Hello, my name's Mrs. Rawbone, and I'd like to welcome you to this RE lesson today on Christian and humanist funerals.

In today's lesson, you will be able to explain Christian and humanist funeral practises and the meanings behind them.

Some key words that we'll be using today are afterlife, ceremony, eulogy, funeral, and readings.

Afterlife means what follows a physical life on earth, belief in life after death.

Ceremony is a formal event or ritual held to mark a significant occasion.

A eulogy is a speech given to honour and remember someone, A funeral is a ceremony marking a person's death, which takes place before burial or cremation, family and friends gather to honour the deceased and support one another.

And readings or passages of text read aloud during an event to convey a message, offer a reflection, or provide comfort.

Today's lesson will take three parts.

We'll be looking at the nature and purpose of funerals, Christian funerals, and humanist funerals.

So let's get started on the nature and purpose of funerals.

The word funeral originally comes from Latin via Old French.

It comes from funus, meaning burial or death rites.

The origins of this Latin word are unclear.

It could come from the word fumus, smoke because of cremation practises in ancient Rome, or it could derive from fundere, which means to pour, and it could relate to the libations, which are ritual offerings of liquid that were made for the dead.

Either way, it now means a ceremony marking a person's death where family and friends honour the deceased and support each other in grief before burial or cremation.

Here we can see a photograph of Howard Carter and Lord Carnarvon at the opening of King Tutankhamun's tomb.

Archaeological evidence shows us that Neanderthals living 100,000 years ago placed bodies in graves and included objects with them.

The ancient Egyptians practised mummification and they placed items in tombs to help the deceased in the afterlife.

These ancient customs can be compared to modern funeral ceremonies where family and friends mark someone's death by gathering to honour them before the burial or cremation of the body.

So what is a funeral? Take a moment to think about how you would define the word funeral.

Jot down your answer, pause the video if you need to, and then come back when you're ready to move on.

So you could have said a ceremony marking a person death, which takes place before burial or cremation, where family and friends gather to honour the deceased and support to one another.

So, well done if you mentioned that it's a ceremony and that it takes place following a death or it marks a person's death, and also if you mention that people gather together.

Here we can see a photograph of the famous sociologist Emile Durkheim.

He was a French sociologist and is considered one of the founders of modern sociology.

He studied how societies work and how people's behaviours are influenced by the groups they belong to.

Durkheim focused on understanding how social rituals and practises like funerals function to help maintain stability in society.

So let's have a look at Durkheim's understanding of funerals.

He was thinking, remember, about the function of funerals.

So first of all, they bring social unity.

They strengthen the bonds between people, and they remind people of their shared beliefs.

And secondly, they bring social order.

They offer a structured way to grieve, and they express collective beliefs.

So let's check your understanding.

How do funerals help maintain social order, according to Durkheim's view? Is it A, by giving people a structured way to grieve, B, by encouraging individual mourning in private, C, by allowing people to forget about the deceased, or D, by promoting new beliefs and values? So take a moment to think about what Durkheim had to say about the function of funerals, pause if you need to decide on your answer and then come back when you're ready to see what you should have chosen.

So, well done if you chose A.

So the main function in terms of making society ordered was to give people structure in their grief.

For task A, we're going to think about the discussion statement: religious funerals are pointless.

I would like you to write a paragraph from the point of view of a non-religious sociologist disagreeing with the statement.

So you don't need to refer to any religion at this point in the lesson.

You're just going to be using what we've learned from sociology.

So my suggested guidance is that you define a funeral and then you talk about how funerals bring social unity and order.

So take your time, pause the video, and come back when you're ready to see what you could have written.

So you could have said, a funeral is a ceremony marking a person's death, which takes place before burial or cremation, where family and friends gather to honour the deceased and support one another in their grief.

According to the Sociologist Emil Durkheim, funerals bring social order by providing a structured way to grieve.

They also bring social unity by gathering people together to support one another.

Funerals express collective beliefs and remind people of their shared values.

They strengthen the bonds between people.

Even if someone is not religious, these functions show that religious funerals still have a purpose in society.

So first of all, well done if you managed to include the definition of a funeral, and secondly, if you managed to mention how they bring social order and unity.

For the second part of our lesson, we're going to be looking in particular at Christian funerals.

Christian funerals usually have at least two parts.

Firstly, there's some kind of service of remembrance, which might usually take place in a church and is likely to include prayers and readings, possibly also some singing.

Secondly, there's a ceremony for committing the body to rest, which usually happens at the graveside or crematorium.

Prayers are said and final farewells are made.

James is describing a Roman Catholic funeral, "The evening before my aunt's funeral mass, we gathered for the vigil.

At the funeral mass, as well as receiving the body and blood of Christ and hearing readings from the Bible, we sang hymns and prayed for the bereaved and for my aunt's soul to pass through purgatory and into eternal peace.

Incense represented our prayers rising to God, and the Paschal candle signified Christ's resurrection.

The priest sprinkled holy water on the coffin, symbolising baptism and the hope of new life.

After the Mass, her body was laid to rest in the graveyard." So have a think about James' description.

What do you notice are the key features of a Roman Catholic funeral? If you're able to turn and talk to someone nearby, you could discuss this together, or you can talk to me, pause the video and then come back when you're ready to move on.

So you may have noticed that there's a vigil and that the feudal itself includes a Mass.

There are other points that you might have noticed too, such as praying for the bereaved for his aunt's soul, and also the pascal candle and the holy water.

Well done if you noticed any of these features.

So let's check your understanding.

I'd like you to fill in the missing words.

Catholics believe in, which means they for the soul of the deceased.

So think carefully about what James described them doing as part of that funeral.

Pause, if you need to, jot down those two missing words and then come back when you are ready to check.

So you should have said purgatory, which means they pray for the soul of the deceased.

And this is a very distinctive feature of Catholic funerals because of that very specific belief that Catholics have in purgatory, which is a place where souls work off sin before journeying to heaven.

Fiona is describing an Anglican funeral, "My friend's funeral took place in the church, which was decorated with flowers to represent new life.

The Paschal candle was lit and we sang hymns, listened to Bible readings and prayed for comfort for the bereaved.

Afterwards, at the committal in the graveyard, the priest said the words from the Book of Common Prayer, 'We therefore commit this body to the ground, earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust; in sure uncertain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ.

'" So what differences do you notice between an Anglican funeral, as described by Fiona, and a Roman Catholic funeral, as described by James? Again, turn and talk to somebody nearby if you can, or you can talk to me, pause the video and come back when you are ready to move on.

So you may have noticed that there are no prayers for the soul of the deceased, and that the committal includes the words, "ashes to ashes and dust to dust." Well done if you spotted either of these things.

So let's check your understanding again.

Which of these is a key feature of Catholic funerals but is not typically seen in Anglican funerals? So we have A, flowers, B, the graveyard, and C, the communion or mass, wine and bread.

So take a moment to think about your answer, pause if you need to, and then come back when you're ready to check.

So well done.

If you chose C, you may have remembered that in James' description of a funeral, there was a funeral mass, which is holy communion, where the bread and wine, the body and blood of Christ were taken.

Asher is describing a Pentecostal funeral, "My grandfather's funeral began with prayers focusing on the hope of resurrection and the power and presence of the Holy Spirit.

Readings from scripture comforted us by reminding us of the promise of eternal life.

We sang lively worship songs celebrating my grandfather's life and reflecting on our belief that he had gone to be with the Lord.

Some people shared eulogies, explaining how my grandfather's faith had affected them.

There were prayers for the mourners and the burial followed, with words of hope reminding us of Jesus' resurrection." So what stands out about a Pentecostal funeral? You've now looked at three funerals, Roman Catholic, Anglican, and Pentecostal, what do you notice as particular to this type of funeral, a Pentecostal funeral? Pause, turn and talk to somebody nearby if you can, or you can talk to me, and come back when you're ready to move on.

So you may have noticed that eulogies play a part.

These are small talks or speeches about a person's life, and that Pentecostal funerals are an opportunity for celebration of the life that was lived.

There was lively music played well.

Well done if you spotted either of those two things.

Tamara is describing a Quaker funeral, "I recently attended a funeral for a member of our Quaker meeting.

The service began with a period of silent reflection to allow us all time for contemplation and prayer.

Following the silence, there were readings from the Bible and personal reflections on the life of the deceased.

A close friend felt moved to give a simple eulogy focusing on the deceased's life and their contributions to the community and their faith.

The body was laid to rest in silence, with inward prayers expressing the hope of peace." So think carefully about Tamara's description.

What is it that's very distinctive about a Quaker funeral? Compare it with what you heard earlier about Roman Catholic, Anglican, and Pentecostal funerals.

If you can turn and talk to somebody nearby, please do, or you can talk to me.

Come back when you're ready to move on.

So you might have noticed the emphasis on silence and the lack of structure, which allows for a very personal approach in a Quaker funeral.

Let's check your understanding.

What is a key element of Pentecostal funerals that is not typically seen in Quaker funerals? Is it A, silent reflection, B, music and worship songs, C, speaking about the person who has died, or D, simple prayers? So take a moment, pause if you need to and come back when you're ready to check the answer.

So you should have put B, music and worship songs because Quaker funerals mainly take place in silence.

This is not typically a feature of them.

Well done if you've got the answer right.

Sofia, Jacob, and Andeep are discussing why Christians would disagree with the statement: "Religious funerals are pointless." I'd like you to explain how each of them might develop their point.

Sofia says, "Christian funerals give comfort and hope." Jacob says, "Christian funerals provide space for reflection." And Andeep says, "Christian funerals celebrate the life and faith of the deceased." We've looked at four examples of different Christian funerals.

So use your knowledge of those to try and develop the points that each of those three students are making.

Pause the video, take your time and come back when you're ready to see what you could have written.

So for Sofia's point about Christian funerals, giving comfort and hope, you might have said Catholic funerals include prayers for the deceased's soul, asking God for mercy and eternal rest.

This reassures mourners that their loved one is at peace.

For Jacob's, that they provide space for reflection.

You might have said that Quaker funerals have silent gatherings where people reflect on the life of the deceased and feel God's presence helping them to find peace.

And for Andeep's, that Christian funerals celebrate the life and faith of the deceased.

You might have said Pentecostal funerals include joyful worship and personal stories, reminding mourners that death leads to eternal life with God.

So you might have said slightly different things.

These are only examples of what you could have said, but if you've drawn on key features of different types of Christian funerals, then well done.

For the third part of our lesson, we're going to be looking at humanist funerals.

Here you can see a photograph of A.

C.

Grayling.

He is a humanist philosopher, and in his book, "The Good Life," he explains that secular ceremonies are a useful way to celebrate life.

In his view, funeral should honour the deceased by reflecting on their life and legacy without relying on ideas of the afterlife.

He suggests that we create our own rituals grounded in human experience, rather than following religious traditions.

So what does AC grayling suggest about rituals in his book, "The Good Life"? Choose two answers.

A, they should focus on preparing for the afterlife, B, they should celebrate the person's life and dignity, C, they should not exist at all, or D, they should be created based on experience.

Remember, you're being asked to choose two answers.

So pause if you need to and come back when you are ready to check.

You should have chosen B, they should celebrate the person's life and dignity and D, they should be created based on human experience.

Well done if you've got both or at least one of these two answers.

Brandon is describing a humanist funeral.

"Humanist funerals are secular and focus on the meaning of the life that was lived rather than on the idea of an afterlife.

There is often music and readings from poetry or other literature which are personal to the person who has died.

Usually a celebrant leads the service and family and friends may share memories or give eulogies.

Sometimes there is a period of silence to allow time for final reflections and for expressing gratitude for the person's life.

Humanist funerals are deeply personal, shaped by the unique wishes and personality of the person being remembered." So what do you notice is different and similar about humanist and Christian funerals? So take some time to think back about what you learned about Christian funerals and make that comparison.

If you can turn and talk to someone nearby, please do, or you can talk to me, pause the video and come back when you're ready to move on.

So you might have noticed that they both include readings, although to humanist funeral, these would not be from the Bible.

There were other features they had in common as well, like eulogies and a time for silence.

But a key difference is the fact that they do not focus on an afterlife in a humanist funeral.

Well done if you noticed any of those things.

So let's check your understanding.

What is the missing word? A humanist funeral is a ceremony, meaning it does not include religious rituals or symbols.

Take a moment, jot down your answer, pause if you need to, and then come back when you're ready to move on.

Well done.

If you put the word secular, it's a specific term, meaning that it does not include any reference to religion.

For task C, I'd like you to describe why funerals are important to humanists.

So this is the kind of thing you could be asked to do in an exam question.

And using the idea of point develop, point develop is usually a good approach.

For each part of your answer you should include a range of specialist terms, and for at least one part of your answer, you should use a source of wisdom and authority.

Now, this could be an exact or paraphrased quotation, or a general teaching or idea from a named source or person.

Make sure that you accurately apply the source of wisdom and authority to the point you're making and to the question itself.

So take your time to describe why funerals are important to humanists and follow the guidance that I've provided.

Pause the video and come back when you're ready to see what you could have written.

You could have said, Humanist funerals are important because they offer a personal and meaningful way to say goodbye without religious rituals.

The ceremony focuses on the deceased's life, achievements and relationships through the eulogy, music, and readings chosen by loved ones.

Another reason humanist funerals matter is that they respect human dignity by celebrating life.

A.

C.

Grayling, a humanist philosopher, argues that secular ceremonies should focus on honouring life and human dignity.

Humanist funerals provide a positive way to remember a person by celebrating their achievements.

So well done, if you've got anything at all similar to what I have there.

You can see a source of wisdom and authority in the work of A.

C.

Grayling, the humanist philosopher.

And you can also see how this accurately applies to the question.

Today we have learned that a funeral is a ceremony before a burial or cremation to honour the deceased and support the bereaved.

Durkheim viewed funerals as a crucial for social unity and order, providing a structured way to grieve and reinforcing shared beliefs.

Christian funerals typically involve a service with prayers and readings, followed by a committal at a burial or cremation site.

Christian denominations have varied practises.

Catholics pray for the soul, Quakers favour silent reflection, and Pentecostals include music and worship.

Humanist funerals are secular, celebrating the deceased's life and relationships through eulogies and readings.

We've learned a lot today.

Thank you very much for your hard work and for all of your efforts.