Dear Sir,

     I am surprised at the silence of the churches about death. The first two chapters of The Book Of Wisdom are a comprehensive explanation of the Christian attitude – a belief in eternal life and an acceptance of suffering, which is summed up in the funeral notices, such as: “fell asleep” “promoted to glory” and “after an illness bravely borne”.
     There are at least 18 recommended bible readings to choose from, for cremations and burials; the choice does not stop there, with consideration for babies, children and anniversaries of death.
     In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus brought back a 12 year old girl who had died, saying, “She is not dead, she is asleep”.
     The modern church has become more compassionate; unmarked graves and burials at the crossroads have become a thing of the past. People who end their lives are treated with compassion, given the cruel pressures of modern society. In old age, nobody wishes suffering. It is very much a doctor’s discretion to ease the pain and encourage the patient to bear the infirmities and illnesses. There is often consolation in the famous last words of somebody who has lived a long life. A priest asked a Scotsman, “Do you ever think of dying?”
“No,” he  replied, “ It costs money!”

                                                            Yours faithfully,

                                                                   Andrew Somerville

 

(Published Eastbourne Herald, Friday, 8th. April, 2011)