Expert: Laurie Hamilton - 8/2/2004

Question
I am currently in the process of studying the customs and practises of the Church of Scientology, in association with death. I was wondering if you could provide me with some insight into what occurs physically to the deceased after death i.e. burial or cremation, special funeral services, prayers- that sort of thing.
It would be greatly appreciated.
Thanking you, Jo  

Answer
Hi, Jo:

Thanks for writing.

Scientology has a number of different funeral ceremonies which might be said over the remains of the deceased or, indeed, might be given more as as sermon, or memorial, at a service with or without physical remains present.

There is no rule as to when, or in what manner, physical remains are disposed of, as we attach fairly little meaning to the physical form.  Scientology views the sprititual self, what we refer to as the "thetan" (From the Greek letter Theta), as being the individual, and views the body as a vehicle - the means whereby we interact with each other and the physical universe.

The Scientology funeral service tends to be focused on thanking the departed for spending time with us, praising or acknowledging life attributes or achievments, bidding them farewell, and wishing them well in their future existence.

An excerpt from a Scientology funeral service is shown here:
http://www.doctrinalscientology.org/page013.htm and a eulogy in similar spirit is shown here:  
http://www.ronthepoet.org/eulogint.htm

The remains of the deceased may be cremated or interred, according to their wishes or those of their family.

Yours,

Laurie