Cremation or Bodily Cremation or Bodily Burial:Burial:

Which Brings God More Which Brings God More Honor?Honor?

Darrell SteinDarrell Stein

Origins of CremationOrigins of Cremation

Derived from the Latin Derived from the Latin cremarecremare (“to burn”), cremation (“to burn”), cremation is the process of disposing (destroying) a dead body in is the process of disposing (destroying) a dead body in the flames of fire.the flames of fire.

Historical evidence indicates that burning dead human Historical evidence indicates that burning dead human beings apparently did not occur until sometime beings apparently did not occur until sometime between 2500 and 2000 years B.C. It is quite likely between 2500 and 2000 years B.C. It is quite likely that it started in India and moved east. Outside of the that it started in India and moved east. Outside of the Roman Empire, the Nordic culture of Scandinavia Roman Empire, the Nordic culture of Scandinavia performed some crematory acts on fireboats from performed some crematory acts on fireboats from about 1500 to 1800 B.C.about 1500 to 1800 B.C.

It was the pagan religious beliefs, which were an It was the pagan religious beliefs, which were an integral part of cremation, that made burning the integral part of cremation, that made burning the dead repugnant to the ancient Hebrews, as well as to dead repugnant to the ancient Hebrews, as well as to the early Christians.the early Christians.

Historical Methods of Historical Methods of CremationCremation To cremate a deceased human being in To cremate a deceased human being in

ancient times required gathering wood ancient times required gathering wood to erect a pile or stack several feet high to erect a pile or stack several feet high and longer and wider than the and longer and wider than the respective dead body. The bones of the respective dead body. The bones of the cremated body, which for the most part cremated body, which for the most part did not burn, were either buried or did not burn, were either buried or placed in an urn. These urns were tall placed in an urn. These urns were tall enough to accommodate the unburned enough to accommodate the unburned bones together with the body’s ashes.bones together with the body’s ashes.

Modern Methods of Modern Methods of CremationCremation A crematorium’s furnace, which A crematorium’s furnace, which

resembles a large bread oven, is resembles a large bread oven, is commonly called a retort in the commonly called a retort in the furnace industry. After the body furnace industry. After the body is laid into what is usually a brick-is laid into what is usually a brick-lined furnace, it is fired up to lined furnace, it is fired up to between 1700 and 2500 degrees between 1700 and 2500 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 90 Fahrenheit for approximately 90 minutes to two hours.minutes to two hours.

Modern Methods of Modern Methods of CremationCremation

Modern Methods of Modern Methods of CremationCremation

The Composition of The Composition of Modern Cremated Modern Cremated RemainsRemains The mistaken common belief is that The mistaken common belief is that

after the human corpse has been after the human corpse has been burned, only ashes are left. The bones burned, only ashes are left. The bones do not burn. Consequently, they are do not burn. Consequently, they are pulverized by a grinding process. The pulverized by a grinding process. The entire contents of an urn, depending entire contents of an urn, depending on the size of the corpse, ordinarily on the size of the corpse, ordinarily weigh between four and eight pounds weigh between four and eight pounds of ash and fragments.of ash and fragments.

Whose ashes?Whose ashes?

Recipients sometimes do not know Recipients sometimes do not know what portions of the ashes they what portions of the ashes they have on hand are really those of have on hand are really those of their loved one. Sometimes family their loved one. Sometimes family members do not know whether the members do not know whether the ashes they received are those of ashes they received are those of their deceased relative or ashes of their deceased relative or ashes of wood or some other product.wood or some other product.

Why Did Pagans Why Did Pagans Choose Cremation?Choose Cremation? Some scholars think the burning of human corpses Some scholars think the burning of human corpses

began because ancient people feared the dead; began because ancient people feared the dead; thus, theoretically, destroying them by fire coped thus, theoretically, destroying them by fire coped with that fear.with that fear.

Cremation enabled the survivors to carry the bones Cremation enabled the survivors to carry the bones of the deceased, back to their homes or to some of the deceased, back to their homes or to some other desirable place.other desirable place.

Ancient Greeks did it in part to prevent buried Ancient Greeks did it in part to prevent buried bodies from being stolen by thieves or disturbed by bodies from being stolen by thieves or disturbed by other miscreants.other miscreants.

In some instances, people burned dead human In some instances, people burned dead human bodies because they believed in the pagan notion bodies because they believed in the pagan notion that fire freed the soul from wandering and that fire freed the soul from wandering and searching for rest after the person expired. searching for rest after the person expired.

All pagans burned their dead because they did not All pagans burned their dead because they did not believe in the physical resurrection of the body.believe in the physical resurrection of the body.

Why Did Pagans Why Did Pagans Choose Cremation?Choose Cremation? It is because of these pagan realities, in It is because of these pagan realities, in

addition to the many biblical precedents addition to the many biblical precedents of earth burial, including the burial of of earth burial, including the burial of Jesus, that the early Christians opposed Jesus, that the early Christians opposed cremation, not simply because pagans cremation, not simply because pagans practiced it. For Christians to accept and practiced it. For Christians to accept and practice cremation would have been practice cremation would have been tantamount to identifying, at least tantamount to identifying, at least symbolically, with the erroneous pagan symbolically, with the erroneous pagan beliefs associated with it.beliefs associated with it.

Ancient Israelite View Ancient Israelite View of Cremationof Cremation Shortly after Adam’s fall into sin, Shortly after Adam’s fall into sin,

God told him that not only would he God told him that not only would he die, but his body, created out of the die, but his body, created out of the dust of the earth, would return to dust of the earth, would return to dust (Genesis 3:19). These words dust (Genesis 3:19). These words are a clear indication that God’s are a clear indication that God’s plan is for the deceased human plan is for the deceased human body to be laid in an earthen grave. body to be laid in an earthen grave.

Ancient Israelite View Ancient Israelite View of Cremation (cont.)of Cremation (cont.) Genesis 49:29 – Jacob told Joseph “Bury me Genesis 49:29 – Jacob told Joseph “Bury me

with my fathers in the cave in the field of with my fathers in the cave in the field of Ephron the Hittite”. Pharaoh granted Joseph’s Ephron the Hittite”. Pharaoh granted Joseph’s request to take Jacob’s body back to his request to take Jacob’s body back to his homeland, where he was buried in the same homeland, where he was buried in the same field where Abraham and Sarah had been laid field where Abraham and Sarah had been laid to rest (Genesis 50:5-6:13). Jacob’s request to rest (Genesis 50:5-6:13). Jacob’s request indicates that he could not imagine his dead indicates that he could not imagine his dead body being disposed of in any other way.body being disposed of in any other way.

Joseph also asked to be buried in Canaan. In Joseph also asked to be buried in Canaan. In Exodus 13:19, Moses took the bones of Joseph Exodus 13:19, Moses took the bones of Joseph with him. For 40 years, the Israelites carried with him. For 40 years, the Israelites carried and protected his bones until they buried him and protected his bones until they buried him in Shechem.in Shechem.

Ancient Israelite View Ancient Israelite View of Cremation (cont.)of Cremation (cont.) When Moses died, God Himself When Moses died, God Himself

buried him. The biblical text buried him. The biblical text reads, “So Moses the servant of reads, “So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in Moab…And the Lord died there in Moab…And He [God] buried him in Moab, in He [God] buried him in Moab, in the valley opposite Beth Peor, but the valley opposite Beth Peor, but to this day no one knows where to this day no one knows where his grave is” (Deut. 34: 5-6).his grave is” (Deut. 34: 5-6).

Ancient Israelite View Ancient Israelite View of Cremation (cont.)of Cremation (cont.) Christians who believe cremation is an Christians who believe cremation is an

acceptable option, and that God has no acceptable option, and that God has no objections to it, may seriously want to ask why objections to it, may seriously want to ask why God Himself chose to bury Moses in an earthen God Himself chose to bury Moses in an earthen grave. By giving Moses an earth burial, did God grave. By giving Moses an earth burial, did God perhaps intend to show His faithful people that perhaps intend to show His faithful people that He only approves of their placing a deceased He only approves of their placing a deceased friend or relative in the earth? Biblically minded friend or relative in the earth? Biblically minded opponents of cremation should say “yes”. In opponents of cremation should say “yes”. In fact, the rabbinic Talmud agrees with this fact, the rabbinic Talmud agrees with this conclusion, for it states, “Follow the path of conclusion, for it states, “Follow the path of God…bury the dead, even as He [God] did bury God…bury the dead, even as He [God] did bury Moses in the valley of Moab” (Sotah 14a).Moses in the valley of Moab” (Sotah 14a).

Ancient Israelite View Ancient Israelite View of Cremation (cont.)of Cremation (cont.)On through the generations following Moses, the On through the generations following Moses, the

Hebrews continued to bury their dead.Hebrews continued to bury their dead. Joshua was laid to ret in a grave (Josh. 24:30)Joshua was laid to ret in a grave (Josh. 24:30) Samuel died and was buried in Ramah (1 Sam. 25:1)Samuel died and was buried in Ramah (1 Sam. 25:1) David’s survivors buried him in Jerusalem (1 Kings David’s survivors buried him in Jerusalem (1 Kings

2:10)2:10) Inhumation was so important to the Hebrews that they Inhumation was so important to the Hebrews that they

even buried the slain bodies of their enemies (1 Kings even buried the slain bodies of their enemies (1 Kings 11:15).11:15).

The prophet Jeremiah notes with horror dead people The prophet Jeremiah notes with horror dead people being unburied. Not to be buried was equivalent to being unburied. Not to be buried was equivalent to being garbage or refuse (Jer. 25:33). being garbage or refuse (Jer. 25:33).

Ancient Israelite View Ancient Israelite View of Cremation (cont.)of Cremation (cont.)When they did return from Egypt, the Israelites When they did return from Egypt, the Israelites

continued to bury their dead. When they did perform continued to bury their dead. When they did perform cremations, it was only for certain criminals who cremations, it was only for certain criminals who committed the most heinous acts.committed the most heinous acts.

Joshua announced that the accursed criminal “shall be Joshua announced that the accursed criminal “shall be burned with fire, he and all that he has, because he burned with fire, he and all that he has, because he has transgressed the covenant of the Lord, and has transgressed the covenant of the Lord, and because he has done a disgraceful thing in Israel” because he has done a disgraceful thing in Israel” (Josh. 7:15).(Josh. 7:15).

Moses commanded the punishment of a consuming Moses commanded the punishment of a consuming fire for a daughter of a priest who profaned herself fire for a daughter of a priest who profaned herself and her father by engaging in prostitution (Lev. 21:9).and her father by engaging in prostitution (Lev. 21:9).

Moses also stated, “If a man marries a woman and her Moses also stated, “If a man marries a woman and her mother, it is wickedness. They shall be burned with mother, it is wickedness. They shall be burned with fire, both he and they, that there may be no fire, both he and they, that there may be no wickedness among you (Lev. 20:14).wickedness among you (Lev. 20:14).

Ancient Israelite View Ancient Israelite View of Cremation (cont.)of Cremation (cont.)These examples indicate that some of the These examples indicate that some of the

worst criminals were occasionally worst criminals were occasionally incinerated, and that the cremation incinerated, and that the cremation served as an added mark of punishment served as an added mark of punishment and humiliation. For the most part, and humiliation. For the most part, however, the Israelites generally buried however, the Israelites generally buried rather than cremated most criminals. rather than cremated most criminals. There is not a single biblical case where There is not a single biblical case where God commanded cremating any God commanded cremating any individual as an act of honor or a individual as an act of honor or a blessing.blessing.

Ancient Israelite View Ancient Israelite View of Cremation (cont.)of Cremation (cont.)Throughout the entire OT, the act of destroying Throughout the entire OT, the act of destroying

deceased humans by fire was never pleasing deceased humans by fire was never pleasing to God. This is especially evident with regard to God. This is especially evident with regard to the king of Moab, who took the bones from to the king of Moab, who took the bones from the king of Edom’s tomb and burned them to the king of Edom’s tomb and burned them to lime (Amos 2:1-2). God not only took lime (Amos 2:1-2). God not only took offense, but he sent fire to destroy Moab and offense, but he sent fire to destroy Moab and his fortresses. It can be argued that this his fortresses. It can be argued that this biblical reference is a clear denunciation of biblical reference is a clear denunciation of cremation, one that applies to all people, cremation, one that applies to all people, pagans and God’s people alike.pagans and God’s people alike.

Ancient Israelite View Ancient Israelite View of Cremation (cont.)of Cremation (cont.)Although one could become unclean Although one could become unclean

through physical contact with a through physical contact with a deceased person, the Hebrews, deceased person, the Hebrews, nevertheless, treated the body of a nevertheless, treated the body of a dead person with great respect. dead person with great respect. Respect for the human body was one Respect for the human body was one reason the Israelites rejected cremation. reason the Israelites rejected cremation. It indicated a rejection of the concept of It indicated a rejection of the concept of “respect due to the deceased”; to “respect due to the deceased”; to commit the body to destruction by fire commit the body to destruction by fire is tantamount to the deliberate burning is tantamount to the deliberate burning of something that was once sacred.of something that was once sacred.

Ancient Israelite View Ancient Israelite View of Cremation (cont.)of Cremation (cont.)The Talmud, the formal codification of The Talmud, the formal codification of

the oral law, boldly states, “Every the oral law, boldly states, “Every death which is accompanied by death which is accompanied by burning is looked upon as idolatry: burning is looked upon as idolatry: ((Avodah ZarahAvodah Zarah 1:3). If cremation was 1:3). If cremation was idolatrous to the Jews of the Talmudic idolatrous to the Jews of the Talmudic era, then it was a practice contrary to era, then it was a practice contrary to the First Commandment, which the First Commandment, which proscribes all forms of idolatry. This proscribes all forms of idolatry. This reference is additional corroboration reference is additional corroboration that cremation was unthinkable and that cremation was unthinkable and unacceptable to faithful Jews.unacceptable to faithful Jews.

Early Christian Early Christian Rejection of CremationRejection of CremationEarly Christians had several noteworthy Early Christians had several noteworthy

examples of individuals in the NT who were examples of individuals in the NT who were buried in graves.buried in graves.

Mary and Martha laid their dead brother Mary and Martha laid their dead brother Lazarus in a tomb (John 11:38)Lazarus in a tomb (John 11:38)

Stephen, the first Christian Martyr: “Godly Stephen, the first Christian Martyr: “Godly men buried Stephen” (Acts 8:2).men buried Stephen” (Acts 8:2).

The disciples of John the Baptist, whom The disciples of John the Baptist, whom Herod Antipas had decapitated, buried him Herod Antipas had decapitated, buried him (Matt. 14:12).(Matt. 14:12).

Every person who is noted as having died in Every person who is noted as having died in the NT received earth burial.the NT received earth burial.

Early Christian Early Christian Rejection of Cremation Rejection of Cremation (cont.)(cont.) Even Ananias and Sapphira, who were struck dead for Even Ananias and Sapphira, who were struck dead for

lying to the Holy Spirit, were interred (Acts 5:3-10).lying to the Holy Spirit, were interred (Acts 5:3-10). The most significant predecessor to whom the early The most significant predecessor to whom the early

Christians could point was Jesus Himself who, was laid to Christians could point was Jesus Himself who, was laid to rest in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea.rest in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea.

The early Christians also saw precedents for earth burial The early Christians also saw precedents for earth burial in what Jesus said and did. He once said, “Let the dead in what Jesus said and did. He once said, “Let the dead bury their own dead” (Luke 9:60). Jesus fully accepted bury their own dead” (Luke 9:60). Jesus fully accepted the Jewish practice of earth burial. Note, Jesus did not the Jewish practice of earth burial. Note, Jesus did not say: “Let the dead say: “Let the dead crematecremate their dead.” Had He said so, their dead.” Had He said so, it would have been in conflict with what He had previously it would have been in conflict with what He had previously said, namely that all the dead would hear His voice said, namely that all the dead would hear His voice someday and come forth from their graves (John 5:28). someday and come forth from their graves (John 5:28). Jesus attacked many early Jewish traditions, but burial of Jesus attacked many early Jewish traditions, but burial of the dead was not one of them.the dead was not one of them.

The early Christians had no other thought than to follow their The early Christians had no other thought than to follow their biblical predecessors. biblical predecessors.

Early Christian Early Christian Rejection of Cremation Rejection of Cremation (cont.)(cont.)The Sanctity of the Human BodyThe Sanctity of the Human Body It is well-known among church historians that the It is well-known among church historians that the

early Christians fervently opposed infanticide, child early Christians fervently opposed infanticide, child abandonment, abortion, and suicide because they abandonment, abortion, and suicide because they believed in the sanctity of the human being. In their believed in the sanctity of the human being. In their minds, the sanctity of the human body did not come minds, the sanctity of the human body did not come to an end when a person dies. They saw the human to an end when a person dies. They saw the human being as the crown of God’s creation:being as the crown of God’s creation:

Man was made in the image of God (Gen. 1:27)Man was made in the image of God (Gen. 1:27) ““You made him [man] a little lower than the You made him [man] a little lower than the

heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor” (Ps. 8:5).honor” (Ps. 8:5).

Paul told the Christians in Corinth, “Don’t you know Paul told the Christians in Corinth, “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives within you?” (1 Cor. 3:16)God’s Spirit lives within you?” (1 Cor. 3:16)

Early Christian Early Christian Rejection of Cremation Rejection of Cremation (cont.)(cont.)Given this biblical view of the human Given this biblical view of the human

body, in addition to their belief in body, in addition to their belief in the resurrection of the body, the the resurrection of the body, the early Christians were not about to early Christians were not about to dispose of a body, even though dispose of a body, even though dead, by the most destructive dead, by the most destructive means known to man – fire. They means known to man – fire. They saw cremation as unbiblical, saw cremation as unbiblical, unthinkable, and sacrilegious.unthinkable, and sacrilegious.

Early Christian Early Christian Rejection of Cremation Rejection of Cremation (cont.)(cont.) This mindset continued for centuries. The fact This mindset continued for centuries. The fact

that faithful Christians throughout the centuries that faithful Christians throughout the centuries believed in the sanctity of the human body, alive believed in the sanctity of the human body, alive or dead, meant they did not see their body as or dead, meant they did not see their body as their own, something they were free to treat their own, something they were free to treat however they selfishly wished. It was another however they selfishly wished. It was another reason why cremation of their dead was an reason why cremation of their dead was an unthinkable option.unthinkable option.

If today’s Christians still believe in the sanctity of If today’s Christians still believe in the sanctity of the human body, and that it does not belong to the human body, and that it does not belong to them alone, they will shun and reject the practice them alone, they will shun and reject the practice of cremation, just as their early Christian of cremation, just as their early Christian predecessors did.predecessors did.

Early Christian Early Christian Rejection of Cremation Rejection of Cremation (cont.)(cont.) Early Church Fathers Oppose Cremation:Early Church Fathers Oppose Cremation: The first church father who defended earth burial The first church father who defended earth burial

vis-à-vis cremation was Minucius Felix. Around A.D. vis-à-vis cremation was Minucius Felix. Around A.D. 190, he stated, “we adopt the ancient and better 190, he stated, “we adopt the ancient and better custom of burying in the earth. See, therefore, how custom of burying in the earth. See, therefore, how for our consolation all nature suggests a future for our consolation all nature suggests a future resurrection: (resurrection: (OctaviusOctavius 34). 34).

Tertullian attacked the practice because of its Tertullian attacked the practice because of its cruelty and violence (cruelty and violence (On the Resurrection of the On the Resurrection of the FleshFlesh 1). 1).

St. Irenaeus underscored the Christian practice of St. Irenaeus underscored the Christian practice of earth burial when he wrote, “But although it [the earth burial when he wrote, “But although it [the dead body] is dissolved at the appointed time, dead body] is dissolved at the appointed time, because of our primeval disobedience, it is placed, because of our primeval disobedience, it is placed, as it were in the crucible of the earth…” (as it were in the crucible of the earth…” (Fragments Fragments from the Lost Writings of Irenaeusfrom the Lost Writings of Irenaeus XII). XII).

Early Christian Early Christian Rejection of Cremation Rejection of Cremation (cont.)(cont.)Early church councils and synods did not Early church councils and synods did not

issue any canons against cremation. issue any canons against cremation. Why not? There was no need to do so, Why not? There was no need to do so, because disposing of the dead by because disposing of the dead by cremation was one cultural practice cremation was one cultural practice Christians did not imitate. There is not Christians did not imitate. There is not a single recorded instance of Christians a single recorded instance of Christians having ever cremated their dead. having ever cremated their dead. There was no legalized prohibition There was no legalized prohibition against cremation in Christian Antiquity. against cremation in Christian Antiquity. None was needed, for the Christians by None was needed, for the Christians by reason of their belief abhorred it.reason of their belief abhorred it.

Early Christian Early Christian Rejection of Cremation Rejection of Cremation (cont.)(cont.)Early Christians also knew and believed Early Christians also knew and believed

what Jesus said: “Don’t be amazed…what Jesus said: “Don’t be amazed…for a time is coming when all who are for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear His voice and in their graves will hear His voice and come out” (John 5:28). They herd Him come out” (John 5:28). They herd Him say “Graves,” not “urns.” Moreover, say “Graves,” not “urns.” Moreover, burning the dead was not consistent burning the dead was not consistent with what was done with Christ’s dead with what was done with Christ’s dead body before He rose from the dead; body before He rose from the dead; nor was it consistent with what He said nor was it consistent with what He said concerning the future resurrection of concerning the future resurrection of the dead.the dead.

Cremation Over the Cremation Over the CenturiesCenturiesEarly Christian opposition resulted in the practice Early Christian opposition resulted in the practice

of cremation being largely discontinued in of cremation being largely discontinued in much of the Roman Empire by the latter part much of the Roman Empire by the latter part of the fourth century. During the next several of the fourth century. During the next several centuries, as Christianity advanced, the centuries, as Christianity advanced, the disappearance of cremation spread to the disappearance of cremation spread to the more remote parts of Europe. Earth burial more remote parts of Europe. Earth burial became the norm and remained inviolable became the norm and remained inviolable until the late 1800’s, when advocates of until the late 1800’s, when advocates of cremation in the West broke with Christianity’s cremation in the West broke with Christianity’s historic opposition and revived this custom historic opposition and revived this custom from the pagan era of Rome.from the pagan era of Rome.

Why a Revival?Why a Revival?

As the spirit of the Age of Reason, with its As the spirit of the Age of Reason, with its accompanying values of secularism accompanying values of secularism increasingly became a part of the increasingly became a part of the culture in Western societies in the 20th culture in Western societies in the 20th century, many, including Christians, century, many, including Christians, began conforming to the values of this began conforming to the values of this ideological movement. Soon an ideological movement. Soon an increasing number of church members, increasing number of church members, including Christian clergy, began including Christian clergy, began accepting and even defending the accepting and even defending the practice of cremating the dead. practice of cremating the dead.

U.S. Cremation U.S. Cremation Statistics Statistics In 1900 there were only 2,414 (0.003%) In 1900 there were only 2,414 (0.003%)

deceased persons cremated in the deceased persons cremated in the United States. In 1920, only 1% of all United States. In 1920, only 1% of all Americans were cremated. Cremation Americans were cremated. Cremation remained a rare occurrence until the remained a rare occurrence until the 1960’s. In 1960, the American rate was 1960’s. In 1960, the American rate was relatively low when 60, 987 (3.56%) relatively low when 60, 987 (3.56%) were incinerated. It then steadily grew were incinerated. It then steadily grew over the next four decades. In 2001, over the next four decades. In 2001, 26.25% of all deceased Americans were 26.25% of all deceased Americans were incinerated. incinerated.

Biblical Arguments Biblical Arguments Against CremationAgainst CremationThe burial of Jesus:The burial of Jesus:It is indeed true that the early Christians It is indeed true that the early Christians

rejected cremation by burying their dead in rejected cremation by burying their dead in large measure because they had the burial of large measure because they had the burial of Jesus Christ as a precedent. Christ was not Jesus Christ as a precedent. Christ was not merely buried because it was a Hebrew merely buried because it was a Hebrew custom, but because it was also God’s will, custom, but because it was also God’s will, reminiscent of His will in regard to the burial reminiscent of His will in regard to the burial of Moses. Thus, given that God willed Moses of Moses. Thus, given that God willed Moses and Jesus Christ to be buried, it is reasonable and Jesus Christ to be buried, it is reasonable to conclude that He wills that all people, past to conclude that He wills that all people, past and present, be given earth burial.and present, be given earth burial.

Biblical Arguments Biblical Arguments Against Cremation Against Cremation (cont.)(cont.)The custom of memorializing persons in graves with The custom of memorializing persons in graves with

monuments is a centuries-old custom. The OT reports monuments is a centuries-old custom. The OT reports that Jacob set up a pillar on the tomb of Rachel, his that Jacob set up a pillar on the tomb of Rachel, his wife (Gen. 30:20). This act by Jacob, and others in the wife (Gen. 30:20). This act by Jacob, and others in the OT, was not just to honor and remember family OT, was not just to honor and remember family members, but it was also intended to convey a members, but it was also intended to convey a theological message. They were perpetual reminders theological message. They were perpetual reminders that they might be testimonies of the future that they might be testimonies of the future resurrection, which they believed and expected. If resurrection, which they believed and expected. If cremation continues to increase, along with the cremation continues to increase, along with the scattering of cremains, the biblical precedent of scattering of cremains, the biblical precedent of erecting grave monuments will undoubtedly continue erecting grave monuments will undoubtedly continue to decline, with an accompanying decline in the to decline, with an accompanying decline in the Christian testimony to the physical resurrection of the Christian testimony to the physical resurrection of the body.body.

Biblical Arguments Biblical Arguments Against Cremation Against Cremation (cont.)(cont.)““Ashes to Ashes”Ashes to Ashes” Even though an omnipotent God can resurrect bodies Even though an omnipotent God can resurrect bodies

from their cremated ashes – and Orthodox Christianity from their cremated ashes – and Orthodox Christianity has never denied this- these words do not have a has never denied this- these words do not have a biblical source or precedent. The Bible never speaks biblical source or precedent. The Bible never speaks about dead bodies turning to ashes. According to the about dead bodies turning to ashes. According to the Bible, the deceased body turns only to dust.Bible, the deceased body turns only to dust.

It appears that these words became a part of the It appears that these words became a part of the funeral liturgy in the Church of England’s funeral liturgy in the Church of England’s Book of Book of Common PrayerCommon Prayer (1549) not because its formulators (1549) not because its formulators believed the body would eventually turn to ashes, but believed the body would eventually turn to ashes, but because these words provided a rhythmic, poetic because these words provided a rhythmic, poetic alliteration.alliteration.

Biblical Arguments Biblical Arguments Against Cremation Against Cremation (cont.)(cont.)Cremation undermines the doctrine of the Cremation undermines the doctrine of the

resurrectionresurrection The resurrection of the body assumes burial and The resurrection of the body assumes burial and

graves, whereas cremation does not. To be graves, whereas cremation does not. To be Christian is to believe in the physical resurrection Christian is to believe in the physical resurrection of the body of which Christ’s bodily resurrection of the body of which Christ’s bodily resurrection is the “firstfruits”.is the “firstfruits”.

The doctrine of the resurrection body, based on The doctrine of the resurrection body, based on Christ’s own resurrection, is the lynch pin of Christ’s own resurrection, is the lynch pin of Christianity. If cremation fosters a vague belief Christianity. If cremation fosters a vague belief in only the survival of the soul, and the soul is in only the survival of the soul, and the soul is never seen as becoming reunited with its body never seen as becoming reunited with its body on resurrection day, then it shatters Christianity’s on resurrection day, then it shatters Christianity’s cardinal doctrine. [see 1 Cor. 15:16-18].cardinal doctrine. [see 1 Cor. 15:16-18].

Psychological FactorsPsychological Factors

There is not a gravesite reminder There is not a gravesite reminder of the departed family member. of the departed family member. Consequently, relatives Consequently, relatives commonly forget cremated commonly forget cremated people.people.

Clergy and Churches Clergy and Churches AcquiesceAcquiesceDoctrinal conflicts and divisions plagued the church soon Doctrinal conflicts and divisions plagued the church soon

after Christ ascended into heaven. There were the after Christ ascended into heaven. There were the Gnostics, Docetists, Arians, Donatists, Nestorians, and Gnostics, Docetists, Arians, Donatists, Nestorians, and others who departed from the orthodox biblical others who departed from the orthodox biblical teachings of the church. Among these different teachings of the church. Among these different heretical groups, however, none of their followers heretical groups, however, none of their followers accepted or advocated the burning of their dead, not accepted or advocated the burning of their dead, not even the Gnostics who ridiculed the human body and even the Gnostics who ridiculed the human body and denied the physical resurrection of the flesh. denied the physical resurrection of the flesh. Similarly, the Docetists, who taught that Christ did not Similarly, the Docetists, who taught that Christ did not have a material body but only appeared to have one, have a material body but only appeared to have one, also did not engage in burning their dead. Moreover, also did not engage in burning their dead. Moreover, none of the other heretical groups within the church none of the other heretical groups within the church ever questioned the Christian opposition to it.ever questioned the Christian opposition to it.

Clergy and Churches Clergy and Churches Acquiesce (cont.)Acquiesce (cont.) In terms of a Christian response to the modern In terms of a Christian response to the modern

cremation movement, the Roman Catholic Church was cremation movement, the Roman Catholic Church was the only Christian denomination that formally opposed the only Christian denomination that formally opposed the practice when it was introduced in the West.the practice when it was introduced in the West.

In 1963, however, the Roman Catholic Church made In 1963, however, the Roman Catholic Church made an about face in 1963 to permit Catholics to be an about face in 1963 to permit Catholics to be cremated. This decision was not made on the basis of cremated. This decision was not made on the basis of any biblically based theological study of the problem. any biblically based theological study of the problem. Influenced by the secular culture, it merely issued a Influenced by the secular culture, it merely issued a statement allowing it. No other Christian statement allowing it. No other Christian denominations have produced any formal theological denominations have produced any formal theological studies dealing with cremation. They have merely studies dealing with cremation. They have merely acquiesced.acquiesced.

Clergy and Churches Clergy and Churches Acquiesce (cont.)Acquiesce (cont.) Acquiescence has occurred not only Acquiescence has occurred not only

in the Roman Catholic Church, but in the Roman Catholic Church, but in virtually all American Protestant in virtually all American Protestant churches, including conservative churches, including conservative denominations. For the most part, denominations. For the most part, they all voice similar responses they all voice similar responses when they say the Bible does not when they say the Bible does not prohibit cremation.prohibit cremation.

Clergy and Churches Clergy and Churches Acquiesce (cont.)Acquiesce (cont.) Why have so many Christian clergy and their churches Why have so many Christian clergy and their churches

assented to cremation, especially since Christianity assented to cremation, especially since Christianity had rejected it for most of 2,000 years? Answer: The had rejected it for most of 2,000 years? Answer: The powerful influence of today’s secularized culture. powerful influence of today’s secularized culture. Apparently, unbeknownst to many clergy, churches, Apparently, unbeknownst to many clergy, churches, and theologians, the secular culture has been so and theologians, the secular culture has been so subtly and powerfully persuasive that many clergy subtly and powerfully persuasive that many clergy and churches apparently have not recognized how it is and churches apparently have not recognized how it is undermining the historic biblical/Christian position on undermining the historic biblical/Christian position on the significance of earth burial and how it is related to the significance of earth burial and how it is related to the decline in belief in the doctrine of the physical the decline in belief in the doctrine of the physical resurrection of the body. As faith in the resurrection resurrection of the body. As faith in the resurrection all but disappeared in mainline churches, the practice all but disappeared in mainline churches, the practice of cremation swelled.of cremation swelled.

Clergy and Churches Clergy and Churches Acquiesce (cont.)Acquiesce (cont.)Supposed biblical silence:Supposed biblical silence:Members of conservative churches tend to say that Members of conservative churches tend to say that

if a given behavior is prohibited in the Bible, it if a given behavior is prohibited in the Bible, it must not be practiced by them. However, when must not be practiced by them. However, when the question arises of whether cremation is the question arises of whether cremation is biblically permissible, their churches’ leaders biblically permissible, their churches’ leaders commonly say that the Bible is either silent on commonly say that the Bible is either silent on the matter or that it does not prohibit it. the matter or that it does not prohibit it. Members are told that cremation is a practice Members are told that cremation is a practice that is neither biblically commanded nor that is neither biblically commanded nor forbidden. For the most part, both liberal and forbidden. For the most part, both liberal and conservative churches have acquiesced to the conservative churches have acquiesced to the ancient pagan practice of burning the dead.ancient pagan practice of burning the dead.

Clergy and Churches Clergy and Churches Acquiesce (cont.)Acquiesce (cont.) In 2003, the SBC’s website stated, “The In 2003, the SBC’s website stated, “The

act of cremation is not a sin.” The act of cremation is not a sin.” The website made this conclusion by website made this conclusion by contending that it would only be a sin if contending that it would only be a sin if it violated one of God’s laws, and since it violated one of God’s laws, and since God has no such law, it is therefore not God has no such law, it is therefore not a sin. Thus, the website further stated a sin. Thus, the website further stated that, “The disposal of the body is left to that, “The disposal of the body is left to our desires and wishes in accordance our desires and wishes in accordance with the law of the land.”with the law of the land.”

As we saw earlier, however, the Bible is As we saw earlier, however, the Bible is not silent on this issue. not silent on this issue.

Clergy and Churches Clergy and Churches Acquiesce (cont.)Acquiesce (cont.) Moreover, a search of Moreover, a search of

denominational literature reveals denominational literature reveals that no denomination has ever that no denomination has ever produced a formal biblical-produced a formal biblical-exegetical study document on exegetical study document on cremation.cremation.

Be Not Conformed to Be Not Conformed to This WorldThis World The early Christians were mindful of Paul’s command The early Christians were mindful of Paul’s command

in Romans 12:2 “Do not conform any longer to the in Romans 12:2 “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world”. Interestingly, this command pattern of this world”. Interestingly, this command from God is ignored today when Christians are either from God is ignored today when Christians are either told, or led to believe, that cremation is an acceptable told, or led to believe, that cremation is an acceptable option. Why is it that so many Christian clergy and option. Why is it that so many Christian clergy and churches fail to see the applicability of this verse to churches fail to see the applicability of this verse to the practice of cremation? This is especially puzzling the practice of cremation? This is especially puzzling since cremation is pagan in its origins and used in the since cremation is pagan in its origins and used in the OT as an extended form of punishment. Certainly, the OT as an extended form of punishment. Certainly, the early Christians fully understood that by imitating the early Christians fully understood that by imitating the Romans by practicing cremation, they would have Romans by practicing cremation, they would have been conforming to the world of their day. So they did been conforming to the world of their day. So they did not.not.

Be Not Conformed to Be Not Conformed to This World (cont.)This World (cont.) It would be appropriate for It would be appropriate for

Christian clergy to teach their Christian clergy to teach their members that when God says “be members that when God says “be not conformed to this world,” it not conformed to this world,” it means that Christians do not means that Christians do not have the option of choosing the have the option of choosing the secular, worldly practice of secular, worldly practice of cremation.cremation.