‘Let the main thing be the main thing’

YEARS back when I went to the funeral of a Christian relative or friend, I was impressed by the sombre dignity and gravitas of the occasion.

The officiating pastor/priest would read relevant extracts from the Holy Bible. The most beautiful hymns were sung by the choir – people who were immensely blessed with the voices of angels (Abide With Me is a personal favourite).

Speakers would then take to the podium and pay tribute to the deceased and attest to their character.

The officiating pastor/priest would then solemnly draw proceedings to a close, with an invitation to the attendees to partake in meals at the residence of the deceased. The pre-eminence of the entire proceeding was laudable in every way.

Then you have the version where “pastors” berate those who have not “accepted the Lord”.

Fire and brimstone stuff. No subtlety. “Idol worship” and “devil worship” are just two of the phrases that feature strongly in the tirades.

I’m hardly what you would call a devout Hindu.

I practise and observe my faith the way it suits me best. When I go to a wedding or funeral, it is to respect the principals involved.

Nothing else. Why funerals should be an occasion to insult another faith and garner more adherents to another faith escapes me.

This is not an attack on Christianity; just those “pastors” who insist on using the funeral platform to insult the Hindu faith in particular.

When Rassie Erasmus, our much-revered coach, was preparing the Springbok team for the World Cup in 2019, his slogan was: “Let the main thing be the main thing.”

Please let the deceased occupy the thoughts and prayers of the attendees. God is not handing out prizes to the pastors or priests who garner the most number of converts. At least not that I know.