Which religious sect requests the use of the words "passed on" rather than "died or deceased" in the death notice of the obituary?

The preference for using the phrase "passed on" instead of "died" or "deceased" is characteristic of the Christian Scientist sect. This terminology aligns with their belief in the continuity of life and the spiritual perspective that life is eternal. Christian Scientists often emphasize a metaphysical understanding of existence, where physical death is seen as a transition rather than an end. Thus, they favor language that reflects hope and continuity rather than a finality associated with death.

In contrast, other religious traditions have different customs and preferences regarding language related to death. For instance, Roman Catholics generally express themselves within the context of the Church’s sacramental rites, Judaism often incorporates specific Hebrew phrases or terms reflective of their beliefs, and Islam has its own rich vocabulary concerning death that adheres to its teachings on the afterlife and the sanctity of life. Understanding these nuances is crucial in providing respectful and appropriate obituaries for individuals from different faith backgrounds.