Comforted by the Cross

Abstract

Christian ministers increasingly recognize that traditional funeral practices no longer connect with contemporary audiences as they once did. While pastors continue to affirm the importance of funerals and funeral sermons, especially for Christian communities, many struggle with how best to conduct these rituals in a rapidly changing religious landscape. This dissertation seeks to help preachers better understand their audiences by identifying the prevailing beliefs about a funeral’s purpose and significance for mourners. By analyzing these beliefs, the study aims to help funeral preachers anticipate potential obstacles to communicating the Christian gospel to mourners, allowing them to adapt their preaching accordingly. As a work of practical theology, this dissertation seeks to develop funeral preaching as a research-led practice. It employs two qualitative research methods: qualitative content analysis of obituaries and phenomenological interviews with funeral professionals. The dissertation then examines the findings in dialogue with nontheological theories, such as Ernest Becker’s theory of the denial of death. It reflects upon both the qualitative evidence and the non-theological interpretations using the theology of the cross. The study then offers recommendations for refining the practice and content of funeral preaching to help the funeral sermon better connect the life of the deceased with the gospel of grace and so comfort mourners with the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.