Should we burn the dead?

Question

The viking practice of boat / pyres. I think it would be one of the best ways to deal with corpses. Plus it has great symbolic imagery. but what are you thoughts?

should we burn the dead?

Answer 1

This is one among many possible funerary rituals for disposition of remains. Here are some common ways found in the world:

--cremation (burning remains, whether in a crematorium or on a pyre or burning-ground);
--immurement (putting remains behind a wall, as in a tomb);
--burial (putting remains in the ground; what is known in mortuary science as "earth burial," a very poetic term in a very unpoetic profession);
--enskyment (offering remains to birds of prey to be devoured, as in the "Towers of Silence" of Indian Parsees);
--submersion (burial at sea, as in many naval ceremonies, or in a river, such as the Ganges).

Any of these is viable if they reflect the wishes of the dead person & more importantly the cultural values of the person's survivors. The primary purpose, after all, of any funerary rite is not disposal of remains per se, but rather to facilitate appropriate and healthy grief in survivors of the deceased.

Regarding your desire for cremation by pyre or burning boat (the latter, by the way, may astonish you in terms of cost), this may or may not be legal in your location. Mortuary practices permitted by law vary by state in the USA, and of course may be different also in other countries. You may be able to specify this practice in your will; speak with your legal counsel if this is your preferred method. Obviously, to have your wishes implemented, you will need to have a conversation with your legal next of kin or the person who will be making your funeral arrangements.

Of course one *may* burn the dead. But "should," as your question asks, suggests that other methods of remains disposition are in some way wrong or inferior. That misses the point; there is no one right way, only the way most consistent with the spiritual, cultural, and personal views of the decedent and the survivors.

Answer 2

I feel that cremation is the best option because it saves space. As 1 or more people have already pointed out, we waste a lot of land for burial. After just a generation or two, the grave visitations slow or stop... although I guess graveyards still make interesting places to visit for historical reasons. But is the total land usage (worldwide) worth that?

For all its benefits, cremation can sometimes result in emotional distress for the surviving relatives, friends, and companions. As long as people can see the body (when appropriate) and say their goodbyes, most of that problem is solved. However, some people like to have a place they can go to know that they're near the body of their loved one. For some, being at the site where the ashes were scattered is enough, but for others, it is not.

Another problem exists for some Christians. The Bible says that in the end, the dead will rise up from the ground and be restored to life. (Sorry, I don't know the exact quote, but it's from the book of Revelations.) For Christians who take the Bible literally, cremation complicates this issue because it destroys the body entirely, and since it's not interred, it can't "rise up from the ground."

Also, some people want their bodies to go on as if they never died. These people fear death and/or their physical disappearance from this world. These people are very attached to their physical identity, and will go to great lengths to have their body preserved. For them, cremation isn't a comforting thought... although, it won't matter much to them after they've died. ;-)

Otherwise, the symbolism and imagery of funeral pyres can be satisfying to the survivors, depending on their views and culture. (Pyres, however, are wasteful of wood... but that's another topic.)

Ultimately, it all depends on the wishes of the deceased and the surviving family & loved ones.

Answer 3

Some religions think that to do such is to pretty much doom a person to hell or non-existence.

Others just want their corpse to exist so they can always be a part of this world.

Personally, I like the idea of burning the dead: reduce overall space, and return more of their mass to the planet where it can be used to create useful things. Like holes in the oozone layer. Wait huh?

Answer 4

an emphatic yes!!!!! Why waste ground on the dead when eventually we would need the ground for food for the living. We could also keep the ashes in an urn like alot of people, if you feel inclined to always be close to them somehow, or spread the ashes back to the earth or space or eventually other places.

Answer 5

I've got nothing against an orderly cremation...but the thought of going for a walk along the city river greenways and bumping into dozens of half-burned stiffs and yachts...gives me the creeps.

(Sometimes I wonder if Soyent Green might be the answer.)

Answer 6

Sounds like a good idea to me. Instead of spending money for a casket and all that, just send them out on a burning wood boat. You get to feed the fish after death!

Answer 7

Yes ... why keep taking up ground with a bunch of dead bodies - that's just gross. Wouldn't want to burn them in the water and pollute that either though.

Answer 8

Absolutely. I think graveyards are beautiful, but really are a waste of valuable land. I also like the idea of a green funeral ~~~ like Nate had in the series "Six Feet Under".

Answer 9

I think the manner of burial, cremation, or donation to science should be a decision that is stipulated in each person's will. As for me, I want all of my viable organs donated to those who need them. I don't care if the rest of my body is burned or buried - it doesn't matter!

Answer 10

Its the ONLY way...the moribund idea of burying a body that is espoused by theism is an ancient practise that has come and gone.
Why let worms eat your eyes out.....burn em all!