The Emergence of Protestantism
Protestantism refers to one of the three main branches of Christianity and is a set of independent churches and denominations originating from the Reformation – the European anti-Catholic movement of the 16th century.
In 1526, the Speyer Reichstag ruled that every prince had the right to determine for himself and his subjects the religion he professed. Three years later, however, this decree was abolished. The imperial cities and princes of Germany that did not agree with the abolition expressed their protest (from which the term “Protestantism” itself is derived) and created their own confession.
Today Protestantism is most widespread in Germany, Switzerland, Great Britain, the United States, Canada, Australia, the Baltic States, and the Scandinavian countries.
Basics of Religion in Protestantism
Protestantism shares common to all Christians ideas about the being and essence of God, the immortality of the living soul, Heaven and Hell, Revelation and Resurrection, etc. Protestantism rejects some Catholic teachings, such as Purgatory. Protestantism is distinguished by three principles: the priesthood of all believers in the Lord, salvation by personal faith, and the accepted exclusive authority of Holy Scripture (the Bible).
According to Protestant teaching, man’s original nature was perverted by original sin, which deprived the soul of compassion and man’s ability to do good. Therefore, it is not asceticism and good works that are required of the Protestant to save the soul, but a sincere personal faith in the atoning sacrifice made by Jesus Christ.
It is noteworthy that in Protestantism there is no church hierarchy and no distinction between layman and priest. The newly-elected and baptized laity can conduct worship services without the Church and clergy and have the right to proclaim sermons. Confessions and absolution are also absent in Protestantism, as is the celibacy of pastors and priests, and monasteries and monasticism are abolished.
Protestant houses of worship look very simple, lacking the statues, images, and other opulent decorations common in Orthodox churches, the altars have been removed, and the bells have been removed. Rites of worship have also been simplified and the number of rites reduced to a minimum: preaching, praying, and singing psalms or hymns.
Protestantism abolishes the sacraments except for the Eucharist and Baptism, abolishes fasting, and does not divide food into lean or fasting foods. Protestant doctrine does not recognize prayers for the dead, does not venerate saints and feasts in their honor, and rejects the idea of the sanctity of relics and images. The Bible is considered to be the only source of doctrine of Protestants and its study and interpretation is a sacred duty of every believer.
Funeral rites in Protestantism
Unlike other Christian denominations, Protestants do not tolerate ritualistic costumes and cosmetic procedures (with the exception of embalming) in preparation of the deceased for burial. Protestantism does not provide for any specific funeral dates or funeral vigils.
When the deceased is placed in the coffin, he is laid on his back, joining his hands on his chest. The presence of a pastor is obligatory. The coffin can be anything, as long as it bears the cross, and it is strictly forbidden to put symbolic or personal objects in it together with the deceased. Often flowers are used to decorate the coffin as a symbol of solemnity and beauty, but for the principled desire for simplicity, many invitees prefer to make a donation of money.
The funeral ceremony itself is held in the temple and symbolizes the transfer of the soul to God, proclaiming the hope of the obligatory resurrection of the living present. A prayer for the repose of the soul is not proclaimed at the ceremony, and the presence of the body of the deceased in the temple is not at all necessary.
Cremation is widespread among Protestants, and has been officially permitted since 1898. In this case, the pastor comes with the family to the crematorium. The presence of the pastor at the cemetery is also mandatory.