Religious Funerals vs Secular Ones

While funerals have a deep tradition as being a religious service, they don’t necessarily have to have a religious tone to them. Many people who may have no specific religious beliefs or be an atheist can also have funeral services. Here’s what directors of funeral homes in Willits, CA. want you to know about secular funerals. 

Focus of the Services 

The focus of a religious service is different than that of a secular one. The difference is that typically with religious service the focus is about the finality of death and passing on to the next life, while secular funerals focus instead on the celebration of the life lived. People who may be atheist or spiritual but not religious may rather have a funeral for an opportunity for guests to join in remembering and celebrating the life of their loved one. 

Order of Services 

The order of the funeral will run very similar rather it is a religious or secular one. One main difference is that while the religious funerals will have readings of prayers and scriptures, secular ones may instead have poems or meaningful lyrics read, or leave out these readings altogether. The same goes with music selection. With a religious service, hymns and other religious songs are sung. While at a secular funeral, secular, non-religious songs may be played or sung. This could include songs from trending pop artists to older songs from other eras. 

Other than the content choices being different, both the religious and secular funerals will have a structed flow of events. This will typically include something like: 

• Processional with music 
  
• Welcome and intro from a family friend or officiant 
  
• Readings delivered 
  
• Eulogies given 
  
• Reading of the obituary 
  
• Closing remarks and invitation to burial service and/or reception 

Funeral Attire 

What you wear to a funeral is the same whether that service is religious or secular. In either case, nice, dress clothes should be chosen. Colors should be darker, somber colors unless otherwise specified by the family. If you are unsure of what to wear, imagine you are dressing for a nice office job and wear what would be appropriate for that occasion. 

Honor Their Beliefs 

It is important to remember that the funeral service is about the deceased and their family, not you and your beliefs. If you are a very religious person that holds strong beliefs and you are attending a secular service, even if you may disagree with the way it is held, it is not your place to say anything. The same rings true if you are an atheist and attend a religious service. 

No matter what your religious or secular affiliation, funeral homes in Willits, CA. are experienced in planning arrangements to accommodate a wide range of beliefs. As directors, we know how important it is that your loved one’s beliefs are held true and kept in consideration during their services. That’s why we work with you one-on-one to ensure you and your family have the exact service that is best appropriate for your loved one.