Cremation

[msjones21]

I've heard more than once in Protestant circles that cremation is a sin. Is there a particular verse in the Bible that mentions cremation instead of a burial is a sin? Thanks!

 

[MsAnne]

I am Protestant, and my family (and church) believes cremation is perfectly acceptable. I know there are valid reasons some believe otherwise. It can be a passionate issue. I would never force my opinion on cremation upon someone else, but as for me, there is no spiritual implication against it.

 

[Jacob4Jesus]

This is an important issue for me, because I don't think my dead body should take up space on the earth. I would rather return to the world as ashes. I guess I am sort of curious how it might be considered a sin.

 

[cleopa_of_emmaus]

The Catholic Church used to say that cremation was unacceptable. This was due to the fact that some folks were being cremated out of spite in order to show their denial of a bodily resurrection. That position has changed.

I am sure that there are some Protestants who base their beliefs about cremation on that same principle.

Personally, I'm with you Jacob...I'd rather be cremated. Who wants to be embalmed so that they can stay fresh for the next 100 years. If they won't allow me to be buried directly in the earth so I can return to the "dust", then I will opt for cremation. Unfortunately, many municipalities have ordinances against being buried without a crypt,etc...so it looks like I will opt for cremation.

I don't think God will have much of a problem putting me back together should the need arise. (pun intended)

~cleopa

 

[msjones21]

Thanks for the answers. I was wondering where some people got that idea from. Personally, I want to be buried above-ground in New Orleans. LOL

 

[Bouillant Achille]

Actually, I would imagine, and I'm not quoting any line of doctrine or anything, but I would venture to say that its perhaps out of respect for our bodies. Just as we wouldn't dismember the dead to fit in small compartments, maybe it's best to dump the corpse into the ground and let the earth have it.

My only problem with the burial option is that eventually, in so many thousands of years, the cemetaries will have grown to make more room for the dead, until the entire world is one huge necropolis, with tombs stretching on for miles. The necropolis contains millions upon millions of those diseased who need a burial plot -
And the living will have no room to live!

 

[TheThinman]

Thats a downright creepy thought . "Be careful where you step, youll dis-respect the dead" As you walk through the mall parking lot.
Seriously though, I've never seen anything in scripture that would make cremation anti God, for lack of a better term (Im tired, its late here). In fact the only reason I ever have considered a burial is because its just a tradition. Recently I have thought to myself "Why not cremation?" After all, when you die your not there anymore. Just an empty shell.