The problem with eulogies is not that they talk about the deceased. It’s not that they say good things about them, words of praise. There’s nothing wrong with that. A good funeral homily should have some of that, if possible.
The problem is that eulogies, flowing from temporarily emotionally unstable people, turn into sermons. They usually make statements about life and death, heaven and hell, angels and demons, sin and the lack thereof, that are not, according to God’s Word, true. It turns into an Oprah moment, only it’s happening in a service of the Church. And in the tense environment among grieving family members, it is almost impossible for the Pastor to correct the errors and help people come to grips with death as God’s judgment against sin, and the cross and resurrection as our only hope. That’s why I say when the question of eulogies comes up, as gently as I can, “Sorry, no.”
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Some people need moments of Zen, others need a moment of Oprah. Let us all bow our heads for a moment of Oprah. OOOOHHHHMMMMM! I get it PEEEEOOPLLLLE! OH!
Seriously, give it five years and I bet there will be a Zen Ohrahists movement. Seriously…
It should say Oprahists. Oops.