Ah, Peter brings to mind a very important subject, at least, when it comes to the world of faith. OK, well, at least in my opinion. Any how, as I've seen in my time, death is in large part integral to the formation of faith. Many times faith is picked up, regained, or observed in times of death due to a sense of obligation to those who have passed (ever been to a Catholic burial?). Others do so at the realization of one's own mortality, in their moments of grief. Some have no need for more than the mere thought of death to be brought "into the fold." And of course their are those who have seen death first hand and are forever driven from their faith. Never in my time have I seen one single subject have such a grave impact (sorry) on the realm of the spirituality of mankind. But this also brings to mind a bit of a question:
If death can have such a strong impact on faith, will you let your faith impact death?
Now for those in a bit of confusion, let me set up a situation. Let's say you are a person of a particular faith (or lack thereof) and someone close to you passes on and they are of a different faith. Will you set aside your beliefs and honor them in the ceremony that they themselves would have chosen? Will you honor them in your own faith, and let others of their faith tend to their requests? Maybe both or neither? Me, I always do my best to tend to their wishes, so long as they don't conflict with my own. I have taken part in a Catholic burial and yet I have no reverence for the saints. I have bent my head and knees to prayers in which held no meaning for me. God knows what I hold true in my heart, and knows that what I do is out of respect for one of his fallen children So long as he knows that, that's all that matters. To this day, I do my best to make good on the wishes of those long past; some see it as trouble, I see it as an honor. How you choose to see it is all up to you.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Honor Thy Father and Mother
So, this is the first post I've done in a while. Sorry.
I'm writing today about Ancestor Worship. Most of you out there practice ancestor worship, whether you realize it or not. It is a part of our culture, as Americans. It is also ingrained in the cultures of many other nations around the world. The Japanese come to mind immediately, Mexicans have an entire holiday. We all think highly of our lost loved ones, sometimes to the point of denying their flaws. Let me explain what Ancestor Worship is not. It is not praising your ancestors as gods. It is not praying to your ancestors. It is not asking favors of them. Ancestor Worship is none of these things.
Here's what it is. Ancestor Worship is a fulfillment of family responsibility, including care for remains, observance of the departed's wishes, and acknowledgment of the departed's wisdom. For example, I praise my father, who passed on many years ago. When I remember my father, I honor his memory, and I do what I think he would be proud of. When I carry his ashes, I pay them the proper respect. My father was not just a body to be cremated after his death. He lived on, in some other form. His remains, in whatever form they take, are still treated with proper respect. I honor my father, and call upon the lessons he taught me to help me get through the trials I may face every day.
As I said before, Ancestor Worship is practiced by many people. On Mother's Day, if your mother or grandmother has passed on, you would visit her grave, and bring flowers. On Christmas, during your dinner prayer, you thank God for taking care of your lost loved ones. Even acknowledging a dead relative's birthday is enough. Anyway, despite its name, Ancestor Worship has very little to do with Spirituality and Belief. But it's part of what I practice.
I'm writing today about Ancestor Worship. Most of you out there practice ancestor worship, whether you realize it or not. It is a part of our culture, as Americans. It is also ingrained in the cultures of many other nations around the world. The Japanese come to mind immediately, Mexicans have an entire holiday. We all think highly of our lost loved ones, sometimes to the point of denying their flaws. Let me explain what Ancestor Worship is not. It is not praising your ancestors as gods. It is not praying to your ancestors. It is not asking favors of them. Ancestor Worship is none of these things.
Here's what it is. Ancestor Worship is a fulfillment of family responsibility, including care for remains, observance of the departed's wishes, and acknowledgment of the departed's wisdom. For example, I praise my father, who passed on many years ago. When I remember my father, I honor his memory, and I do what I think he would be proud of. When I carry his ashes, I pay them the proper respect. My father was not just a body to be cremated after his death. He lived on, in some other form. His remains, in whatever form they take, are still treated with proper respect. I honor my father, and call upon the lessons he taught me to help me get through the trials I may face every day.
As I said before, Ancestor Worship is practiced by many people. On Mother's Day, if your mother or grandmother has passed on, you would visit her grave, and bring flowers. On Christmas, during your dinner prayer, you thank God for taking care of your lost loved ones. Even acknowledging a dead relative's birthday is enough. Anyway, despite its name, Ancestor Worship has very little to do with Spirituality and Belief. But it's part of what I practice.
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