There is a trend abroad for denominations to speak out against the practice of viewing the body and giving flowers, etc. at funerals. Some have even gone to the extreme of suggesting that no flowers be given and that at death the body be immediately prepared and buried without any ceremony. A few days later, it is suggested, a simple memorial service could be held for the family and friends. Those who favor such practices label much of today’s funeral activity as “paganism.”
I cannot agree with this disparagement of the body. It is Christian to respect the body. Contempt for the body harps back to Greek dualism that counted all flesh as evil.
In this life a person is identified with his body so intimately that family and friends can scarcely disassociate the two. To honor the body is to honor the person. It is altogether fitting that we give proper respect to the bodies of those who are dead for the following reasons:
1. Man’s body is a supreme testimony to the creative genius of God. It we lovingly fashioned by God himself as a suitable dwelling for God’s dearest creature. Shouldn’t this body be treated with more respect than an animal’s body?
2. Man’s body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. We hallow residences of notable persons, such as Mt. Vernon. Does it not stand to reason that the abiding place of the spirit should also be reverenced?
3. Man’s body will one day be resurrected from the dead. Surely God cherishes the body if he has provided in his grace for this great miracle. If the body is precious to God, shouldn’t it be to us also?
Thank God for Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus who felt it a religious duty to see to the proper burial of Jesus. We have a warm spot in our heart for the women who came early to the tomb with spices to anoint his body. It is altogether appropriate for Christians today to lovingly and respectfully prepare the body for burial and accord it funeral honors.