My uncle passed away...?

Question

My predicament is that I do not consider myself to be a Christian anymore. My dad who is a Christian, wants me to read a bible verse at the funeral. My uncle did not go to church either (except when he was a kid) and I literally had almost no relationship with him.

I have a lot of issues with my father and haven't ever had a close relationship with him. He caused a lot of problems in our family and was physically and verbally abusive to both my mom and myself (they are divorced now thank goodness). I really don't want much to do with him at this point, but it's not my uncle's fault and I understand this.

Would it be rude to decline?

Answer 1

Your uncle should be buried with dignity. Put away any argument with dad or any thought of your own religious belief. Do this last deed for your uncle and let him rest in peace.

Answer 2

Maybe your father is a christian now because he regrets doing all those bad things to you and your family. This is basically something you would do in respect to your uncle, not your father.  

Answer 3

NO! You are your own person and he needs to except that. If he forces to read you the bible verse when you go up there, say " I had prepared a verse from the bible, but with alot of time to think i see now that is not what my uncle would have liked.. I know i never knew him like some of you but i do know he likes...." or something like that.

Good luck.

Answer 4

I don't feel he could force you into reading a bible passage.  I think if you think what your Uncle would like, and remove your dad from the situation you might feel more comfortable with your decision. And that's what it is your decision - if you choose to do it, do it for your Uncle not your dad - hey maybe you could say something from the heart instead! Whether you do or don't do it, your Uncle knows how you felt about him regardless!

Answer 5

say no thanks, send some flowers and say your condolences. Try to remember the few good times you had with your Uncle.Forget the past and move on with your future.Remember love has to be earned.Nothing rude about it. May  God bless and Love you.

Answer 6

You could decline by offering to do something else instead...

like read a poem like "Crossing the Bar" by Alfred Lord Tennyson

or one of the ones on this page:

http://www.eulogyspeech.net/funeral-poem...

When my brother died I sang a song at his funeral.

When my dad died I shared part of the eulogy and told some happy memories about him.