Cremation has been a burial ritual practiced by many religions, cultures, and civilizations over the centuries. A common question among many is – how does the Christian faith feel about cremation? The Bible certainly doesn’t clearly specify whether cremation is permissible or not, so let us explore how biblical teachings, and the teaching of Christian families and groups, can help in understanding cremation as it relates to the Christian faith.
Biblical Interpretation and Cremation
The Bible is not necessarily explicit about the practice of cremation, which is the major reason why there is so much ambiguity surrounding the subject. However, the Bible does provide circumstantial evidence that can be used to offer an opinion on the practice. In the Old Testament, the book of Genesis tells a story about Abraham burying his beloved Sarah in a cave. In another, from the book of Exodus, God gave explicit instructions to Moses that informed him on how to properly bury a dead body, which included not cremating the dead. These, along with some other cases, can be interpreted in a light that considers cremation to be an act of disrespect towards the dearly departed.
Additionally, the Christian faith is based around the concept of resurrection and eternal life. As a result, some believe that cremation is a practice that goes against this notion and is therefore in opposition to the Christian faith. This is due to the fact that the physical body becomes a source of identity and connection around the idea of eternal life and resurrection, and thus tampering in any form might prevent this everlasting bond. Other interpretations may suggest that without a physical body, resurrection is impossible.
Christian Churches and Cremation
While the Bible does not provide a clear-cut stance on cremation, Christian churches and families often have very clear views on this practice. Traditionally, church teachings discouraged the practice of cremation and preferred traditional forms of burial that preserved the physical body. Most of the well known and followed churches, such as the Catholic, Orthodox and Anglican, have forbidden cremation for centuries.
However, in recent years, some local branches of these churches have softened their stance on cremation and have allowed it under certain circumstances. For example, the Catholic Church now facilitates cremation only after death instead of prior to burial, while some Anglican churches allow the practice with permission from the authorities. Not only this, but other smaller denominations encourage cremation in certain cases. Despite the different interpretations and the permissibility of the ritual, religious organizations still encourage funerals and burials as its primary form of honoring the dead.
Environmental Concerns and Cremation
The concept of environmentalism and its various effects has become vital to the Christian faith, with many churches and branches actively campaigning for environmental initiatives that respect the beauty of nature. When it comes to cremation, considerable efforts have been made to make it as environmentally friendly as possible.
For instance, many crematoriums nowadays make use of industrial filtration systems and emissions scrubbers to make the process of cremation as quiet and clean as possible. Furthermore, many remote locations around the world provide a more natural setting to carry out cremation that still meets the necessary requirements. It is also worth noting that the ashes of a cremated body may be scattered in a location that was special to the dearly departed, further enabling environmentally friendly practices and giving the deceased a place of rest in a natural setting.
Making the Choice
In light of the foregoing, it is still up to every individual to make their own decision about whether cremation is permissible for them or not. When making this decision, it is important to consider that each individual case is unique, and so beliefs and values should be taken into account when considering the faith and family of the deceased.
Graveside Services and Other Ceremonies
It is possible to have a funeral or graveside service, whether the body has been buried or cremated. The main intention behind such a gathering is to remember the dear one and bid them farewell in a tradition that honors the life and values of the deceased. As a result, many churches and denominations are more open to the idea of graveside services in order to honor the life of the departed.
Although the debates may continue on, it is important to remember the emotional impact that these services and rituals can have on loved ones and mourners. An emotional and spiritual connection to the departed can offer solace and closure to those affected. Other Catholic rituals include a pray-over, where the family and clergy gather at the graveside of the person who has passed away and pray for the peace of their soul.
Funeral Home Policies
The majority of funeral homes and directors are flexible when it comes to accommodating different needs and decisions regarding cremation, burial, and the ceremonies attached to them. It is possible to have both a viewing and a cremation that can be tailored to the particular religion and family values.
The funeral home should be prepared to help families discuss the options available that best comply with their cultural traditions and beliefs. In addition, some funeral homes may assist in setting up a memorial service as per the family’s request.
Interpretation of Cremation by Families
The choice to cremate or bury is ultimately up to the family of the deceased, subject to parental and spouse consent. While it is possible to make an individual decision, it is important to consider the opinion of the loved ones who may still be alive. Some family members may be opposed to cremation due to their interpretation of the Bible or due to cultural and familial traditions.
This is why it is important to discuss and share one’s burial wishes before passing away, avoiding any potential conflict or disputes that may arise among family members at the time of bereavement.
Effects of Cremation
Finally, it is worth considering the effects that cremation might have on the environment in comparison to traditional burial. In particular, it is important to consider that cremation does not return the ashes back to the Earth in the way that burial does, which is why the lack of a physical resting place may be troubling for those families that do decide to adopt cremation.
Economic Factors Involved in Cremation
It is also worth considering the cost of each method, as cremation is usually significantly cheaper than traditional burial. In certain areas, it is possible to set up cremation and a memorial service for less than a traditional burial and service, however, it may be more expensive in some areas due to the cost of renting a crematorium or buying a cemetery plot. Consequently, it’s important to compare prices and consider burial fees before deciding.
Communal Beliefs about Cremation
Another aspect to consider is the beliefs of the local and wider community. Different religious communities have varying beliefs, and it is important to take these into account before deciding whether cremation would be suitable or not. Moreover, there may be other external regulations that need to be adhered to when cremating the deceased.
In sum, cremation, or any other type of burial ritual, is a personal decision that must be made with the help of one’s family. Though, differing interpretations of the Bible may lead to different conclusions about the practice, it is ultimately still up to each individual to form their own opinion and make their own choice.
