Soulmate Gem
Photo by Suraphat Nuea-on Pexels Logo Photo: Suraphat Nuea-on

Does God forgive cremation?

New Testament Since the Bible does not ban nor promote cremation, most Christian denominations do not consider cremation to be sinful.

What should you not do when a loved one dies?
What should you not do when a loved one dies?

3 Things You Should NOT Do After Someone Dies Don't make big decisions that you are not required to make. ... Don't make major purchases. ... Don't...

Read More »
Who had the most kids ever?
Who had the most kids ever?

Valentina Vassilyev and her husband Feodor Vassilyev are alleged to hold the record for the most children a couple has produced. She gave birth to...

Read More »

For many years, the traditional funeral service and burial of a loved one involved several important items, including:

embalming of the body,

a casket and vault,

facilities for a visitation or viewing,

a burial plot or crypt,

a headstone and grave liner, if needed.

But as far back as the turn of the 20th century, the other option for disposal of human remains, known as cremation, became known as a legitimate and less-costly option. Embalming and other burial items are not needed for cremains and the simplicity of the cremation attracted interest. Today, cremation is fast becoming the preferred practice for sending off a loved one after death. But, the legitimacy of this method confuses many people of faith, who often look to the Bible to find what Scripture says about cremation. What does the bible say about cremation? Let’s look at a few key things to understand.

What Does the Bible Say About Cremation?

There is next-to-nothing mentioned about cremation in the Bible.

Both Old and New Testament passages refer to burial as the standard practice for the Israelites and the early Christians. Rather than seen as a standard for most people of biblical times, cremation was often a form of punishment.

Old Testament

In Genesis, the first book of the Bible, we find the words “ashes to ashes, dust to dust,” which many people interpret as a biblical license to burn a dead body as an alternative to burial. But many scholars believe that this passage is only saying that our bodies will eventually become dust after we die, regardless of our burial method. The first actual mention of cremation in the Bible is 1 Samuel 31: 11-13 where Saul and his sons are burned and then their bones buried after terrible ravages were inflicted on their bodies. But this was probably done for sanitary reasons rather than religious ones.

New Testament

There are no cremation bible verses in the New Testament either, although certain verses describe how the resurrection will change our mortal bodies at the end of time and reunite them with our spirit. Since the Bible does not ban nor promote cremation, most Christian denominations do not consider cremation to be sinful. The Catholic church, however, held an opposing view for many years.

So, what does the Bible say about cremation? Not much.

Cremation and the Catholic Church

What does the Catholic Church say about cremation?

For much of its history, the Catholic Church banned cremation for Catholics. Catholics were to believe that man, created in the likeness of God, could not experience resurrection at the end of time unless their bodies were “intact.” Cremation was also banned to counter Roman pagan beliefs, which involved burning deceased bodies. But, along with other major changes in the Catholic Church, cremation was approved for use in 1963, and in 1997, allowed for cremated remains to be a part of the funeral mass, if these remains are treated with the same reverence as a body.

Is soulmate a lover?
Is soulmate a lover?

In current usage, "soulmate" usually refers to a romantic or platonic partner, with the implication of an exclusive lifelong bond. It commonly...

Read More »
Why do guys smell so good?
Why do guys smell so good?

The answer has to do with hormones—specifically, pheromones. “Pheromones are chemicals that animals and humans produce, which change and influence...

Read More »

In today’s Catholic practice, the body is a “holy temple,” and a person’s soul will rise at the end of time if the body becomes cremains. The Church earnestly recommends that the pious custom of burying the bodies of the deceased be observed; nevertheless, the Church does not prohibit cremation unless it was chosen for reasons contrary to Christian doctrine. TITLE III. ECCLESIASTICAL FUNERALS (Cann. 1176.3) Code of Canon Law – Book IV – Function of the Church – Liber – IV. De Ecclesiae munere sanctificandi (Cann. 1166-1190)

https://www.vatican.va/archive/cod-iuris-canonici/eng/documents/cic_lib4-cann1166-1190_en.html

The acceptance of cremation within the Catholic Church has given Catholics the option of a more affordable, yet still dignified and holy, alternative to burial.

Cremation Options to Help the Living

Although not a biblical issue, many faiths prefer a traditional burial in order to comfort those left behind by the deceased. The opportunity to say a physical farewell to a loved one in a casket is important to many families and provides a certain sense of closure. The dignity of the human body is also important for many people of faith, and the idea of burning someone immediately after death can be frightening to some. Cremation providers are addressing these needs with options that allow for funeral services before or after cremation. If a viewing or visitation is the preferred choice, one can rent a casket for that purpose, and the body cremated afterward. A newer trend in cremation services is “green” or eco-friendly cremations, which take a cleaner approach to the production of ashes. Even more recent are “water cremations” which involve no flame at all. Instead, an alkali water solution is used as a natural decomposing agent for the body. For those concerned with the environmental impact of traditional burials, green cremation is an ideal plan.

Benefits of Cremation Today

Cremation has been a burial alternative throughout history and is more of a philosophical and cultural issue, rather than a biblical one. While a few religions, such as Islam and Orthodox Judaism reject cremation, others have loosened their restrictions, and regard cremation as a spiritually sound process. Today’s cremation services take into account the desires of both the deceased and the living and offer enough flexibility to provide for appropriate closure, grieving, and prayer. Cremation costs less and uses fewer materials than a burial. It’s an ecologically sound method of dealing with remains that respect the importance of the human body, as well as the care of the earth. Because we live in a transient society, more people are dying away from home, and the cost to transport a body can be prohibitive. For this reason, many families choose to have a direct cremation conducted at the place of death and then arrange to ship or carry the cremains back home–an even more affordable option.

How do you touch a boy while hugging?
How do you touch a boy while hugging?

Wrap one hand behind his back, just above his butt. Place the other hand around his neck so that your fingers rest where his neck meets his...

Read More »
Who should Aries marry?
Who should Aries marry?

High Aries Compatibility: Gemini, Leo, and Sagittarius There are three star signs with whom Aries' compatibility naturally soars: Gemini, Leo,...

Read More »

More on the Bible and Cremation Options

You can read more about the Bible and cremation history here in this article.

What Does the Bible Say about Cremation?

Funerals are meant for the living as a chance to celebrate the life of their loved ones who have passed. It is a chance to remember, respect, and reminisce their lives. It is also a reminder that we are ultimately in God’s hands.

https://www.christianity.com/wiki/christian-life/what-does-the-bible-say-about-cremation.html

The FAQs: What Christians Should Know About Cremation

For the first time in history, a majority of Americans have chosen cremation rather than burial.

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/the-faqs-what-christians-should-know-about-cremation/

Can You Still Go to Heaven If You’re Cremated?

“Does the Bible forbid cremation? This has been a controversial topic in our family recently, because an aunt of mine died not long ago and directed that her body be cremated. One of our cousins, however, claims the Bible says you can’t go to heaven if you’re cremated. Is he right?”

https://billygraham.org/answer/a-family-member-of-mine-claims-the-bible-says-you-cant-go-to-heaven-if-youre-cremated/

Cremation: A Biblical Perspective – Focus on the Family”

Does the Bible have anything to say about cremation? My spouse and I have been discussing our final will and testament, including our personal preferences regarding funeral arrangements. I feel strongly that cremation is the best way to go, but my husband says that it’s a “pagan” practice. He claims that the Bible condemns it. In particular, he says it’s sacrilegious to destroy the body by fire since as Christians we look forward to the hope of resurrection at the end of the age. What’s your perspective?

https://www.focusonthefamily.com/family-qa/cremation-a-biblical-perspective/

If the question, “What does the Bible say about cremation?” has been answered for you, it is wise to begin making an end-of-life plan for yourself or a loved one now. If the benefits of working with a professional cremation service to plan your end-of-life services appeal to you, contact us to find out the latest options available in respectful and eco-friendly cremation options.

Are you allowed to cry when someone dies?
Are you allowed to cry when someone dies?

Not only is it okay to cry when someone dies, but it's also almost essential as an outlet to releasing pent-up emotion. Sometimes when someone...

Read More »
How can I be intimate without touching?
How can I be intimate without touching?

Non-sexual but physically intimate ways to show your appreciation for a partner include: Caressing your partner's cheek. Cuddling with one another....

Read More »
What is the 3 powerful zodiac signs?
What is the 3 powerful zodiac signs?

3 Most Powerful and Charismatic Zodiac Signs on the Planet #1 - Leo. Leo is the lion of the jungle and one of the most influential signs in the...

Read More »
Can a 50 year old fall in love?
Can a 50 year old fall in love?

You are never too old to fall in love and so many people nowadays are finding love again or even for the first time after the age of fifty. Dating...

Read More »