Introduction
Cremation is the process of burning a body after death and disposing of the ashes. Christianity has had a long and complex history with Cremation. Some faiths, like Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism, have generally been in favor of the practice. However, in Christianity, the topic of Cremation is a contentious one, with opinions varying greatly between denominations and individuals. This article will take a look at the history of Cremation in Christianity, both historically and at the present time, as well as examining the implications of Cremation in light of different religious teachings.
History
Cremation has been practiced in various forms for thousands of years, but it has only recently been accepted in certain Christian denominations. Historically, the majority of Christian denominations viewed Cremation as a pagan practice and actively discouraged it, with Catholics, Protestants, and Orthodox Christians all rejecting the practice. Catholics most strongly condemned the practice, going so far as to excommunicate any supposed adherents of cremation before the 1960s.
This strong opposition to the practice began to change in the late 19th century, with the rise of modernism and secularism. Cremation began to be more accepted in some Christian denominations, particularly those that had adopted a more progressive attitude towards death and dying. This trend continued throughout the 20th century, with many denominations eventually permitting the practice. Currently, most Christian denominations permit Cremation, though the specifics of the rituals may vary between denominations.
Teachings
The primary reason most churches opposed Cremation was because it was seen as being in opposition to the belief in the resurrection. This belief holds that on the Day of Judgment, the souls of the dead will be joined with their bodies and ascend to Heaven. Thus, cremation was seen as a violation of this teaching, as the body could no longer be resurrected.
However, this teaching has been increasingly challenged in recent years. Many denominations have adopted the belief that the resurrection will occur even if the body has been cremated, as the soul ascends to Heaven regardless of the state of the body. This belief has been bolstered by the notion that, if the soul is the only important part of the body, then disposing of the body in any manner is acceptable as long as the soul is taken care of.
Implications
There are several implications of Cremation in Christianity. Firstly, the practice challenges traditional notions of the afterlife. If an individual is cremated after death, then there is no physical “body” to be resurrected at the Day of Judgment. This challenges the traditional belief in the afterlife, as well as the concept of bodily resurrection.
Secondly, Cremation challenges notions of grief and mourning. The traditional funeral is an important part of grieving and mourning process, and a funeral with a body present is much more meaningful than one without. Cremation disrupts this, as the body is no longer present and thus cannot be mourned in the traditional manner.
Lastly, Cremation can be seen as a step away from traditional beliefs. For many, Cremation is seen as a rejection of the beliefs and traditions of their faith, and thus is seen as a moral and spiritual failing. This can lead to significant feelings of guilt and regret for individuals who choose it for themselves or their loved ones.
Costs
Given its increasing acceptance, Cremation carries certain economic costs as well. Cremation typically involves the use of large amounts of energy and other resources, as well as the use of special equipment and facilities. This can be significantly more expensive than a traditional burial, with costs varying depending on the specific arrangements and crematory facility used.
The cost of Cremation also varies substantially depending on the specific religion or denomination of the decedent. Certain religions will impose additional costs, such as fees for special prayers or rituals that must be completed before or after Cremation. These costs can add up quickly, and must be taken into account when considering Cremation as an option.
Industry
The Cremation industry has seen a significant growth in recent years. In the United States alone, the Cremation rate has increased from 30% in 2000 to 56% in 2020. This trend has been driven by several factors, including the increasing acceptance of the practice in certain religious denominations, the declining cost of the procedure, and the lack of available burial space in some areas.
The Cremation industry itself has changed to meet this increased demand. More and more crematories have been built to meet the demand, and increasingly sophisticated equipment and procedures have made the process more efficient. The industry has also embraced digital technology, with many companies developing services to allow family members to share the ashes of their loved ones via social media or other digital services.
Legality
The legality of Cremation varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, but is generally accepted as a valid means of disposing of the body. In some jurisdictions, there may be special regulations governing the practice, such as restrictions on the location of the crematory or special approvals needed in order to conduct the procedure. In some countries, Cremation may even be forbidden entirely, so it is best to research the local laws and regulations before attempting the process.
Religious Viewpoints
Views on Cremation vary widely between religious denominations and individuals. Proponents of the practice often cite its increasing acceptance in many denominations, as well as its potential cost savings when compared to a traditional burial. Detractors, on the other hand, often cite the traditional religious teaching against it, as well as the potential environmental impact of the industry.
Ultimately, the decision to cremate or not is a deeply personal one, and religious adherents must make the decision that best aligns with their own beliefs and moral convictions. With this decision, individuals must weigh the benefits and drawbacks of the practice, and make the decision that best suits their needs and convictions.
Implications for Grief and Mourning
Cremation has significant implications for grief and mourning. While the traditional funeral typically provides an opportunity for the family of the deceased to grieve and mourn in the traditional manner, a service with a cremated body does not. This can be difficult for many people, as the traditional ways of grieving and mourning are no longer available.
For relatives and friends of the deceased who choose to cremate, it is important to recognize that the grief process may be different from that of a traditional funeral. People may feel more pressure to move through the process quickly, as they may feel insecure or guilty about their decision to cremate. In such situations, it is important to offer optional methods of grief and mourning that do not involve a traditional funeral ceremony.
Implications for the Environment
The process of Cremation has significant environmental implications as well. The process requires large amounts of energy, as well as special facilities and equipment, which can contribute to air and water pollution. Additionally, the body releases a number of toxins while being cremated, which can contribute to further environmental damage if not properly managed.
Cremation can also have a negative economic impact in certain regions. The process can be more expensive than a traditional burial, which can place an additional financial burden on families who choose the option. Additionally, the increased demand for cremation can lead to an increased demand for resources, such as energy and water, which could lead to shortages in certain areas.
Legacy of the Deceased
The legacy of the deceased is another important consideration when it comes to Cremation. Traditional methods of mourning, such as visiting the grave of a loved one, are no longer available with Cremation. Additionally, some religions view Cremation as a spiritual or moral failing, leading to feelings of guilt and regret in those who choose the option.
For this reason, it is important to consider how the individual’s legacy will be preserved after their death, regardless of whether a traditional funeral or Cremation is chosen. This could include activities such as writing memories of the deceased, sharing stories or photos, or creating an online memorial page. Such activities can help to ensure that the individual’s legacy lives on, regardless of whether a Cremation or traditional funeral is chosen.
