Considering arrangements for your burial? Concerned about the cost of traditional burial? Recently attended a funeral where a friend or loved one was cremated? Been taught that Christians do not cremate? Let’s talk about it
Can a Christian be cremated?
The scriptures do not give a definitive answer to this question. Therefore, we should seek to understand why Christians traditionally have not practiced cremation. Then we should think about how our culture has changed and consider the implications of that change as Christian people makes these decisions in the freedom that is theirs in Christ Jesus.
What was the Traditional Practice of Christians?
Traditionally, Christians have not been cremated. This is based on several facts including the following list:
- In ancient Israel, sepulchers (tombs or vaults) were used for burial; cremation was shunned. Most other pagan neighbors used cremation. Burial set the people of God apart. It was one of many ways they made clear that God’s people were different.
- All of the most important Biblical figures described are buried and those accounts are recorded for us.
- Burning of bodies and objects in ancient Israel were mostly reserved for idols, the immoral, criminals or enemies. (cf. Genesis 38:24, Exodus 32:20, Leviticus 20:14, Leviticus 21:9, Numbers 16:35, Deuteronomy 7:25, Joshua 7:15-25, Acts 19:19, Revelation 20:15)
- St. Paul’s symbolism in 1 Corinthians 15:35-44 suggests burial. “What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable.â€
- Christian belief in the resurrection of the body has led them to take great care of deceased bodies.
What has changed?
Cremation is no longer just a practice of pagans. There is no longer any shame in being burned or cremated after death. No one is punished by cremation in our society. Therefore, a lot of the negative associations once held culturally with cremation is no longer present. Therefore, a Christian does not necessarily give any wrong witness by being cremated. No one assumes that one being cremated is any different than one being buried in our day.
What other considerations should be made?
As we have noted, there is no definite prohibition in the scriptures or Christian theology against being cremated. One should consider the reasons that Christians have traditionally been buried and weigh them against our current cultural understandings. However, at least equally as important is the consideration of those left behind. Funeral services are primarily for those left here. Therefore, this decision should not be made primarily in line with the desires of the individual being buried or cremated, but rather with the desires of those left behind. Therefore, every person should discuss this decision with their family and friends. Any resistance to cremation from loved one should be taken seriously. Remember, they are the ones who will see what is done, not you.
What about the resurrection of the body?
One of the reasons Christians have traditionally chosen to be buried is as a witness to their belief in the resurrection. It shows that they believe that God will raise these remains up on the last day and transform them into new bodies. Treating the body with utmost respect therefore has been traditionally understood as important. And this should not be quickly dismissed. However, it must be noted that God will resurrect the remains of all people regardless of how their bodies are dealt with at death. However, if one thinks they will be cremated believing that they will only be spirit or soul from the point of their death on, this is not consistent with Christian’s belief in the resurrection of the body. Such a statement should be met with teaching. The teaching of the resurrection of the body must be retained regardless of what decision is made about cremation.
Does it cost less?
While cremation can be cheaper, it all depends on the options that one chooses in connection with either option. Once again, the desires of loved ones should be placed above financial choices when making this decision. Any psychologist or pastor can tell you that funerals are valuable events for those left behind and saving money should not be the first concern when deciding.
What if I prefer my ashes to be scattered somewhere?
First, ashes cannot be legally scattered everywhere. In no state is it legal to scatter remains on private property without permission from the property owner. Many parks also have rules and permit requirements so you will want to check into the requirements. Once again, your preferences should be only secondary to those of your loved ones. And also again, you desire to scatter your ashes should not be based on a misunderstanding or disbelief in the resurrection of the body.
How do I finally make this decision?
As mentioned above, you should talk to loved ones about this decision. Then you should discuss your options and the associated cost with a licensed mortician. Finally, your Pastor is available to help with such decisions. Regardless of whether you seek his counsel, it would be appropriate to let your Pastor know of your desires.
First of all, a typo, in your first bullet point. “one of many”, not “one of man”.
Do you make anything of cremation reserved for heretics whose bodies were burnt as a foreshadowing of the eternal fires of hell?
And I wish to contend with one of your assertions:
“No one assumes that one being cremated is any different than one being buried in our day.”
Personally, I find little to commend cremation. But many people do make an assumption that cremation is more self-less; it costs less (and therefore is better for the family), there’s not enough room for burial (so I’ll take up less space).
A key point I object to: Cremation is a valid way to care for the body. The evidence I have in contrary is second-hand and anecdotal: the process of cremation is more involved than just burning the body. The ashes are all ground up (with a blender sometimes) in order to remove identifiable body parts. And the burning process includes portions of the body being stuck in the oven. This evidence is from a class-mate who was given a tour of a new crematorium while on vicarage. Treating the remains this way is not a valid way to care for the body.
As Americans, we have sanitized death to a point it doesn’t seem real. As American Christians, this plays into the neo-Platonic gnostic tendencies to paint the soul as the important, significant part of the person who escapes to heaven. With cremation, there isn’t even a body around! Who died? What evidence is there that death is a real enemy that needs a real savior? We sweep it away into a little glass jar and put in on the mantle, so that the person can “live on in our hearts.”
Along these lines, I would promote burial and even lowering the casket into the grave during the committal as tangible evidence of death striking and the anticipation of the resurrection. There is something final about seeing the casket lowered into the ground with the words “We commit the body of our brother to the earth in the sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life.”
I think the funeral home director might be leery of me stopping by to visit. And my wife knows and shares my opinions concerning a funeral if I should die (almost used a gnostic euphemism).
I have been properly chastised for the tone of my comment earlier. I have spoken too stridently and have openly disagreed with a brother pastor before his congregation over an issue that has room for discussion and disagreement. I ask for your forgiveness Phil and ask that the comment be pulled down. If there is a way to edit it, please let me know so that I may speak more peaceably.
Jon – I took no offense. I just saw it as a spirited response which I wanted to respond to properly when I have time. If you want me to edit/delete it, I can, but I would rather respond tomorrow when I have some free time. Let me know.
Phil
Jon-
Let me quote you and then respond:
J: First of all, a typo, in your first bullet point. “one of manyâ€, not “one of manâ€.
Me: Only one typo? Surely a record for me. But I have corrected it.
J: Do you make anything of cremation reserved for heretics whose bodies were burnt as a foreshadowing of the eternal fires of hell?
Me: I had not really considered that particularly. Do you have any biblical of historical evidence of this connection or just think it makes common sense?
J: And I wish to contend with one of your assertions:“No one assumes that one being cremated is any different than one being buried in our day.â€Personally, I find little to commend cremation. But many people do make an assumption that cremation is more self-less; it costs less (and therefore is better for the family), there’s not enough room for burial (so I’ll take up less space).
A key point I object to: Cremation is a valid way to care for the body. The evidence I have in contrary is second-hand and anecdotal: the process of cremation is more involved than just burning the body. The ashes are all ground up (with a blender sometimes) in order to remove identifiable body parts. And the burning process includes portions of the body being stuck in the oven. This evidence is from a class-mate who was given a tour of a new crematorium while on vicarage. Treating the remains this way is not a valid way to care for the body.
Me: I understand you point that cremation is done behind doors and is not as simple of a process as one might think. There are things done that might cause one to pause. But truly the same could be said for the process of embalming in modern burial practices. Furthermore, while we put people in caskets meant to preserve the body for as long as possible, the more normal way of burial throughout the ages left the body vulnerable to water, bugs, animals, etc. Again not something that seems like good care of the body. In Jesus’ day they left the body to decompose in a cave until it was just basically bones and then put the bones in a box from what I understand. And we can never forget, the first description of death in the bible is to return to dust. God created from dust. And he will recreate from dust on the last day. So we have to be careful not to suggest that the scriptural way is to seek to keep the body in tact to the best of our ability. We return to dust and then are raised.
J: As Americans, we have sanitized death to a point it doesn’t seem real. As American Christians, this plays into the neo-Platonic gnostic tendencies to paint the soul as the important, significant part of the person who escapes to heaven. With cremation, there isn’t even a body around! Who died? What evidence is there that death is a real enemy that needs a real savior? We sweep it away into a little glass jar and put in on the mantle, so that the person can “live on in our hearts.â€
Me: I agree with your premise about sanitizing death, but I am not sure cremation is any more sanitary than burial. We do people up so much for burial, the person hardly looks dead. I think all of our modern means deny death’s reality. I will agree personally that for me having the body there does help make it real. But regardless, I would rather have lots of cremations and preaching that proclaims the resurrection of the body than lots of burials and sermons that never speak of the future body which is what I see now. I think pastors must if given the chance talk to those who want cremation to assure that they really do believe in the resurrection of the body. And if they waver and want cremation because they devalue the body, then I would near insist on burial.
J: Along these lines, I would promote burial and even lowering the casket into the grave during the committal as tangible evidence of death striking and the anticipation of the resurrection. There is something final about seeing the casket lowered into the ground with the words “We commit the body of our brother to the earth in the sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life.â€
Me: I like this idea as well but we cannot insist on it. Many funeral homes will hardly even allow other to witness the lowering. I do personally believe burial is better in many ways, but I do not feel I can compel others theologically into one practice or the other.
J:I think the funeral home director might be leery of me stopping by to visit. And my wife knows and shares my opinions concerning a funeral if I should die (almost used a gnostic euphemism).
Me: I hope you do not pass away (couldn’t resist). I like you and would have to find your replacement. 🙂 I do think though we can give good witness to our faith by having these discussions pre-mortem with the funeral home director.
Look forward to your response. – Phil
Phil, I thank you for your pastoral and gentle tone as you address my comment. You have said things in the way that I ought to have done.
I don’t disagree with many of your points. But I will ask the question in this way, what is there to commend cremation? Cost, sometimes. Anything else?
What is there to commend burial? There are many here, especially in regards to a faithful confession of the resurrection, and comforting the grieving in ways that I’m not sure that cremation is capable of.
To respond to a few of your key questions.
Regarding the burning of heretics, I do not have any historical data that it was as an antitype. As to it being reserved for heretics, I am willing to be corrected that cremation was seen in other ways.
Whether a pastor will proclaim the resurrection only when the body has been cremated or unfaithfully speak when the body is there intact, it is a false distinction. Better yet is for the pastor to preach of the resurrection, no matter what form the body is in.
Many of the things that are part of the modern funeral industry is an implicit attempt to deny the harsh reality of death. Embalming is to keep the body from decaying until the funeral can be completed, correct? It is another guess, but the use of incense at the funeral, especially at a Roman Catholic service, is because the body used to stink. You try to hide some of the smell with incense. But now the body doesn’t smell at all, it isn’t allowed to decay. Likewise makeup and fancy caskets. The same reason funeral home directors don’t want anyone around when the casket is lowered. Sometimes they get stuck or something happens. Death is messy. Death is terrible. So we hide it away, so that we don’t have to face up to our own mortality. Against this backdrop, the promise of the resurrection stands all the more boldly. Death is terrible, the resurrection all the more powerful. When we minimize death, the resurrection can become an afterthought too quickly.
This is not to say that I want funerals with unprepared bodies. And I have done as many services with cases of cremation as I have burial. But I see a slow turning of perspective on death and funerals that ultimately deny death. And so I speak up against that change, warning the church not to be complicit in denying the evil that is death.
A honest question. Do you know when the phrase “ashes to ashes” was first used in the funeral/committal rite? Is there anywhere in scripture that speaks this way? I do not have my agenda at hand, but I stick to the phrase “dust to dust” (similarly with the Ash Wednesday rite)
In my first comment I wrote “if I die.” The only way this can be properly understood is in the anticipation of Christ’s return before that time. More properly, “when I die” If that happens while you have oversight, please have the preacher preach the resurrection, not some simple “now he’s in heaven” bit.
Fascinating article. A dear friend of mine just died (suddenly) and was cremated. I’d never realized before how much a visitation and/or the physical presence of a body/casket at the funeral was important to me. But it’s also made me start thinking about burial vs. cremation. I also just visited the coast of Oregon where there is a lighthouse that has been repurposed as a columbarium, which is a fantastic repurposing in my opinion. I appreciate your willingness to examine long-held beliefs and hold them up against scripture too 🙂