Christian views on aging, illness and death

Within Christianity

Christians share faith in Jesus Christ, but practices differ widely among:

• Catholics, with sacraments such as Anointing of the Sick;
• Orthodox Christians (Greek, Russian, Antiochian and others), with their own rites and memorial services;
• Protestants (Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Pentecostal, nondenominational and many more), who vary a great deal;
• groups with distinctive practices, such as Latter-day Saints, Jehovah's Witnesses (who generally decline blood transfusions) and Christian Scientists (who may prefer prayer to some medical treatment).

On aging

The Bible treats old age with honor. "Honour thy father and thy mother" is one of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:12). Many Christians see aging as a season of life with its own purpose: prayer, wisdom, blessing younger generations, and preparing to meet God.

"And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you." (Isaiah 46:4, King James Version)

"For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day." (2 Corinthians 4:16, King James Version)

On illness and suffering

Christians have long asked why a loving God allows suffering. There is no single answer, but common themes include:

• God is present in suffering. Christians believe Jesus himself suffered and died, so God knows human pain from the inside.
• Prayer for healing is central in every branch, along with acceptance of God's will when healing does not come.
• Medicine is a gift. Most churches see seeking medical care as fully in keeping with faith.
• Redemptive suffering. Some Christians, especially Catholics, believe suffering can be offered up to God, joined with Christ's suffering.
• Comfort care is accepted. The Catholic Church and most other churches teach that it is not required to use every possible treatment when treatment is very burdensome or offers no real hope. Palliative care and hospice are widely supported. Many churches also teach that life should not be deliberately ended.

On what follows death

At the center of Christian faith is the belief that Jesus rose from the dead, and that those who belong to him will share in eternal life and the resurrection of the body.

"Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live." (John 11:25, King James Version)

• Most Christians believe in heaven, eternal life with God. Many also believe in a final judgment.
• Catholics also believe in purgatory, a purification after death for those destined for heaven. They pray for the dead.
• Orthodox Christians also pray for the dead and hold memorial services.
• Many Protestants see salvation as a gift received through faith, and speak of the dead being "with the Lord".

Near the end of life

• Pastoral visits, prayer, scripture and hymns. Psalm 23 and the Lord's Prayer are among the most often read and prayed at the bedside.
• Catholic rites. A priest may offer the Anointing of the Sick, Confession, and Holy Communion given to the dying (called Viaticum, "food for the journey"). People often call these together the "Last Rites". Only a priest can give the anointing.
• Orthodox rites. Confession, Holy Communion and the sacrament of Holy Unction.
• Protestant practice varies: a pastor's visit, prayer, communion, anointing with oil in some churches, or simply family gathered in prayer.

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." (Psalm 23:4, King James Version)

After a death

• Visitation or wake, a time for friends to pay respects, often with the body present.
• A funeral service or Mass, with readings, prayers, music and a eulogy.
• Burial or cremation. Most churches now allow cremation. The Catholic Church allows it, but asks that ashes be buried or placed in a cemetery or columbarium, not scattered or kept at home. Many Orthodox churches still discourage cremation.
• Memorials. Catholics may have Masses said for the person. Orthodox Christians hold memorial services, often on the 40th day and on anniversaries.
• Organ donation is supported by most churches as an act of love.

Comfort in grief

Christians are not told to hide grief. The Bible records that "Jesus wept" at the tomb of his friend Lazarus (John 11:35), even knowing what would come next. Many Christians speak of grieving with hope.

"Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted." (Matthew 5:4, King James Version)

"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain." (Revelation 21:4, King James Version)

Churches often offer grief groups, meals for the family, and visits in the months after a death.