When a loved one passes, it’s essential to consider their final wishes when deciding what to do with the body. This can be heavily influenced by religion, and in accordance with customs, many Catholics choose burials as opposed to cremation. But what exactly does the Bible say about the cremation process? Some have questioned its alignment with biblical teachings, citing various reasons. In this post, we’ll explore this topic in detail, examining what the Bible says about cremation and its significance as an accepted form of being laid to rest.
Cremation and Burial Practices in Biblical Times
Cremation was not as common in biblical times as it is today. When someone died, the process mainly consisted of burials in tombs. It typically went as follows:
- Preparing the Body: Unlike today, there were no chemicals to prevent decay before embalming. People prepared the body by using expensive perfumes such as nard or aloes, wrapping the face and body in cloth, and tying their feet and hands together.
- Visiting the Deceased: Without embalming, deceased bodies were prone to rapid decay, emphasizing the importance of a visitation. These would occur on the day of the burial.
- Procession: Processions were similar in this period to how they are today. Loved ones carried the body of the deceased toward their tomb or grave. There was also evidence of eulogies, with seats surrounding the tombs.
- Burials: The deceased were often placed in a tomb owned by their families, similar to plots in cemeteries.
- Post-Funeral Rites: Neighbours often prepared a meal to share after the funeral. The deceased’s family would take a week to grieve at home, where neighbours would visit them during this time and offer condolences.
Some aspects of this process are similar to Jesus’ death, as described in Matthew 27:57-60, when Joseph, one of Jesus’ disciples, carried his body wrapped in cloth and buried him in a tomb he carved from rock.
Does the Bible Explicitly Address Cremation?
Within the Bible, you will not find any explicit mention of cremation or its prohibition. This leaves room for interpretation. Many who abide by the teachings of the Bible will consider cremation as a part of their wishes when they pass away, but some may hold onto a sense of beliefs related to this process and choose a burial instead.
Key Biblical Principles Relevant to Cremation
Various overarching principles discussed in the Bible could influence a person’s opinion on whether or not cremation is acceptable. It’s crucial to think about these passages, especially if you’re considering cremation for a loved one.
Respect for The Body
Many passages in the Bible regard the human body as God’s temple. One example is Corinthians 3:16-17: “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.”
Resurrection of the Body
Resurrection is mentioned several times throughout the Bible. There is Jesus’ resurrection, a pivotal moment for many Catholics. However, there is mention of resurrection for others as well. Romans 6:4 states, “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”
People may interpret passages that mention humans resurrecting alongside Christ as a reason to be against cremation.
God’s Sovereignty
The Bible mentions God’s ability to resurrect a body regardless of state and how he can raise the deceased from ash or out of traditional burials. In Corinthians 15:52, it’s written: “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.” This could provide comfort related to choosing cremation, that despite what happens to our bodies when we die, God can still resurrect them.
Examples of Cremation or Burning in the Bible
Cremation is mentioned a few times in the Old Testament. In Samuel 31:11-13, the people of Jabesh-Gilead burned the bodies of Saul and his sons. Biblical scholars theorized this was because the Philistines mutilated their bodies. This was done not as an act of aggression or disrespect, nor is it frowned upon in the Old Testament. But it’s important to note that this is a situational instance and not a standard practice in the Bible.
Common Misconceptions About Cremation and Christianity
There have been misconceptions about cremations being inherently unbiblical or disrespectful. But, while many Catholics may prefer burials, cremations have been permitted within the Catholic church since 1963.
The Bible doesn’t explicitly forbid cremation or claim it’s a sin. Some stories involve burning bodies not as a form of punishment but out of necessity. Many elements and stories written in the Bible can be interpreted differently by many people. Notably, how you interpret the Bible may differ from how your loved ones interpret it. Your and your loved ones convictions and faith are what will decide if cremation is the best choice.
Is Cremation a Personal or Doctrinal Decision?
Depending on your personal views and beliefs, cremation can be a difficult decision to make. Based on the doctrine, since cremation has been allowed by the Catholic Church since the 1960s, a doctrinal decision made by the church may be to select either cremation or burial.
Making the decision between cremation and burial will depend on your beliefs and interpretation. The Bible does not prohibit cremation and contains stories akin to burning bodies out of respect. The Bible also mentions resurrection and how a person’s body is sacred, noting God’s power can resurrect a person even from the ashes.
If you’re considering cremation as part of your end-of-life plan or for a loved one, contact us today, and our sympathetic team will happily assist you with advice and support related to this decision.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cremation and Christianity
No, cremation is not explicitly stated as a sin in the Bible.
According to the Bible, Corinthians 15:52 states that the dead will rise when the last trumpet sounds. It describes the dead as “imperishable.” Other versions say the dead will rise “incorruptible,” implying that the body does not need to be intact.
Since 1963, the Catholic Church has permitted cremation, provided the ashes are placed in a cemetery or columbarium within an urn.