What is the official stance of churches on Cremation?

Question

I am debating between burial and cremation and would like to know if cremation violates some values.

Answer 1

In 1963 the Catholic Church allowed it as long as the ashes were treated with the same respect that the body was treated with prior to cremation, including the use of a "worthy vessel" or urn for the cremated remains of the body.

Cheers :-)

Answer 2

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 3

My religion doesn't care. It's really up to you to decide how you want your remains taken care of. I personally don't want to be cremated, but I know my sister does. I just can't stand the thought of my body burning. I know it's nuts, since it won't matter, but still...

Answer 4

I would think some people who interpret the second resurrection literally might not approve of cremation. (When Jesus comes again, he will raise the dead to life, etc.)

Answer 5

As of the 1960's - the Roman Catholic Church allows for it.

Answer 6

creamation is perfectly fine. Even in Old Testament some kings were placed on a funeral pyre and burned.