for its comforting certainty is expressed. Fewer Australians self-identify as religious; in 2011 just under 25% reported no religious affiliation.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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