The problem with funerals as "celebrations of life"

Before we get started, please read my previous article, here; There was no first century Jewish biblical canon, and, hey, remember, I wrote a book.  You can find out more about that, here and here, and, be sure to check out my latest on Locals; The problem with sovereign citizens

So, one of the things I don't like, is referring to the modern funeral as a “celebration of life”. I honestly think this confuses the purpose of funerals. For Catholics, we have a biblical reason for why we have funerals (and all verses will be from the King James Version, because, use, 2 Maccabees was originally in it, although considered Apocrypha in, because KJV is Anglican in origin, I would argue, because historical, the Protestant canon doesn't have a leg to stand on, that it's Deuterocanon, but, either way, it is in the original King James Version).
“So Judas gathered his host, and came into the city of Odollam. And when the seventh day came, they purified themselves, as the custom was, and kept the sabbath in the same place.
And upon the day following, as the use had been, Judas and his company came to take up the bodies of them that were slain, and to bury them with their kinsmen in their fathers' graves.
Now under the coasts of every one that was slain they found things consecrated to the idols of the Jamnites, which is forbidden in the Jews by the law. Then every man saw that this was the cause wherefore they were slain. All men therefore praising the Lord, the righteous Judge, who had opened the things that were hid, Betook themselves unto prayer, and besought him that the sin might wholly be put out of remembrance. Besides, the noble Judas exhorted the people to keep themselves from sin, forsomuch as they saw before their eyes the things that came to pass for the sins of those that were slain. And when he had made a gathering throughout the company to the sum of two thousand drachms of silver, he sent it to Jerusalem to offer a sin offering, doing therein very well honestly, in that he was mindful of the resurrection: For if he had not hoped that they that were slain should have risen again, it had been superflous and vain to pray for the dead. And also in that he perceived that there was great favour laid up for those that died godly, it was an holy and good thought. Whereupon he made a reconciliation for the dead, that they might be delivered from sin”. (2 Maccabees 12:38-45).
But, even if you don't accept 2 Maccabees as scripture (if you're Christian, you really should, especially for historical reasons), do you only go to church when a friend or family member dies, if you're a Christian? Probably not.
But, either way, “celebration of live” is a common way to refer to funerals, and, I think there's a problem with that.
There's a very good reason I quoted what I did from 2 Maccabees. It's not simply because it references prayers for the dead. We'll, get to another reason in a minute, but, I want to say this, because I can't be the only one thinking this. And look, I am not an iconoclast, so, I am not someone that things have things in church like statutes or icons are idolatry. But, do you know what does feel like idolatry? A “celebration of life”. Why? Because, I'm hearing way too much about the decedent, and not enough about Christ.
After all, if I'm at a funeral, because a family member or a friend died, and I want to see them again in heaven, and say that I weren't a Christian, wouldn't I want to know why I should be one?
How do I get to heaven?
Why should I have hope my friend or family member is in heaven?
I just can't help but think of Exodus 20:3, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me”.
Now, I most certainly do not think the intention of the people calling a funeral a “celebration of life” is idolatry, this is why I am very clear that it FEELS that way to ME.
For the people who DO use this terminology, I don't think idolatry is their intention. But, if I was on the outside looking in, and I kept hearing the decedent referred to, and his or her life, but not so much about Jesus, well, if I'm at a Christian funeral, can you blame me for feeling that way?
Now, I am not someone who believes in avoiding the decedent's name altogether. But, the homily should not be a eulogy. Not that you shouldn't reference the deceased, you most certainly should.
But, the “celebration of life”, should be that of Jesus conquering death, and our own hope in the resurrection. (see? I told y'all there was a reason I referenced 2 Maccabees).
“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this”? (John 11:25-26).
Go read the rest on your own! I think you'll see what I'm getting at.
I also think there's the problem in western culture, where we simply don't want to call death, well, death.
The Bible itself uses “falling asleep” as a euphemism for death (in fact. Jesus does, even referring to Lazarus (John 11:11-12).
And “taking rest” isn't wrong either, or falling asleep in the Lord, again, these are all fine. But, it's avoiding the words “funeral” and “death” that I think I have a problem with.
Jesus doesn't avoid calling death by name1.
“Then Jesus said unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead” (John 11:14).
Death is not easy to talk about. I don't like having to tell my nieces and nephews (I'm unmarried and have no children), how Grandpa Mike (my father and their biological grandfather) dies when I was nine years old. The celebration of life should be the stories we pass down about our loved ones, not the funeral.
Having said that, I do want to give a few more verses.
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light”. (Matthew 11:28-30).
So, is it okay to refer to funerals as celebrations of life?
If it's the life of Jesus Christ, then yes. But, otherwise, probably not.

Adam Charles Hovey is the founder of the Catholicism, News, and whatever community on Locals, you can help him out here.