According to the Bible, cremation is generally seen as a violation of the natural order of life, as God has given life as a gift. Additionally, the burning of a body is seen as a desecration of a holy vessel. While the Bible does not explicitly forbid cremation, it does provide several passages that offer insight into the general belief of those living at the time that cremation was against the will of God.
One of the more commonly cited passages regarding cremation is found in Genesis 3:19: “From dust you are, and to dust you shall return.” This verse is often interpreted to mean that man should be returned to the Earth upon his death and not be burned or otherwise destroyed.
In the book of Leviticus, God prohibits the burning of bodies as an offering to himself. This is seen as a sign of disrespect toward the deceased, since it goes against the natural order of life. Additionally, cremation is seen as a violation of the natural order of life because it speeds up the decomposition process of the body, making it impossible for the soul to be resurrected in the afterlife.
The Old Testament also contains several passages that express God’s displeasure with the practice of burning bodies. In Jeremiah 7:31, God states: “They have built the high places to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire, which I did not command, nor did it come into My heart.” This condemnation of the practice of cremation is also echoed in Ezekiel 16:21: “You have slain My children and offered them up to idols by causing them to pass through the fire.”
Although these passages in the Old Testament suggest that cremation is in conflict with God’s will, there are several instances in the Bible where burning of bodies is mentioned without any apparent disapproval. For example, in the book of Kings, several of the kings were cremated after they died, including Saul and Solomon. This supports the idea that cremation was sometimes accepted by God.
The New Testament also contains several passages that express God’s disfavor with the practice of cremation. In the book of Matthew, Jesus states: “If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.” This is interpreted to mean that a person’s body is sacred and should be treated with respect. This is further echoed in the book of Corinthians, where Paul states: “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, Who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.”
In addition to these scriptural passages, there are also some well-known Christian theologians who view cremation as unacceptable. For example, Martin Luther and Saint Augustine both spoke against the practice, believing that the burning of the body was contrary to the will of God. Likewise, Thomas Aquinas also expressed his opposition to cremation, believing that it violated the natural order of life and death.
Religious Views
Most denominations of Christianity consider cremation to be at odds with their religious beliefs. This includes Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox churches. Protestants are typically the most opposed to cremation, with many denominations interpreting the Bible’s passages to mean that cremation goes against God’s will. Catholic and Orthodox churches have also generally expressed their opposition to the practice, although some Catholic churches have allowed for cremation in some cases.
Other religions may take a different view of cremation. For example, both Hinduism and Buddhism generally take a more positive view, with many adherents believing that cremation helps to speed up the process of reincarnation. Judaism also generally permits cremation, although some branches still forbid it. Islam is generally divided on the issue, with some believing that cremation is permissible and others viewing it as forbidden.
Impact on Families
In addition to religious beliefs, another major factor to consider is how cremation can impact a family. Depending on the circumstances, cremation can provide families with a more affordable, dignified, and private option for saying goodbye to a loved one. As cremation eliminates the need for a traditional burial, it can also save families the cost and stress of arranging a funeral and dealing with arrangements such as caskets, headstones, and burial plots.
Cremation also provides families with more flexibility when it comes to memorialization and remembering their loved one. Rather than having to plan a funeral, families can choose to have a remembrance gathering at a later time, spreading their love for their loved one more broadly, over an extended period of time.
In some cases, cremation can even provide families with a more lasting connection to their loved one. Through the use of keepsake urns or other token items, families can maintain a physical reminder of their loved one and the memories they shared together.
Environmental Impact of Cremation
While it’s generally considered to be more eco-friendly than traditional burial methods, cremation still has an environmental impact. The process of incineration releases volatile compounds and hazardous particulates such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxide into the atmosphere. Additionally, it takes a significant amount of energy to cremate a body, which results in a considerable amount of emissions.
In some cases, families may opt for green burial services that reduce the environmental impact of cremation. These services use biodigestion or flameless cremation to dispose of remains, both of which reduce the environmental impacts associated with traditional cremation. In cases where cremation is preferred, some people may opt for eco-friendly urns made from natural materials that can be returned to the earth in a sustainable manner.
Legislation Surrounding Cremation
Each country and state will have its own laws and regulations surrounding the practice of cremation. These laws can vary significantly, so it is important to be aware of the laws in your area before making any decisions. Some countries, states, and even some local authorities may require a permit or license for cremation, while others may allow it without any permitting.
Additionally, some states may require that a death certificate be produced before cremation can take place. Additionally, authorization from the next of kin or executor of the deceased may also be required in some states. Finally, there may be laws surrounding whether or not the ashes can be kept or if they must be buried.
Cultural and Social Viewpoints of Cremation
Cremation has gone through several shifts in perception and popularity over the years. In the past, cremation was viewed as a taboo and was generally frowned upon. However, in recent years, attitudes towards cremation have changed significantly. Now, cremation is increasingly becoming the preferred choice for many families and is seen as a viable alternative to traditional burial.
These changes in perception can likely be attributed to several factors. For one, cremation generally costs less and is simpler to arrange. Additionally, cremation gives families more flexibility when it comes to memorialization and allows for a more personal, intimate goodbye. Finally, many families are being drawn to the idea of keeping their loved ones close, in the form of cremation jewelry or other keepsake urns and memorial items.
Social and Legal Precedents of Cremation
The history of cremation is complicated and has varied across many different cultures and legal systems. In some countries, cremation is legally required, while in others, it is seen as a violation of law. Additionally, religious and cultural beliefs can also influence the acceptance or rejection of cremation.
In Europe, the practice of cremation began to gain popularity in the late 19th century. In parts of India, cremation has been practiced for centuries and is often seen as a way to honor the deceased. On the other hand, some countries, such as the United States and some parts of Africa, do not accept or recognize cremation as a valid form of final disposition.
In the United States, the legality of cremation has been tested in the courts on several occasions. In 1994, the seminal case of Doe v. Rossiter established that the Constitution does not guarantee an individual the right to be buried. This ruling set a precedent for the legality of cremation in the United States.
Conclusion
Considering what the Bible says about cremation, it is clear that the practice has both religious and social consequences. While most denominations of Christianity express disapproval of the practice, other religions may take a different view. Additionally, cremation can provide families with more affordable and flexible options when it comes to remembering their loved one and is increasingly becoming the preferred choice for many.
