Owlface
Magenta, I think you are absolutely right : this can be a great source of comfort to the ones left behind (and a source of joy to the departed, why not ?).
I don't understand the churches' deep fear of it, either. Of course it could become obsessional, like so many other things in our lives. Cleaning the house from top-to-bottom every day is obsessional. Any obsession is unhealthy. Should I avoid drinking a glass of red wine with my meal because some people are alcoholics causing terrible damage to themselves and to other people ? I feel this is unfortunately yet another example of churches mistrusting people's ability to judge for themselves, i.e. it's another attempt to wield power.
I'm so glad you were able to make contact with your grandfather and to hear that he is happy.
I don't understand the churches' deep fear of it, either. Of course it could become obsessional, like so many other things in our lives. Cleaning the house from top-to-bottom every day is obsessional. Any obsession is unhealthy. Should I avoid drinking a glass of red wine with my meal because some people are alcoholics causing terrible damage to themselves and to other people ? I feel this is unfortunately yet another example of churches mistrusting people's ability to judge for themselves, i.e. it's another attempt to wield power.
I'm so glad you were able to make contact with your grandfather and to hear that he is happy.