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What Does the Bible Say About Cremation? – Viral Believer
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What Does the Bible Say About Cremation?

Introduction

Cremation has become an increasingly popular method of disposing of a deceased body in recent years. As a Christian, you may be wondering if cremation is a viable option for you or if it goes against biblical teachings.

While the Bible does not explicitly address cremation, there are biblical perspectives and theological considerations to take into account when making a personal decision.

In this blog post, we will examine the biblical perspectives on burial and cremation, as well as the arguments for and against cremation from a biblical perspective. We will also delve into the theological considerations that Christians may want to take into account when considering cremation or traditional burial.

By exploring these topics, we hope to provide insight and guidance to Christians who are grappling with this personal decision.

Ultimately, the decision to choose cremation or traditional burial should be a personal one made after careful consideration of biblical perspectives, theological considerations, and personal preferences.

It is important to remember that the focus should be on honoring the memory of the deceased and celebrating their life, regardless of the method of disposing of the body. By exploring these topics, we hope to provide insight and guidance to Christians who are grappling with this personal decision.

cremation in the Bible

Understanding Cremation

It is essential to understand what cremation is and how it works before considering it as an option. Cremation involves exposing a deceased body to high temperatures (usually between 1400-2100 degrees Fahrenheit) in a cremation chamber.

The process takes several hours, after which the remains are reduced to bone fragments that are then processed into a fine powder called “cremains.” These cremains can be stored in an urn, scattered in a designated area, or buried.

Biblical Perspectives on Burial and Cremation

Burial in the Old Testament

In the Old Testament, burial was the most common method of disposing of a deceased body. There are numerous examples of burial practices in the Old Testament, and these are some of the significant ones:

  • Abraham: In Genesis 25:9, we learn that Abraham was buried by his sons, Isaac and Ishmael, in the cave of Machpelah.
  • Sarah: In Genesis 23:19-20, we learn that Sarah was buried in the cave of Machpelah.
  • Moses: Deuteronomy 34:6 tells us that God buried Moses in a valley in the land of Moab.

Burial in the New Testament

In the New Testament, we see that burial was still the most common method of disposing of a deceased body. These are some of the significant examples:

  • Jesus: In John 19:41-42, we learn that Jesus was buried in a tomb after his crucifixion.
  • Stephen: In Acts 8:2, we learn that devout men buried Stephen and mourned for him.
  • Dorcas: In Acts 9:37, we learn that when Dorcas died, her body was washed and laid in an upper room.

Cremation in the Bible

The Bible mentions cremation in a few places. These are some of the significant examples:

  • Saul and his sons: In 1 Samuel 31:12, we learn that the men of Jabesh Gilead took the bodies of Saul and his sons, burned them, and then buried their bones under a tree.
  • Achan and his family: In Joshua 7:25, we learn that Achan, along with his sons, daughters, and livestock, was stoned to death and then burned with fire.

It is important to note that cremation was not a common practice in biblical times, and traditional burial was the norm. The examples of cremation in the Bible are rare and are not explicitly endorsed or condemned.

Arguments for and Against Cremation from a Biblical Perspective

Arguments in Favor of Cremation

Some Christians argue that a cremation is a viable option for the following reasons:

  • Practicality and Affordability: Cremation is often more practical and affordable than a traditional burial.
  • Lack of Scriptural Prohibition: The Bible does not prohibit cremation explicitly.
  • No Effect on the Resurrection of the Body: Some Christians believe that the resurrection of the body will happen regardless of whether the body is buried or cremated.

Arguments Against Cremation

Other Christians argue that cremation is not a viable option for the following reasons:

  • Respect for the Body: The body is considered to be the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), and some Christians believe that cremation is disrespectful to the body.
  • Symbolism of Burial: Burial is seen as a symbolic act of returning the body to the earth from which it was created (Genesis 3:19).
  • Historical Christian Tradition: Traditional burial has been the most common method of disposing of the body for thousands of years, and some Christians argue that it is best to stick to this tradition.

Theological Considerations

Aside from the practical and personal reasons for or against cremation, there are theological considerations to take into account as a Christian.

The Bible teaches that the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit and should be treated with respect and reverence (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Furthermore, the Bible emphasizes the resurrection of the body and the hope of eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:51-57).

While the Bible does not explicitly prohibit cremation, some Christians may view it as contrary to these theological considerations. However, others may view cremation as a viable option that does not conflict with these teachings.

Making a Personal Decision

Ultimately, the decision to choose cremation or traditional burial should be a personal one made after careful consideration of biblical perspectives and theological considerations.

It is essential to consult with your religious leader or representative to gain a better understanding of your church’s stance on the subject. Some churches may have specific requirements for burial or cremation, so it is important to consult with them before making a decision.

Regardless of the method of disposing of the body, it is important to remember that the focus should be on honoring the memory of the deceased and celebrating their life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the Bible does not explicitly prohibit cremation, Christians may have different perspectives on the subject.

As we have seen, there are arguments for and against cremation from a biblical perspective, and there are also theological considerations that Christians may want to take into account.

Ultimately, the decision to choose cremation or traditional burial should be a personal one made after careful consideration of these factors.

Regardless of the method of disposing of the body, it is essential to remember that the focus should be on honoring the memory of the deceased and celebrating their life.

As Christians, we should treat the body with respect and reverence, as it is considered to be the temple of the Holy Spirit. By doing so, we can also find comfort and hope in the promise of the resurrection of the body and the hope of eternal life.

We hope that this post has provided helpful insights and guidance to Christians who are grappling with the personal decision of choosing cremation or traditional burial.

It is important to seek guidance from your religious leader or representative and to consider your personal preferences and circumstances when making this decision. By doing so, you can honor the memory of your loved ones and celebrate their life in a way that is meaningful to you.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.