Hope

We have had a few religion discussions on our respective blogs lately and I had an experience this weekend that has been wearing at me...tearing at me actually.  It kind of pisses me off to be honest.

A good friend passed away about a week and a half ago.  His funeral was on Saturday.  He was a good man.  Like the rest of us, far from perfect, but on the whole a good man.  He contributed to the community both in service and financially.  He was quiet about it.  He worked hard all his life and never asked anyone for anything.  He, like all of us, had his ups and downs, his goods and bads, but he always tried to do right by people.   About two years ago he was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer.  It had spread to his bones.  Knowing a bit about this and the pain that it had caused my Great Uncle, I was very apprehensive for him.  My apprehension, unfortunately, was correct.  About 3 months ago he decided (his wife had already passed away) that he was unable to be alone and he made arrangements to move in (several hours away) with his daughter.  He was in rough shape and was losing his battle.  I saw him a couple days before he left and while we were talking, I asked if he had plans to come back.  In typical fashion, he smiled and said, "probably for the memorial service."  I told him, "I will see you then."  We had a chuckle, shook hands and parted ways.

He was not much of a church goer or particularly religious, but when he went, he went to the local Evangelical Free church.  Honestly, religion, faith and belief are a subject that the two of us never breached in all the years that I knew him, so other that him being a good man and occasionally attending church, I cannot tell you a thing about him from a religious standpoint.

As most of you are aware, I am not much of a church goer myself and generally only go anymore to weddings and funerals and in several instances have only attended the grave side portion of the funerals.  I have a low opinion of organized religion.  I believe, I have faith, but to me church is God's creation seven days a week, not just for an hour or two on Sundays.  I try to be a good person and do good works.  I try to contribute to my local community much like my friend.

As I noted, his funeral was on Saturday and I went.  I went to the whole thing.  It was a disheartening experience.  The preacher, during the service and at the grave side, made a point numerous times to emphasize "we 'HOPE' we will see him in heaven."  "we 'HOPE" Christ has redeemed him."  All the time alluding to the fact that it was not a sure thing because he did not attend church or actively participate in the church and, to the preacher's knowledge, had not been "saved."  I stayed right until the end and did not throw anything at the preacher although I have to say I 'HOPED' for a lightning bolt.

My friend was a good man.  I don't need to 'HOPE' things will work out for him.  I "KNOW" they will.  I have faith, which apparently is different than being saved.

Fuck that preacher.