Secular Funeral Services

By: Matthew Funeral Home
Monday, January 9, 2023

Many modern funeral rites are steeped in the cultural and religious traditions of their ancestors. But, there is a growing population of secular or atheist people in America. Because of this, a funerary service for a secular individual may be different from what you might expect going into the service. 

A Tribute to Their Life

Since atheists do not believe in a god or the afterlife, there is much more of an emphasis on the life of the deceased. Eulogies are focused on fond memories, and loved ones the deceased left behind. These tributes are done with respect, without using religious phrasing or references to gods or the afterlife. While there are no religious rites given, someone may read a poem or a favorite quote. 

Avoid Platitudes about the Afterlife

Words of comfort at a funeral are often centered around niceties such as “he’s in a better place.” Because secular individuals do not believe in the afterlife, such platitudes should be avoided. While they will probably be taken as intended, it is best to not use such terms. Instead, phrases like “they will be missed” is a safer phrase to go with.

Final Goodbyes

Like most funerals, secular services are held so that friends and family can mourn together, and receive closure about the loss of a loved one. Where some religious services focus on the afterlife and passing on to a better place, atheist services serve as a way for families to come together and appreciate the life that the deceased lived. 

Additional Services

Families of the deceased may prepare memorial services or a repast after the burial services. Generally, this depends on the cultural traditions of the family. During this time of loss, it is best to show support to the family of the deceased through memorial charitable donations, flower arrangements, or meal preparation. 

For over 50 years, Matthew Funeral Home has been serving the Staten Island community. We can help with almost every aspect of your loved one’s memorial service. Our family is here to serve yours, every step of the way.
 

Leave a comment
Name*:
Email:
Comment*:
Please enter the numbers and letters you see in the image. Note that the case of the letters entered matters.

Comments

Please wait

Previous Posts

Burial Plots - What to Consider When Buying

Buying a burial plot is an important part of planning for your final wishes. There are a number of factors to consider when deciding to purchase a plot, or plots, in a cemetery. This article will e...

Is Grief Actually Good for You?

Grief can feel as though a great weight rests on our shoulders. Grieving can be a challenging experience. Although grief is brought upon us by loss and sorrow, is it a bad thing? Grief is an emotio...

Senior Isolation After a Spouse Passes

After the loss of an elderly loved one, their spouse can be left feeling isolated and depressed. After spending a long life with a loving partner, losing a spouse can be like losing a part of onese...

The Difference Between Grief and Mourning

When someone loses a loved one, the words “grief” and “mourning” are often used to describe their experiences. But what are the differences between the two? In this article, we will discuss grief, ...

Father's Day Memorials

After the loss of your dad, Father’s Day can take on a different feeling for you. It may seem more solemn without your father there. But there are still ways to celebrate your dad and memorialize t...

Timeline For a Funeral Service

When a loved one passes, when do you have the funeral? How long after someone passes should you have a service? This article will discuss approximate timelines for families when a loved one passes....

Anniversary Memorial Services

Grief doesn’t end after the funeral. For many, it is something they carry for a long time. Many instances can trigger feelings of grief and loss, birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries. Missing som...

Pre-Planning and Your Wishes

One of the most important aspects of pre-planning your funeral is making your wishes known. Funerals can be deeply personal, and if you have opinions about how you would like yours to be done, it i...

Flowers And Their Meanings in Funeral Arrangements

Different types of flowers, and even the colors of those flowers, carry meaning. Each type of flower evokes different feelings in people and has a deep meaning associated with it. When you send a ...

Color Meaning for Funeral Flowers

When choosing to send flowers to a loved one’s funeral, choosing the right flower colors can be important. Colors can convey moods, emotions, and feelings. The right flower colors can convey import...