Cremation is acceptable to Jehovah's Witnesses because of the belief that Jehovah has the ability to restore anyone whether they were cremated or buried. The Bible does not state what should be done with the body after death.
Jehovah's Witnesses may select to have either a burial or a cremation following the funeral services in the Kingdom Hall. At the graveside or crematorium chapel, the scriptures are referenced and a prayer is read.
The Jehovah's Witnesses funeral service is similar to other Christian faiths but lasts only 15 or 30 minutes. The funeral usually takes place within a week after death. At the service, men wear a suit and tie, and women are expected to dress modestly, but neither needs a head covering.
Therefore death is not to be feared as the absolute end, because the dead who are “in God's memory” will be resurrected. Jehovah's Witnesses do not believe in a place called Hell or a realm of eternal torment. They do believe in a heaven and the hope of going there.
I'm so sorry for your loss. Your mom was a wonderful woman who will be greatly missed. Saying sorry for your loss is perfectly acceptable since they are experiencing the loss of a loved one in this life. Just keep in mind that they may respond with hope citing their beliefs in a future resurrection.
We have seen people online questioning if you can send a Jehovah's Witness a sympathy card when they suffer a loss, and the answer is yes, certainly; just be careful to avoid sending a card featuring Christian imagery — such as a cross — or bearing a Christian message.
The atmosphere is modest with limited mourning. Almost all attendees wear dark semi formal attire much like mainstream Christian funerals. The funeral may or may not be open-casket. There is no reception but it is acceptable to take food or flowers for the deceased's family.
Not even one part of us survives the death of the body. We do not possess an immortal soul or spirit.” However, they do believe that resurrection is possible. Witnesses believe that 144,000 of Jesus' most faithful followers will be resurrected to rule with Him after the Earth is destroyed.
Based on their understanding of scriptures such as Revelation 14:1-4, Jehovah's Witnesses believe that exactly 144,000 faithful Christians go to heaven to rule with Christ in the kingdom of God. They, with Jesus, will perform priestly duties that will bring faithful mankind to perfect health and "everlasting life".
Jehova's Witness Burial Ceremony
Any cemetery is suitable and there are no particular rituals that should be performed. That said, another brief session of scripture and prayer led by the elder at the graveside is a common practice among Jehovah's Witnesses.
Jehovah's Witnesses demand high standards of morality within their ranks. Their view of sexual behavior reflects conservative Christian views. Abortion is considered murder. Homosexuality, premarital sex, and extramarital sex are considered "serious sins".
Jehovah's Witnesses focus on simplicity and modesty in their funerals, and do not believe that the dead are conscious. In deference to the Bible's teaching, Jehovah's Witnesses do not partake in wakes, anniversaries of death, or anything lavish when related to a funeral.
The Memorial includes a talk on the meaning of the celebration and a sharing of unadulterated red wine and unleavened bread by those who have been chosen to rule with Christ in heaven.
The Congregation Elder will conduct the service, which will include Bible readings and prayers. It may or may not be an open-casket service. Jehovah's Witness funerals are typically very simple and discreet. They are often shorter than other types of Christian funeral, lasting between 15 minutes and half an hour.
At a Jehovah's Witness funeral, mourners are expected to wear simple clothing in muted colors.
Songs are used at assemblies and conventions, and sometimes at different events at Watch Tower Society branch offices. Jehovah's Witnesses' publications suggest that Witnesses listen to this music in their personal time.
6. They limit contact with non-Jehovah's Witnesses. Followers are discouraged from having close relationships with those who are not part of the faith.
Marc John Jefferies, who you'll recognize from films like “Losing Isaiah,” “Get Rich or Die Tryin'” and “Notorious,” was raised in the Jehova's Witness faith as a child. Like sister Serena, Venus was also raised in the Jehovah's Witness faith by their parents.
Feelings of loneliness, loss of control, and worthlessness are also common after leaving. The culture of informing on other members inside the Jehovah's Witnesses also leads to a continued sense of distrust and suspicion long after leaving.
And most Jehovah's Witnesses (83%) say their religion is the one true faith leading to eternal life; only about three-in-ten U.S. Christians (29%) believe this about their own religious faith.
The Witnesses refrain from celebrating birthdays because they believe that birthday feasts have pagan roots. Jehovah's witnesses believe that evil influences and spirits get the opportunity to attack the celebrant during birthdays. Also, Jehovah's witnesses argue that early believers never celebrated their birthdays.
God. Jehovah's Witnesses believe God is the Creator and Supreme Being. Witnesses reject the Trinity doctrine, which they consider unscriptural. They view God as the Father, an invisible spirit person separate from the Son, Jesus Christ.
Jehovah's Witnesses believe that it is against God's will to receive blood and, therefore, they refuse blood transfusions, often even if it is their own blood. The willing acceptance of blood transfusions by Jehovah's Witnesses has in some cases led to expulsion from and ostracisation by their religious community.
Jehovah's Witnesses are well-known for going door to door to share their faith.