Can’t you just say “they died”?

I recently saw someone complain on social media about Christians using euphemisms for death such as: passed away, gone home to be with the Lord and promoted to glory. “why can’t we just say that they have died?” They asked.

Well having both pastored people through bereavement and experienced it myself, I thought I would share some thoughts.

First, there is a pastoral dimension. Death may be defeated but it is still painful, still an evil, still an enemy. Christians not only experience the pain and anger of grief but have reason to because they know that this was not meant to be so. Pastorally, we should not be surprised when families and friends find it hard to talk about the event of death and want to find gentler language.

Secondly, it is Biblical. David is described in 1 Kings 2 as resting with his ancestors, Jesus says that his friend Lazarus has fallen asleep. We don’t know better than Scripture when talking about death.

Thirdly, it is good theology. This is first because it is not enough to say that someone has died because that does not make clear what has happened. Biblically, death is linked to exile from God’s presence. This does not happen to a believer. Secondly, the phrases used say more, not less than “he died”. A believer never “just dies”. The lord Jesus calls them home to be with him, they will be raised physically on the last day. These little expressions point us to the sure and certain hope we have.

So please don’t judge those who find it hard to say the word “died.” Be pastorally sensitive to them but also allow for the possibility that they are spot on theologically and Biblically.