When a public life ends: a Christian response

When a public figure dies, the church is tempted in two directions at once. Some rush to make a point. Some rush to make a joke. Neither is the way of Christ. A death is a death. A family is still a family. We do not have to agree with every sentence a person spoke in order to refuse celebration over their grave.

Christians tell the truth about grief. It is not unbelief to ache. We also refuse to pretend we are the judge of a soul. That seat is taken. Our work is narrower and harder: pray for those who loved him, tell the truth, and let the resurrection be the comfort — not a talking point.

Jesus said, “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.” That sentence is either the hope of the world or it is nothing. We hold it as hope. If this week has made death feel close, do not sit with it alone. Write to us. We will pray with you.