Cremation: Does the Bible speak on this issue?

Question

Is there Biblical support one way or the other?

Answer 1

In the Bible cremation is portrayed only as an exceptional method of disposing of bodies. Most often cremation took place in the midst of unusual circumstances. For example, in 1 Samuel 31:12 we read about the men of Jabesh-Gilead who burned the corpses of Saul and his sons in order to prevent desecration of their bodies at the hands of the philistines.
We don't find cremation mentioned in the New Testament. Burial is the normal method. Moreover, the church fathers preferred "the ancient and better custom of burying in the earth."
However, there is no actual prohibition against cremation in the pages of Scripture. And if a Christian does get cremated, this poses no problem for God in resurrecting that person's body from the dead (1Cor 15:42-44).
We read in 2 Cor 5:1, "Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands." It does not matter how our "earthly tent" (body) is destroyed; all that matters is that God will raise it from the dead. Even those who are buiried eventually dissolve into dust and bones. So regardless of whether we're buried or cremated, we can all look forward to a permanent resurrection body that will never be subject to death and decay.

Answer 2

Cremation Only Speeds the Natural Process. If the body will eventually become dust, then why not hasten it? Cremation seems to be an immediate fulfillment of what the Bible forecasts for all mortals. In short, if God ordained the natural process of returning to dust, then how can cremation be against the will of God?

Answer 3

Not really, but it does not matter cremation or burial. It is a cultural thing and not spiritual.
Though there are several examples of burials in the Bible, ultimately the question is is there life after death. And all agree to it but give different meaning.

Answer 4

No. not really.

There have been people who were cremated believing that there was no way God could raise them from the dead.

This is why many christians are against cremation. (Not that they believe that God cannot raise a cremated person, but that it is disrespectful).

But the bible itself does not say either way.

Answer 5

Not really, tradition is the only voice that i know of, and nonbelievers sometimes make statements that there desire for cremation is so God can't find them. Foolish perhaps, since Genesis says God created us from the dust of the earth

Answer 6

The Bible is focused on ones Spirit. The flesh will come to an end - that much is for certain.

Answer 7

I do not recall I ever read Jesus speaking of this subject.