In the streets and alleys of a city in western China, a unique group carries out its work. They do not sell burial plots, perform rituals for the dead, or promise salvation. Instead, they bring Bibles and white flowers to hold "memorial services" for the deceased.
The group is composed of ordinary believers from local churches and professions, united by faith and love. They create a distinctive bridge between the limits of physical space and the expansiveness of the spiritual world.
Debunking Misconceptions: Funeral Rites Do Not Determine Souls' Fate
The group's work often encounters misunderstandings. Sister Li, a group member, explained that many non-believers assume someone who follows Christian funeral rites will go to heaven, while those who do not will go to hell. She noted that this is incorrect.
She recalled her own family experience. When her family had just converted to Christianity, her grandfather passed away. Because her uncles were not yet believers and her mother lacked authority in the extended family, the funeral followed old customs and superstitions. She said, "They brought in many drummers and musicians. My mother was heartbroken. She felt it was over, that her father's soul would be pressed into hell by these people and could not reach heaven. But that's not true."
Li added that some believers still hold similar assumptions and invite the memorial group in hopes that non-believing elders might enter heaven after death. She clarified, "A person's destination is already determined at the time of death, not by the form of the funeral."
Another member, Sister Cui, highlighted another misconception: some believe that holding a Christian memorial benefits both the deceased and themselves, as if performing these rites earns merit. The group also accepts those who died by suicide or in other special circumstances but does not judge. She explained, "No one can comprehend all things or know whether the deceased is saved. These are not for us to discuss."
True Purpose of Memorials: Comforting the Living and Witnessing Faith
Cui emphasized that memorials are an opportunity to share the gospel and are not limited by the deceased's identity. The group has also conducted services for non-believers. In such settings, faith can be openly expressed and witnessed.
Pastor Wang, the group leader, reflected more deeply. He stated, "Memorials are not for anyone in particular, because no one is truly deserving… The real purpose is to comfort, encourage, and inspire the living; and to remember the life of the deceased, who was ultimately from the holy and good Father."
He stressed that even when commemorating the good deeds of the deceased, these acts are imperfect in God's eyes. "The core of the memorial work is to demonstrate God's love; no individual or church can define whether a deceased person is saved." During memorials, Wang focuses on two points: bearing witness to the deceased's relationship with God and providing comfort and encouragement to the living.
Ritual Differences: For Christians and Non-Christians
The group's ministry has operated for years, following a three-day process: the first day involves home visits to assist with dressing and transporting the body; the second day, coordinating with fellow believers to hold the memorial service; and the third day, visiting the cemetery for burial.
Pastor Wang noted that they have also conducted funerals for non-believers, avoiding superstitious practices or judgments. Language is carefully chosen; for instance, they do not say, "He is justified by faith and has eternal life," but rather, "He has passed; may his soul rest in peace."
He expressed gratitude for invitations from non-believers, noting that conducting funerals can reduce occasions for idol worship. He differentiates the terminology: for non-believers, it is a funeral; for believers, it is a memorial service.
Reflecting on Practice: Clarifying the Meaning of Memorials
Through repeated service and reflection, the group continually clarifies the core meaning of memorials. After recently holding a memorial for Brother Chen, a Christian brother, members gathered to review the service. Li described that over a hundred people attended; the scene was lively but noisy, and some at the edges could not hear clearly and spoke among themselves.
Pastor Wang observed that many people arrange funerals seeking large crowds for show. In contrast, memorials benefit from attendance, as fellow believers collectively honor Chen, comfort the family, and provide an opportunity for fellowship.
He concluded that in believers' memorials, recalling the life of the deceased serves to proclaim the Christian faith. They give thanks for God's care throughout the deceased's life and are inspired to love the Lord more faithfully themselves.
Originally published by the Christian Times
(The full names of the people in the article are not disclosed for safety reasons.)
- Edited by Poppy Chan
