what's your stand or beliefs on blood donation, organ donation & cremation?

Question

do some belief or religion forbid all 3? what your say on this?

Answer 1

I find nothing in the Bible that would prevent you from being an organ donor, and if your family agrees with your decision, then I would encourage you to do so.

In fact, doing this could be an important way to help someone facing a serious medical condition. Although you would never meet that person in this life, think of what your donation could mean to them. At least it could give that person a better quality of life—and in some instances could even mean the difference between life and death. The Bible says, "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people" (Galatians 6:10).

Your question, however, touches on another issue that concerns me greatly—and that is the number of people who are killed or seriously injured in traffic accidents. One reason you were asked to indicate on your driver's license if you were willing to be an organ donor is because tens of thousands of people die on our roads every year—and you could be one of them. Ask God, therefore, to make you a better driver. This is just as much a God-given responsibility as any other.

Above all, remember that organ transplants may delay death for a time—but Christ offers us "an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you" (1 Peter 1:4). Is your faith and hope in Him?
The Bible does not give specific directions for the disposal of the body following death. Bible-era practices are described in Unger's Bible Dictionary as follows: "Interment in Bible times followed soon after death, as is evident in the narratives of the burial of Sarah (Genesis 23:1-20), Rachel (Genesis 35:19-20), and Rebekah's nurse (Genesis 35:8). The Hebrews did not normally cremate, except in most unusual cases of emergency, as in the case of Saul and his sons (1 Samuel 31:11-13). Later Babylonians burned their dead and deposited their ashes in ornate funerary urns, as did Greeks and Romans. Hebrews in later time, indicated by the numerous ossuaries found in New Testament Palestine, also practiced cremation."

Christians will want to show respect for the body. Even though the essential person or spirit has moved on to an eternal destiny, the body is the tangible reminder of all that person meant to us. In addition, the body is destined for resurrection, transformation, and reunion with the spirit at Christ's return. Whether burial or cremation best expresses that appropriate respect is a very personal decision. The wishes of other close family members and friends should also be considered in any decision because they are the ones who will live with the decision and with the memories.

At the resurrection it will not make any difference whether a person's body has been buried or cremated. God knows how to raise the body, either in the resurrection of life or the resurrection of condemnation (John 5:28-29). The new body of a Christian will be a radically changed and glorified body like the body of the exalted Christ. It will be an eternal, spiritual body never again to experience weakness, disease, suffering, or death (1 Corinthians 15:35-54 and Philippians 3:20-21).

Answer 2

I'm an organ donor. How can it be easier to help people than to do so after you are dead, and yet perhaps allow someone else to live. Obviously I have no religious motivation - it is simple utilitarianism in action. I can achieve great benefit for others with no loss of benefit to myself or anyone else. Anyone who does not want to be an organ donor is simply irrational. Even for religious types surely what is important is the soul not the body - how can it be bad not to help others when the alternative is simply garbage disposal in one way or another? Then again it's kind of like the religious worry about using unimplanted fertilized embryos from fertility clinics for research. The alternative there is the dumpster but still it's a problem to save lives for some wacked out reason. No doubt there is an equally silly worry about organ donations from some sect or other.

Answer 3

Short of a national emergency, I believe it should be a personal decision whether to donate blood or be an organ donor. I personally consider it a moral duty to give blood at least once a year, and I am an organ donor. I have also chosen cremation as my preferred method of disposing of my body after I'm dead and after all usable organs have been put to good use, but that's just a choice. I have nothing against burial except that it is a waste of space and involves what I consider unnecessary expenses.

I don't know of any religion that forbids all three. I know some orthodox Jews are particular about having all their body parts buried together, and their families sometimes have trouble retrieving their bloodstained clothes from emergency rooms. These apparently must be buried with them.

Answer 4

I cannot donate my blood or my organs because of my chemotherapy. It is for life, therefore, I am no longer a candidate. I do, however, still carry my organ donor card...I've had it for years and old habits die hard.

I can't stand the thoughts of being buried...too confining...I'm claustrophobic. I hope to be cremated, my spirit rising with the smoke on the wind...

Such small things, being able to help others with donations. More people should be willing. 6 of 10, you failed to mention bone marrow donation...hardly anyone ever thinks of it. That's a true life saving gift for so many.

Have a great day.

atheist

Answer 5

I give blood on a regular basis. It's only a small inconvenience, but can save a life. I carry my signed donor card at all times. Should I die in an unfortunate accident, I don't need my organs anymore. But if someone can use them, they're welcome to them.

I don't really know about cremation. I haven't really made up my mind about it for myself. I don't see anything wrong with it. I'll probably end up being cremated since what I'd really like can't be done. I'd much rather become fertilizer when I die.

Answer 6

There are indeed some folks who would forbid all three.

It's a personal choice, I guess.

But as for me....I see no prohibition for any of them, in either Holy Scripture, Holy Tradition or Holy Reason.

I donate blood, I have received blood, I am an organ-donor and I have it in my Last Will and Testament that I am to be cremated.

Answer 7

well, I do know that the Jahovah witnesses prohibit the eating of blood according to Levitcus 7:26,27 .. I find alot of inconsistancies in that belief system though, because that verse also says " don't eat fat " 7: 23,24 . The argument is that blood is the life sorce , .But blood transfusion is an act of mercy that replenishes the " life sorce " for another human being . My attentions are not to make anyone angry, but that religeon is natorious for omitting words, and even passages .Why do Watchtower leaders prohibit blood transfusions but allow for the eating of fat ? Since the medical profession is unanimous that blood is not taken into the body as food to digest but simply replenishes essential, life- sustaining fluid, is is not patently clear that a transfusion is different from eating ? Also if you take a closer look , and not take the opionion of man, you will see that in leviticus 7.that that is talking about animal blood. Not human ..Also in Gen. chapter 9, it is refering to animal blood. Look and see for yourself .

Answer 8

Blood and organ donation has been debated in Islam and has come to the conclusion that it is for the benefit of others and of no harm, therefore it is prefered you do so.

Cremation is a big no no . Mainly because certain pagan beliefs support it on the basis that they think they will not be judged in the hereafter and they wish to be apart of the soil or mother nature.

There are other wierd reasons ofcourse. But my body is precious and Id rather rot than be cremated.

Some people even do it out of disbelief in God.

The Quran mentions that in the olden days people used to mock the concept of Judgement Day and would burn their dead so God would not be able to bring them to Justice on that day. :( Course thats a huge mockery of Gods capacity to bring anyout out of nothing. So it doesnt go well with us Muslims.

Peace out

Answer 9

I donate my blood, because it is necessary to do so.

I am not an organ donor. I'm not against it, it just freaks me out a little bit to have someone poking around inside of me after I die. Other than the funeral director, of course - he's cool.

Cremation I'm not sure about. I can understand why people might want it, and I know it conserves land, but I don't think I'll be doing it.

Answer 10

I'm not against giving blood or organs. I know that when I am resurrected I will be given a glorified body.

I'm on the fence about cremation. I know that I will not do it, but I am not ready to say that it's right or wrong.