Eulogies In Context
Eulogies have different emphasis depending on the circumstances of the departed and their families. Below are some examples of the place of eulogies within different communities. It is far from being complete but gives some idea of why eulogies may contain information that leaves a lasting picture by which someone can be remembered. We would welcome statements from others regarding the place of eulogies within their communities.
The presence and purpose of Eulogies in the Spiritualist Faith are to recognise the value of, and to celebrate the earthly life of the deceased. The content would include their contribution to life on earth both within family, community, nationally and world wide where appropriate. It would also emphasise their character and presence within family and Community. The words would also include their religious acceptance that life is eternal, and that they will continue their journey in the Spirit realms after physical death. (Judith Seaman, Spiritualist National Union)
From the 17th century onwards Baptists included eulogies to the departed in their marking of a life. This happened in the context of a gathering of church members rather than at the graveside. The preacher would draw attention to the evidences of Christian discipleship in the life of the deceased and would often use the occasion to make a theological point to instruct the hearers and exhort them to continued faithfulness. Today, Baptists may have an interment or cremation followed (or preceded) by a service of thanksgiving for the life of the departed, usually in the chapel building. The eulogy which will be part of a service of hymns, readings and prayers, and usually includes some details of life history, may also be accompanied by an encouragement to the hearers in their faith and to offer those who are bereaved an opportunity to make a good farewell. Increasingly a eulogy may be delivered by a family member of friend and not the presiding minister. (Stephen Copson, Baptist Historical Society).
The pastoral introduction to the Funeral Service in Common Worship reminds us that “every life, including our own, is precious to God” it goes on to talk about the “sense of loss at the death of a loved one” which is felt by those who have a faith in God as well as those who do not. The funeral service provides an opportunity for the family and friends of the deceased to remember and celebrate the life of their loved one – reminding them how the life of their loved one, as well as each of their lives are precious to God. It also invites those present to draw on their own faith in Christ and hope of eternal life to sustain and comfort them in their sorrow. The pastoral introduction acknowledges the fact that funerals provide an opportunity for the mourners to “reflect on their own mortality” and perhaps the impact that has on how they live their lives. The preaching of the gospel is central to the message of the service, however the notes provide for a ‘tribute’ to also be given which is the closest parallel in a Church of England funeral service to a ‘eulogy’. This tribute will not necessarily always be “something which praises something or someone highly” as the Oxford English Dictionary describes a eulogy to be; but the notes accompanying the funeral service stipulate that it should convey “the evidence of God’s grace and work in them [the deceased]”. The tribute will not always be delivered by the Minister, often family members or friends choose to deliver a tribute to their loved one. Sometimes it will take the form of a life history, with anecdotal memories or key achievements; other times it will be a poem which the family or friends feel captures the essence of the person’s life or the relationship they had with them. These poems often highlight the grief and despair of those who are mourning but set out the hope of one day being reunited with their loved one. Where the tribute has been delivered by someone other than the Minister, the sermon is the place where the love and grace of God throughout the person’s life is highlighted in the context of the gospel message.
Tributes, therefore, are powerful reflections of God’s work and power in the world through human beings; but pastorally are also ways to enable those who mourn to grieve and remember – in the context of the hope of the gospel. (Rev. Victoria Bryson, Church of England).