The JW funeral talk outline - poor taste or REALLY poor taste?

by Mr. Falcon 42 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

  • DagothUr
    DagothUr

    In Romania there are public chapels (in fact they are buildings with large rooms) which belong to the municipalities. They are rented for a small sum (around 2.5 $ a day) and you can keep the deceased there and also perform funeral service there until burial. Also, many people prefer to keep the deceased at home, in one of the rooms which is emptied of furniture. It's the same for all, even for JWs. Funeral services at KH are rare here. In my city, in the last years we got the habit of not singing at funerals.

  • Mary
    Mary

    Most Witness talks are all nothing but infomercials now. That's not a surprise given the instructions they have on how to give the talks. Below is the official 'outline' right from Crooklyn on funerals. I've highlighted the most offensive parts and the instructions at the end of it just says it all. They do not go for 'eulogizing the deceased', but prefer that the funeral talk be used to promote their particular brand of bullshit:

    FUNERAL DISCOURSE

    • REMARKS REGARDING THE DECEASED (Use any that apply and are appropriate.)
    • Details regarding age, birth, when married, and so forth
    • By whom the deceased is survived
    • Dedication record, including privileges of service
    • Exemplary qualities displayed by the deceased (Eccl. 7:1)
    • THE HOPE THE DECEASED ENTERTAINED
    • Worshiped Jehovah, the God of wisdom, justice, love, power
    • Had faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12)
    • Appreciated God's purpose regarding earth (Gen. 1:28)
    • Sure to be realized (Isa. 11:9; 55:10, 11; Rev. 21:4)
    • Why good people die
    • Disobedience of Adam (-Gen. 3:19; contrast with Genesis 2:7.)
    • Offspring inherited death (Rom. 5:12)
    • Condition of the dead
    • Soul is mortal (Ezek 18:4, 20)
    • Dead are unconscious (Ps. 146:4; Eccl. 3:19; 9:5, 10)
    • The resurrection hope
    • Made possible by sacrifice of Jesus Christ (Matt. 20:28)
    • Christ's resurrection a guarantee (1 Cor. 15:22, 23)
    • God uses Jesus to raise the dead (John 5:28, 29)

    For the anointed, resurrection is to heavenly life (1 Cor. 15:51-54; Rev. 20:4, 6) "Other sheep" resurrected to life in earthly Paradise (Luke 23:43; John 10:16) Armageddon survivors can hope to see the deceased one again soon Others too are in line for resurrection (Acts 24:15)

    WHY IT IS GOOD TO GO TO HOUSE OF MOURNING

    Can comfort the bereaved; loss is mutual
    Take to heart uncertainty of life (Ps. 90:12; Eccl. 7:2)
    Makes us think about how we are using our life

    HOW WE CAN BENEFIT FROM BEING HERE

    • While living, make good name with Jehovah God (Eccl. 7:1)
    • Lay up treasures in heaven (Matt. 6:19-21)
    • One way is to take zealous part in witness work, if qualified (Matt. 24:14; 28:19, 20)
    • In this way and by godly conduct, we contribute to sanctification of Jehovah's name (Prov. 27:11)
    • Resurrection hope an incentive to learn and do divine will(l Cor. 15:58)

      (Note: Instead of eulogizing the deceased, use the material in this outline to give a fine witness concerning the truth. Good balance should be observed in this regard. Doctrinal points can be presented as beliefs of the deceased, which served as motivation for him. Purpose of talk is to uphold Jehovah God as a God of love and mercy and at the same time bring comfort to the bereaved. Use of a song such as No. 102 (53) or 187 (93) is optional. A brief prayer at the close is fitting. When arrangement is made to go to the grave, it is well to consider quite briefly the hope through the Kingdom, reading one or two scriptures, such as Job 14:14, 15 and 1 Corinthians 15:5413-57. This service may also be closed with prayer, thanking Jehovah for the resurrection hope, which is of great comfort. The talk need not exceed 30 minutes.)
  • wifibandit
    wifibandit

Share this

Google+
Pinterest
Reddit