RE Revision: Eschatology: Memorials

Essentials:

  • The whole person, (body and soul) will be judged before God

  • Body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and should be treated after death

  • Memorials honour the dead

Tombstones:

  1. Inscribed with the letters ‘R.I.P’

    • Stands for “Requiescat in Pace” - a prayer hoping that the deceased individual is in heaven and enjoying the peace of eternal life

  2. Catholic tombstones are Cross shaped

    • Indicates their belief in Jesus

    • Hope they’ll be resurrected

  3. Angels carved on them

    • Reflects belief that everyone has a ‘Guardian Angel’ who will take them up before God to be judged, and ask for Gods merciful judgement

Monuments:

  • Built to remember an important person or event

  • Some have been constructed in memory of Catholic Saints, e.g Saint Edward the Confessor in Westminster

  1. Some wealthy Christians buried in Sarcophagi with the Chi-Rho symbol

    • Shows their faith in Jesus

    • Reminder that Jesus died so that everyone could experience eternal life in Heaven

  2. Medieval times - decorated with skeleton and symbols of decay

    • No matter a persons wealth, they face death and God’s judgement like everyone else

QUOTE: "This stone will be a witness."
— Joshua 24:27
(This verse highlights the use of stones as memorials, serving as witnesses to important events or lives.)

Remembrance Gardens:

  • Where cremation ashes are stored sometimes

  • Their ashes are kept in an urn thats stored in a garden or cemetery

  1. Designed to be areas of Beauty

    • Helps mourners reflect on Heaven’s peace and beauty

  2. Quiet and Reflective spaces

    • Helps people mourn for their loves ones in a place where they feel close

QUOTE: "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."
— Matthew 5:4
(A place of remembrance offers comfort for those mourning the loss of loved ones.)`