[atlaw]

As a matter of curiosity, on the death of a child, how would a strict, fundamentalist Christian console an atheist (or, for that matter, a Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Confucian, Jainist, Jew, Sikh, Shinto, Gnostic, Wiccan, etc., etc.)? Perhaps something along the lines of — too bad your kid is going to burn in hell for eternity?

[Tony Snow]

Please tell me you’re being provocative and not idiotic. One consoles as one can; with love and steadfastness. The purpose of consolation is not to proclaim judgment; that’s someone else’s job. In times of grief, one gives one’s heart to another, in ways that will provide solace rather than pain — to embrace, them, help them and support them. Paul notes that one needs to be all things to all people in practicing one’s faith. And in times of grief, one must be a selfless friend.

[Tony Snow]

Please tell me you’re being provocative and not idiotic. One consoles as one can; with love and steadfastness. The purpose of consolation is not to proclaim judgment; that’s someone else’s job. In times of grief, one gives one’s heart to another, in ways that will provide solace rather than pain — to embrace, them, help them and support them. Paul notes that one needs to be all things to all people in practicing one’s faith. And in times of grief, one must be a selfless friend.