I don't often ponder what my last moments will be, how I will die or what my funeral will be like. But a recent family bereavement got me thinking. If I live my life as an atheist, contribute to my university atheist society and hopefully actively support atheism in the future.. Do I really want my funeral to be dictated by religious tradition? Do I want Christian hymns sung and Christian prayers spoken by a vicar whose views I would have ridiculed? (If I were alive).
The answer is of course "NO". The thought of my family and friends singing random hymns that are so general in sentiment they could and do apply to everyone who has ever lived is a bit scary actually. I really don't want that to happen.
If it did happen I'd want the vicar to tell everyone how important atheism is to me, much like religion is to others I suppose. He would also say that I didnt love/respect a god, but perhaps I loved the fact that I don't have to love/respect any higher power. I did my own thing. I believed in myself and was supported by the immediate people around me, not an almighty deity forged from ancient scripture.
The atheist snob in me would also demand that the vicar tell everyone how irrational religion is and that despite the emotional healing capacity of praying during mourning that is no reason to praise any God. I wonder if a vicar would do this.
I respect that my family may want a normal Christian funeral and I suppose I'd be dead at the time so it wouldn't affect me too much! I'd like to be remembered as an atheist though and cringey Christian hymns are not my style. (And never will be).
So it seems I may have to pre-order an atheist funeral where everyone sings songs chosen by me. My funeral hymn sheet will read:
Songs:
Bangarang by Skrillex.
World's Away by Jebediah (Lockie Leonard theme tune).
Then: Will's views on religion, family, friends, career (hopefully), hobbies.
Instead of a prair, maybe a personal message to my family would mean more.
Then everyone walks out to either "Eye of the Tiger" or "Geekin'"by Will.i.am.
I haven't decided yet.
