The Christian Science Prohibition on Funerals

The Christian Science Prohibition on Funerals is presented as a religious objection that shapes the aftermath of Fat Crack Ortiz’s death, but not as a rule that dictates how his family must mourn. Wanda Ortiz’s decision to hold a service makes the distinction clear: Fat Crack’s beliefs matter, yet the needs of the living also have weight.

The Belief and Its Context

Brandon Walker is surprised when Wanda plans a funeral for Fat Crack, whom he had understood to be a Christian Scientist. Wanda confirms that he was, and explains that Christian Scientists do not believe in funerals. The exchange establishes the prohibition through the family’s own circumstances rather than through a broader account of doctrine or practice.

Wanda’s Decision

Wanda grew up Presbyterian and believes in funerals. She arranges for a Presbyterian minister to lead the service, scheduled for Monday afternoon in the high school gym, and plans for Fat Crack to be buried at Ban Thak. She does not present this as a change in Fat Crack’s religious identity. Instead, she says the funeral is for her, the children, and the Tohono O’odham community, and that his wishes do not determine whether they may hold one.

Meaning in the Narrative

Brandon’s question reveals how strongly he had assumed Fat Crack’s beliefs would govern the arrangements. Wanda’s answer redirects attention from the deceased’s religious prohibition to the survivors’ need to gather and mourn. As Brandon later recognizes, both Wanda and Emma Orozco had spent years doing things as their husbands wanted; after their husbands were gone, each chose her own course. The funeral thus presents the prohibition as a real religious constraint for Fat Crack, while showing that Wanda does not treat it as binding on those left behind.