Should Christians be cremated?

[shackleton]

I guess the notion stems from the resurrection, and the bodies laid to rest. I know burning bodies is a pagan notion. Obviously God does not need the body planted in the ground to make a spiritual body. What of people who have been eaten, and digested by cannibals ( I read this in books from the early 1800's talking of this dilemma, what a way to go), so is it just taboo or is there some merit to it?

If you notice in older seminaries bodies are laid to rest facing the east I guess thinking when the resurrection (rapture) happened it would be like the rising of the sun, it would be from the east. This is of course assuming you live in the west.

 

[LawrenceU]

If you notice in older seminaries bodies are laid to rest facing the east I guess thinking when the resurrection (rapture) happened it would be like the rising of the sun, it would be from the east. This is of course assuming you live in the west.

While some of my professors were old they hadn't been buried yet!

 

[PastorSBC]

I have contemplated this issue in the past as well, and I finally determined that it did not matter. People can be buried, cremated or whatever they want because the God of all the universe that names the stars and holds our lives in His powerful hand can handle the resurrection regardless.

 

[Southern Presbyterian]

Here's a link to a sermon that makes a strong case against cremation.

Is Cremation a Christian Option?

 

[VirginiaHuguenot]

http://www.puritanboard.com/f15/theology-burial-5461/
http://www.puritanboard.com/f15/burial-cremation-9466/
http://www.puritanboard.com/f71/pls-share-correct-position-buriel-20895/

 

[MrMerlin777]

Ressurection wise I don't think it matters. Almighty God will take care of that.

However, most cultures that cremate are largely pagan cultures. And most Christians that live in those cultural backdrops that I've encountered would prefer to be burried. Though in some nations the laws make it difficult to do so. In places like mainland Japan for example it takes quite a bit of "jumping through hoops" legal wise to have one's remains burried instead of cremated. (Of course in Japan the laws prefering cremation are austensibly there due to crowding and lack of space to burry people.)

 

[Wannabee]

1 Samuel 31:11-12
Now when the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul, all the valiant men arose and traveled all night, and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth Shan; and they came to Jabesh and burned them there.

 

[PastorSBC]

1 Samuel 31:11-12
Now when the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul, all the valiant men arose and traveled all night, and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth Shan; and they came to Jabesh and burned them there.

Can you explain how this impacts or answers the question at hand?

 

[Broadus]

Cremation reflects a Gnostic-like disdain for the body, while burial testifies that the body was created by God and will be resurrected. I urge enquirers to practice burial instead of cremation. In our day, I'm sure, many who choose cremation do so because of financial reasons, not religious or philosophical.

Bill

 

[Jimmy the Greek]

1 Samuel 31:11-12
Now when the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul, all the valiant men arose and traveled all night, and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth Shan; and they came to Jabesh and burned them there.

Can you explain how this impacts or answers the question at hand?

How about, it's a biblical example of non-pagan cremation?

 

[PastorSBC]

Cremation reflects a Gnostic-like disdain for the body, while burial testifies that the body was created by God and will be resurrected. I urge enquirers to practice burial instead of cremation. In our day, I'm sure, many who choose cremation do so because of financial reasons, not religious or philosophical.

I think the financial side of it is a major reason for it today, and I think that explains it way more than a "Gnostic-like disdain for the body." I seriously doubt anyone chooses cremation with that in mind.

 

[PastorSBC]

1 Samuel 31:11-12
Now when the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul, all the valiant men arose and traveled all night, and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth Shan; and they came to Jabesh and burned them there.

Can you explain how this impacts or answers the question at hand?

How about, it's a biblical example of non-pagan cremation?

Thanks, I get it now.

 

[Marrow Man]

I think the financial side of it is a major reason for it today, and I think that explains it way more than a "Gnostic-like disdain for the body." I seriously doubt anyone chooses cremation with that in mind.

I think you are correct with regard to the financial side being a major reason. There are other factors as well. Many think that being cremated (possibly with ashes being spread about) is somehow a noble way to die. One would search in vain, I think, to find Scriptural support for such a thing.

In the early years of this country, there were exactly two (that's right, two!) cremations performed. One was done in 1792, when a former member of the Continental Congress requested cremation in his will out of fear of being buried alive. The second took place in 1876, and was overtly non-Christian, complete with readings from Hindu texts and Charles Darwin!

Do not discount subtle Gnostic influences either, my friend. Too many folks in our churches have the view that all that remains ahead is for the soul to shuck off the body, as if that is the final state. Very little (if any) thought is given to the resurrection.

I suspect, though, that if pressed, most would espouse a greatly affection for the body. Another minister communicated to me that once when a Christian was singing all the praises of cremation, he asked why the family couldn't just chop up grandma into little pieces with an axe. After all, that would be far cheaper than cremation and the remains could probably be stuffed in an even smaller box. Most folks are, of course, horrified (as they should be). It seems that the body has more value than first thought.

Here's a link to an exegetical study on this topic: http://faculty.bbc.edu/rdecker/documents/Cremation.pdf

Also, I wrote an exegesis paper on Amos 2:1-3 a few months ago for a class, commenting on the subject of cremation within the context of the passage. I have posted it here: Gairney Bridge » Blog Archive » Bone Burning

 

[Wannabee]

Thanks Jim. You understood my quote.

I really don't have a dog in this fight, but I do have some thoughts.

Is preservation of the body a sort of worship? Is it idolatry?
Realistically, our bodies turn to mush in very little time anyway. We're worm food. Of the billions who have lived and died, now many bodies are actually recognizable as bodies any longer? Who are we kidding?

Is there any scriptural warrant for preserving the body? We embalm in hopes of putting off the corrosion. But it still takes place. Some are buried quickly as to avoid imbalming, which has its own ramifications.

To state that there are necessarily religious connotations demands irrefutable proof that God commands one way or another.

Is it sinful to offer our bodies for science? Organ donors? How about to the highest bidder? Honestly, if my family could stomach it I'd prefer they see if they could profit from my body. Let 'em have it. I'll go on to glory and be pleased to be done with it. Maybe it can serve someone else in some way. But most families can't stomach it, so I won't press that point, for the benefit of the living.

Just some meandering thoughts while passing through...

 

[matt01]

Ressurection wise I don't think it matters. Almighty God will take care of that.

I am all for cremation; I have told my wife not to spend any more than necessary to process my shell. What a waste so many funerals become, spending thousands of dollars on stuff that will just rot in the ground. Burn my body, and have a service where the gospel is preached. That is all I need/want.

 

[shackleton]

If you notice in older seminaries bodies are laid to rest facing the east I guess thinking when the resurrection (rapture) happened it would be like the rising of the sun, it would be from the east. This is of course assuming you live in the west.

While some of my professors were old they hadn't been buried yet!

I guess that must have been some sort of Freudian slip

 

[shackleton]

I wonder if the belief in reincarnation or just turning to dust and that is it has something to do with belief in cremation. Since one either becomes something else or ceases to exist it does not matter if the body is burned to ash.

I wonder how much belief in burial is sort of subconscious superstition thinking that being burned to ash is so very permanent but if buried God has something to work with at the resurrection, at least that is the impression I got from churches that it is sort of a seed for the resurrection.


I would imagine in the old days burning bodies was more sanitary and helped keep disease at bay. Like the days of the plague, I should probably know but did they bury those bodies or burn them?

 

[Marrow Man]

I wonder if the belief in reincarnation or just turning to dust and that is it has something to do with belief in cremation. Since one either becomes something else or ceases to exist it does not matter if the body is burned to ash.

I think this has a whole lot to do with belief in cremation (at least the original belief). Of course, I don't think that Christians today have such beliefs.

I would second my brother's comments above (sans nom -- he doesn't have a name!) about the robbery of many funeral homes. In my humble opinion, this is what has driven so many people to a lower cost alternative. I cannot believe the exorbitant fees that funeral homes charge and how some (many?) take advantage of people when they are most vulnerable. I still can't get over the fact that funeral homes charge the bereaved a fee to pay the pastor for the funeral. Outrageous!

Nevertheless, I still do not think this justifies the practice of cremation. Preach the gospel at a funeral? Absolutely! And what a better testimony to the reality of the future resurrection that laying a body (not ashes) to rest, the deceased's finally testimony of faith in the Lord.

One thing I will say in favor of cremations, though: at least you don't have to deal with the problem of open casket funerals!

 

[shackleton]

Plus, if buried you don't have to worry about problems like what happened in the Big Lebowski when Donny died, was cremated and his ashes scattered over the ocean except they blew back on the Dude. I was going to post it from You Tube except there was a lot of swearing in it.

 

[Marrow Man]

 

[Broadus]

Cremation reflects a Gnostic-like disdain for the body, while burial testifies that the body was created by God and will be resurrected. I urge enquirers to practice burial instead of cremation. In our day, I'm sure, many who choose cremation do so because of financial reasons, not religious or philosophical.

I think the financial side of it is a major reason for it today, and I think that explains it way more than a "Gnostic-like disdain for the body." I seriously doubt anyone chooses cremation with that in mind.

Perhaps I didn't word the first sentence as well as I could have.

Many cultures both now and throughout history have practiced cremation because the body is seen in a negative light, not a positive one. While doubtlessly financial reasons are a major, and perhaps the major, consideration now, many people still have a disdain for the body. I think that Christians who support the practice of cremation are unwittingly promoting the belief that the body is something inherently bad and not worthy of resurrection.

And, yes, I also consider that a lot of what goes on in the funeral "industry" is akin to charging ten times the normal price for a bag ice after a hurricane has hit and folks are without electricity.

Bill

 

[FrielWatcher]

So looking at all this, and knowing some Romish theolgy - Roman Catholicism has decreed that cremation is okay as long as the ashes are not dispersed, as long as they are contained together, either in an urn or buried that way. Now, is this legalism? Are they resting on the will of God to save based soli fidelis? Someone put into a coffin or cremated still faces the judgment seat of Christ.

 

[Grace Alone]

Cremation reflects a Gnostic-like disdain for the body, while burial testifies that the body was created by God and will be resurrected. I urge enquirers to practice burial instead of cremation. In our day, I'm sure, many who choose cremation do so because of financial reasons, not religious or philosophical.

Bill

Pastors need to be teaching this. The secular culture is so ingrained in the church, that we no longer even recognize when a practice is unbiblical. The thought of cremation was always offensive to me anyway, but until my last pastor explained the objections, I would have never realized it was a pagan practice.

 

[Backwoods Presbyterian]

Cremation reflects a Gnostic-like disdain for the body, while burial testifies that the body was created by God and will be resurrected. I urge enquirers to practice burial instead of cremation. In our day, I'm sure, many who choose cremation do so because of financial reasons, not religious or philosophical.

Bill

Pastors need to be teaching this. The secular culture is so ingrained in the church, that we no longer even recognize when a practice is unbiblical. The thought of creamation was always offensive to me anyway, but until my last pastor explained the objections, I would have never realized it was a pagan practice.

 

[Gesetveemet]

Cremation reflects a Gnostic-like disdain for the body, while burial testifies that the body was created by God and will be resurrected. I urge enquirers to practice burial instead of cremation. In our day, I'm sure, many who choose cremation do so because of financial reasons, not religious or philosophical.

Bill

Pastors need to be teaching this. The secular culture is so ingrained in the church, that we no longer even recognize when a practice is unbiblical. The thought of cremation was always offensive to me anyway, but until my last pastor explained the objections, I would have never realized it was a pagan practice.

Janis and Bill,

In natural circumstances I would say a Christian should not be creamated but I think we should keep in mind that creamation may become necessary if the Lord should send a catastrophic event, valcano, earthquake, flood, pestilence or famine to prevent even more deaths.


Have a good Lord's day,
Bill

 

[Mushroom]

A body buried in the earth will be consumed by worms and its matter spread through the soil through defacation, some to be taken up by plant roots to become part of vegetation that then may be eaten or carried away by wind or flood, and is generally dispersed to the dust of the earth. How is that less disdainful than cremation? And as populations increase, the space necessary for burials becomes more and more wasteful, which goes to stewardship of the land.

The Lord is able to resurrect the bodies of His people from whatever state of decay or dissolution they will be in on that day, whether ashes or worm poop. This seems to be a lingering uninformed superstition to me, but I'm open to correction. Is there a regulative scripture pertinent to this?

 

[PastorSBC]

The Lord is able to resurrect the bodies of His people from whatever state of decay or dissolution they will be in on that day, whether ashes or worm poop. This seems to be a lingering uninformed superstition to me, but I'm open to correction.

Excellent thoughts. I agree. I think we are guilty of times of being almost paranoid about the culture and seeing things there that really aren't.

 

[DMcFadden]

Is it sinful to offer our bodies for science? Organ donors? How about to the highest bidder? Honestly, if my family could stomach it I'd prefer they see if they could profit from my body. Let 'em have it. I'll go on to glory and be pleased to be done with it.

"And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into the hell of fire." Matthew 18:9

So if your family can make a buck off your cornea, skin, heart, kidneys, etc.,

"Is is better for you to enter life [looking like something out of "Bodies - The Exhibition"] than looking "together" and be thrown into the hell of fire."

Actually, I think that how we conduct our funeral practices DOES have theological significance. However, you can conduct full burials in Christian or pagan ways. So too, you can handle cremation with respect for the body and proclaiming resurrection hope.

 

[bookslover]

Maybe, when I die, I'll just have my body stuffed, then have it posed on my living room sofa as if I were watching TV or reading...

 

[panta dokimazete]

I don't see enough regulatory language for any particular methodology to be problematic as long as it is done decently and in order. I prefer cremation. Very tidy. Sing a song, preach the Gospel, move along.

Soli Deo Gloria!