I've seen a mix.
Most theists I've encountered seem to be just as sad about the death of loved ones as atheists are.
However, I remember one extended family member's funeral: the people from her church were all happy about her going to Heaven. It was creepy as ****.
Something else I've seen from theists that I find quite sad: first, they experience normal grief, but then they interpret their grief as lack of faith in God, so they end up feeling not only the grief but also guilt over the grief. It's a messed up situation.
That sounds messed up indeed.
There was one instance where a loved one of mine passed away and about which I actually wasn't "sad" sad.
Off course I
was saddened, but also happy.
It was my grandfather's funeral. The stereotype grand-dad. Funny, strong, witty, loving, charitable,...
He had an amazing life and died of natural causes at 92. Lived by himself, without help (from nurses etc), till the day he died.
Like he himself would have said it, "he went out like a candle". It was all over in less then 48 hours. His body just shut down. No pain, no accidents, no long break down caused by desease, no suffering. He felt weak and we went to the hospital. He felt and knew it was his time. He was at peace with it and had enough strength to say goodbye to everyone in a very dignified manner.
I couldn't bring myself to be sad about such a dignified passing. If I could, I'ld sign for such a death at such an age after such a life in a heartbeat.
At his funeral, I said "
we aren't hear to mourn his loss. we are here to celebrate his life." It was beautiful.
Thanx gramps
![Heart Eyes :hearteyes: :hearteyes:](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)