What are your religious beliefs reagarding cremation ?

Question

If you belong to an organized religion, does your religion have anything to say one way or the other about cremation ?

If you do not belong to an organized religion, what are your personal beliefs about cremation ?

I 'd also like to hear the "why" of it, either way.

Answer 1

I don't see anything wrong with cremation and as far as I know there aren't any religions that are against it, but don't quote me. I think cremation is cool, for one, it's cheaper, people spend all that money on coffins and new suits, to put the thing in the ground and run the risk of some sicko digging it up and re-selling the coffin. Second, with cremation, you can have the ashes and keep them near you or spread them somewhere. Once the person is dead and gone I am sure they don't care what you do with them, if they do, they have it spelled out in a will and have enough money to cover the expenses. It's all just a matter of personal taste really. All the best.

Answer 2

When you die you're going to be dead for a very long time. During that time, if you are not cremated, your body will disintegrate eventually to a dusty state and this will eventually disintegrate even further. Cremation is simply speeding up the process.

Personally, I wouldn't have it done to me or to my loved ones unless they specifically requested it. However, my anti-cremation position has nothing to do with a religious position of which I have none.

For those of a religions bent, particularly a Jewish or Christian religious bent, who oppose cremation because of the resurrection and no body to resurrect, I would point out that you are rather short-changing your God to suggest he would not have the power to reassembly your ashes from where ever they may have blown once again into you if he so chose. Wonder how He feels about this lack of confidence in Him on your part.

Answer 3

I'm an atheist, but here's my thoughts.

I want to be cremated. Always did, even when I was a Christian.

I think pretty much the same now as I did then -

I'll be dead. It's not like I am going to feel or know anything. Why take up all kinds of space that could be used by the living? Why use up money my kids or spouse or whoever could use after my death?

The only thing I ever heard that was religious against cremation is that it could somehow interfere with resurrection. I always though that was a silly fear for one who believes in an omnipotent god...

Answer 4

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 5

I have no idea what Christianity says about cremation, and I am a born again Christian. My belief is that I don't need my body after I die. I will be getting a new one in heaven, so anything can be done with the old one; I can be cremated or donate all my parts. Doesn't matter to me.

Answer 6

It's usually the killer's Religious beliefs, not the victim's that cause the killing. It used to be the province of Religious Fanatics and paranoid schizophrenics. But, it's worked it's way into the mainstream of the 3 book religions. "Morality" has usually been little more than a set of excuses to do people bad. And now, thanks to TV preachers of all Religions around the world, it's the fastest growing justification for murder. When beliefs become so extreme that they can be supported neither by Faith or Reason, violence becomes the Defense. But, for an increasing number of folks, violence has become an end in itself and the ascendancy of their Religion an end that only exists to justify the means they love so much. But, to answer your question, no. It's not something I find acceptable. I just wish more Americans felt the same way.

Answer 7

I'm an Orthodox Jew--

We don't believe in cremation because our bodies belong to G-d, so when we die, we should return them to Him asap and as in the best of condition as we possibly can. We are buried wrapped in plain white shrouds (so we are all the same in death) and in plain pine boxes made of all wood so we can quickly return to the earth. That is my religion's main reason on no cremation.

Answer 8

I'm a Catholic, but I intend to be cremated, and have my ashes spread on rose bushes (a little here, a little there) because I do NOT belive in graves, or 'visiting dead loved ones' there (I do go to cemeteries to look at the old headstones occasionally, though) ... and because of the ever growing population, I think that 'cemeteries' are a BAD USE of good land. I intend to leave all of my 'money and belongings' to my church, to give to the homeless and poor ... and so does my husband. I have four children and two grandchildren, plus two 'unofficially adopted' grandchildren ... to them I leave 'knowledge' and that's all. If they want to 'forget me' that's fine, too ... I'll be 'happy' in Heaven in my new eternal life and won't 'care' about anything on this planet ... except for those roses. Roses bloom beautifully if they have 'ash' put around their roots, which is why I want my 'cremains' scattered among rose bushes.

Answer 9

I believe in a God but am not a practicing christian.

I believe once you are dead - - you are dead. I personally want to be cremated because I don't want my body being viewed by anyone when I am dead. I think it's a very morbid and disturbing tradition. (to have a funeral with people walking past or viewing my dead body) I want people to remember me vibrant and alive. Put up a good picture of me and have a party. Celebrate my life.

I also want my ashes dumped in the ocean. I love the water and just want it that way. I also want any of my organs donated before I am cremated. I think it's a total waste to not donate my organs because I don't need them anymore :-)

Answer 10

I'm an Atheist and I think cremation is great. Less space. Freaking dead people taking up space. Why are we saving dead people? Freaking burn my ***. I find people very irrational when it comes to death. One thinks of death as one were alive. You're not, you're dead. Buring buried is not going to give you anymore comfort than cremation will, because you are dead. Even if there is a heaven and all that, you would have moved on and I really think if you are floating about in heaven, or burning in hell for that matter, that you are going to be too concerned about what is going on with you dead rotting gross body. I think cemetaries should be outlawed and all people should be cremated, unless we can think of an even better way to dispose of the body.