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[cdybedahl]

Well, we're back. It was, on the whole, a much nicer trip than expected. The funeral itself was pretty short (and for a death-fixated religion, the Christians sure do crap funeral rituals, but I plan to rant about that separately...) and, I think, good for the closest grieving. We then went to see Jenny's paternal grandmother, who looked much better than she did last time we saw her. She's still one of the most amazingly positive people I've ever met, so it's nice visiting her. We then spent another night at Jenny's father's, which was also surprisingly pleasant. Only a very small amount of dodging subjects had to be done. On the way home today we stopped to see Thina, the wheelchair-bound dressage-rider who visited us over midsummer, and her hyperactive dogs (who are flat-coat retrievers, I have now been informed). Which was also fun.

And now we're at home and the cats are pretending to ignore us.

Comments

[mistraltoes.livejournal.com]

You may see it as being focused on what comes after death, but for someone who does not share your beliefs the difference between that and focussing on death is very hard to see.

Yes, intellectually I can see the pattern, when you list all those things together. But the way I feel when you say it is more like, we've been looking forward to a present and you're accusing us of focusing on the box that it comes in.

FWIW, some of the things you list aren't unique to Christianity: psychology tells us that all people think about death, and the belief in reuniting with God after death in some form or other is common to several religions; in fact, I'd have said that all religions are about achieving some perceived form of immortality by connecting with the beyond. Also, some of the things you list are denominational: many of us don't allow the use of the cross as a symbol, or elevate people to 'sainthood' after they die.

Well, as usual, you've given me much to think about, and I do appreciate it. Thank you.