Cremation or Burial? What Does the Bible Say About Cremation?

Cremation, an ancient and globally prevalent practice, raises intriguing questions within religious circles, particularly in Christianity. With evolving societal norms and individual preferences, Christians often grapple with the question: “What does the Bible say about cremation?”

This article aims to delve into the scriptures, interpret theological perspectives, and provide a comprehensive understanding of the biblical view on cremation.

What Does the King James Version of the Bible Say About Cremation and Burial?

The King James Version of the Bible, a widely recognized and revered English translation, provides some interesting insights into death and afterlife customs of the biblical era. Though it does not specifically mention cremation, it features several instances of burial practices, potentially shedding light on the perspective towards handling the deceased.

Texts Regarding Death, Burial, and Body Treatment in the King James Version

Genesis 23:19 – “And after this, Abraham buried Sarah his wife in the cave of the field of Machpelah before Mamre: the same is Hebron in the land of Canaan.” One of the first instances of burial in the Bible, Abraham’s careful and reverential treatment of Sarah’s body sets the precedent for the Hebrew tradition of burial.
John 19:38-42 – “Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders. With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body away. He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs. At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid.” The burial of Jesus continues this tradition, emphasizing the importance of respectful burial practices.

Interpretation of These Texts in Relation to Cremation vs. Burial

While these accounts and others establish burial as a common practice, they do not necessarily prohibit or condemn other methods like cremation. The absence of cremation in the Bible can be understood more as a reflection of cultural norms and available practices of the time rather than a prescriptive directive against cremation.

What can be derived from these instances is the importance of treating the dead with respect and dignity. The focus seems to be less on the specific method used (burial or cremation) and more on the attitude and intent behind the treatment of the deceased. This interpretation provides room for varying practices in different cultural, historical, and personal contexts.

In the context of the King James Version, though burial was the standard practice, the underlying principle to glean is respect for the deceased and the bereaved, which can be maintained irrespective of the method, be it cremation or burial.

Cremation in the Biblical Era

The Bible is a rich historical document that provides insights into the customs and beliefs of the people during the Old and New Testament times. It’s important to understand these customs, as they can often give us context about the practices and teachings of the Bible.

Burial Customs in the Old and New Testament Times

In biblical times, the primary method of handling the dead was through burial. The Old Testament, reflecting the practices of ancient Hebrew society, consistently refers to burial as the common practice upon death. Prominent figures, from Abraham and Sarah to Moses and King David, are described as having been buried.

In the New Testament, burial remains the prevalent practice. Jesus himself was buried in a tomb, and Lazarus, after being resurrected, emerges from a tomb. This consistency suggests that burial was the norm in Jewish society, which strongly influenced early Christian customs.

The Absence of Cremation Practices in These Times

The absence of cremation as a common practice in biblical times does not necessarily equate to a prohibition against it. Cremation, while not widely practiced, was known to the ancient Israelites and surrounding cultures. However, it was often associated with pagan rituals or used as a punitive measure in certain cases, contributing to its infrequent use and absence in normative death customs.

For example, Achan and his family were burned and stoned as punishment for sin in Joshua 7:25: “And Joshua said, Why hast thou troubled us? the LORD shall trouble thee this day. And all Israel stoned him with stones, and burned them with fire, after they had stoned them with stones.” However, this instance represents an exceptional case related to punishment rather than standard death rites.

In summary, while burial was the predominant method in the biblical era, the lack of mention or practice of cremation in the Bible may be attributed more to cultural and historical circumstances than to a divine mandate. The emphasis remains on treating the deceased with respect and honor, whether through burial, and by extension, through cremation if it is done with the same level of respect and care.

What Does the Bible Say About Cremation?

A comprehensive understanding of what the Bible says about cremation can be achieved by examining two key aspects: reviewing specific biblical instances where bodies are burned, and interpreting the Bible’s overall messages about respecting and honoring the body in death.

Cremation in the Old Testament

The Old Testament predominantly depicts burial as the traditional method for handling the dead. However, there are a few instances where bodies being burned is described, typically associated with punishment or exceptional circumstances.

Joshua 7:25 – “And Joshua said, ‘Why did you bring trouble on us? The Lord brings trouble on you today.’ And all Israel stoned him with stones; they burned them with fire and stoned them with stones.” This severe penalty was given to Achan and his family for his sin against God. They were first stoned and then burned, emphasizing the punitive nature of the act.
1 Kings 13:1-32 – This narrative involves a prophet being disobeyed, and subsequently, his body is burned. However, this situation is related to divine retribution and does not represent standard death customs.

Cremation in the New Testament

In the New Testament, no specific mention of cremation is found, and the cultural context of Jewish burial customs continues to be prevalent.

Matthew 27:57-60 – “As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock.” This account of Jesus’ burial is perhaps the most notable in the New Testament, underscoring the ongoing practice of burial.

In conclusion, while the Bible does not explicitly address the practice of cremation, it does not prohibit it either. The instances where cremation-like practices occur are generally under exceptional or punitive circumstances, and are not representative of the normative approach to handling the dead.

The theme that remains consistent throughout the scriptures is the respectful treatment of the body after death, reflecting the inherent dignity of human beings as creations in the image of God. Whether this respectful treatment takes the form of burial or cremation appears less prescriptive, allowing for personal, cultural, and historical variations.

Biblical Instances of Cremation

While the Bible predominantly depicts burial as the normative practice after death, there are a few instances where the burning of bodies, akin to cremation, is mentioned. However, these instances are often tied to punishment, conflict, or exceptional circumstances.

Cremation as a Punitive Measure

Joshua 7:25 – “And Joshua said, ‘Why did you bring trouble on us? The Lord brings trouble on you today.’ And all Israel stoned him with stones; they burned them with fire and stoned them with stones.” This instance occurs after Achan is found to have stolen from the devoted things during the battle of Jericho, resulting in Israel’s defeat in a subsequent battle. The burning of Achan’s body, along with his family’s, signifies divine judgment.

Cremation in Context of War

1 Samuel 31:12 – “All the valiant men arose, and went all night, and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth-shan, and came to Jabesh, and burnt them there.” This passage narrates the aftermath of the battle in which King Saul and his sons fall. The burning of their bodies by the men of Jabesh-Gilead is a desperate act to prevent further desecration by the Philistines, not a standard funeral rite.

Cremation in Exceptional Circumstances

Amos 6:10 – “And a man’s uncle shall take him up, and he that burneth him, to bring out the bones out of the house, and shall say unto him that is by the sides of the house, Is there yet any with thee? and he shall say, No. Then shall he say, Hold thy tongue: for we may not make mention of the name of the LORD.” This prophetic passage speaks of a devastating time where traditional burial practices may not be possible.

In conclusion, the biblical instances of cremation are typically under punitive, conflict-related, or exceptional circumstances. They do not represent normative death practices, nor do they convey a prohibition against cremation. The biblical emphasis is consistently on the respectful treatment of the deceased, allowing room for personal, cultural, and historical interpretations of that respect.

Catholic Bible and Cremation

The Catholic Church’s teachings are based on the Bible, but they are also influenced by traditions and church doctrine developed over the centuries. Let’s explore the Catholic view on cremation, how it has evolved, and its current standing.

Historical Catholic Stance on Cremation

Historically, the Catholic Church had a strong preference for burial. This preference is based on the belief in the resurrection of the body and the coming together of the body and soul at the final judgment. However, this preference does not equate to a direct biblical prohibition against cremation.

Change in Catholic Doctrine Regarding Cremation

In 1963, the Vatican lifted the prohibition against cremation. This change is reflected in the Code of Canon Law (1983) Canon 1176.3, which states, “The Church earnestly recommends the pious custom of burial be retained; but it does not forbid cremation, unless this is chosen for reasons which are contrary to Christian teaching.”

Present-Day Catholic View on Cremation

While the Catholic Church now permits cremation, it stipulates that the ashes must be stored in a sacred place, such as a cemetery. Scattering ashes or keeping them at home is discouraged because of the Church’s focus on respecting the dignity of the deceased.

The Order of Christian Funerals’ Appendix on Cremation states: “The cremated remains should be buried in a grave or entombed in a mausoleum or columbarium. The practice of scattering cremated remains on the sea, from the air, or on the ground, or keeping cremated remains at home is not the reverent disposition that the Church requires.”

Why Choose Cremation?

The choice between burial and cremation is a deeply personal one, often influenced by factors such as religious beliefs, cultural traditions, personal preferences, environmental concerns, and economic considerations. Here are some reasons why people might opt for cremation:

1. Personal Beliefs and Preferences

Preference for Cremation: Some people have a personal preference for cremation over burial. This can be due to a variety of reasons, including personal beliefs about death and the afterlife, or a desire for a less traditional funeral.
Posthumous Mobility: In our increasingly mobile society, families often live great distances apart. Cremation can make it easier to transport remains and hold memorial services in different locations.

2. Environmental Considerations

Land Conservation: Concerns about land usage can also play a part in the decision. Cemeteries take up large amounts of space, and some people choose cremation as a more environmentally friendly option.
Reduction of Carbon Footprint: Others may choose cremation to reduce their carbon footprint, as traditional burial methods can involve embalming fluids and non-biodegradable materials.

3. Economic Factors

Cost Considerations: Cremation is typically less expensive than traditional burial, especially when factoring in costs like the purchase of a burial plot and a headstone. For many, this economic factor can significantly influence the decision.

While the choice of cremation is personal and multifaceted, it is essential to remember that respectful treatment of the deceased is the guiding principle in these decisions. For those guided by Christian faith, this respect extends from the belief in the inherent dignity of the human being, as created in the image of God.

Contemporary Christian Views on Cremation

Contemporary Christian views on cremation are diverse and often influenced by personal beliefs, cultural traditions, and denominational teachings. This section explores the various viewpoints within the Christian faith community.

Protestant Views

Varied Opinions: Within Protestantism, views on cremation vary significantly across different denominations. Some, like the Anglican and Methodist churches, have no official stance against cremation. Others, like certain Baptist or Evangelical groups, might lean towards traditional burial due to their interpretation of biblical teachings.

Catholic Views

Acceptance with Specifications: As mentioned earlier, the Catholic Church officially accepts cremation as long as the ashes are treated with respect and stored in a sacred place. The church strongly discourages scattering ashes or keeping them at home.

Orthodox Christian Views

Preference for Burial: Orthodox Christianity typically prefers traditional burial based on the belief in the sanctity of the human body and the resurrection of the body at the second coming of Christ.

Evangelical Views

Room for Personal Decision: Many Evangelical Christians view the decision between burial and cremation as a personal one. They emphasize the principle of treating the deceased with respect and dignity, regardless of the method chosen.

Cultural and Societal Influences

Shifting Attitudes: Cultural shifts and societal trends also play a part in shaping contemporary Christian views. With changing societal attitudes towards death and dying, and increasing acceptance of cremation in many societies, some Christian denominations have seen a shift towards a more open stance on cremation.

In summary, contemporary Christian views on cremation vary widely, reflecting the diversity within the Christian faith community. The choice between burial and cremation is often seen as a personal decision that should be guided by respect for the deceased and aligned with one’s religious beliefs, cultural traditions, and personal preferences.

Respect for the Deceased: A Universal Theme

Across all scriptures, church teachings, and denominational stances, there is a common theme: the respect and dignity of the deceased. This universal theme transcends the specifics of burial or cremation, underscoring the deeper values at play when discussing death and afterlife customs.

Respect in Biblical Texts

Genesis 23:19: The biblical story of Abraham’s careful and reverential burial of Sarah sets a tone for respectful treatment of the deceased.
John 19:38-42: The burial of Jesus, with specific emphasis on careful preparation and handling of his body, further underscores this theme of respect for the deceased.

Respect in Church Teachings

Catholic Church: The Catholic Church’s teachings emphasize respect for the deceased’s remains, as seen in its guidance regarding the storage of ashes after cremation.
Orthodox Christianity: The Orthodox Christian preference for traditional burial is based on the belief in the sanctity of the human body and respect for the deceased.
Protestant and Evangelical Views: Many Protestant and Evangelical groups emphasize the importance of treating the deceased with respect and dignity, irrespective of whether one chooses burial or cremation.

Respect in Personal Decisions

Individual Choice: Regardless of one’s religious, cultural, or personal beliefs, the decision between burial and cremation should be guided by respect for the deceased.
Environmental and Financial Considerations: Even factors like environmental sustainability and cost considerations, when making a decision between burial and cremation, ultimately boil down to ensuring the deceased is honored and respected in death.

In conclusion, while the Bible and various Christian denominations offer different perspectives on cremation, the universal theme is a commitment to the respectful treatment of the deceased. This respect, rooted in the belief in the inherent dignity of every human being, transcends the specifics of burial or cremation, serving as a guiding principle for individuals navigating these deeply personal decisions.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not explicitly discuss cremation, its central theme is clear — respect for the deceased and hope in the resurrection. These principles should guide Christians navigating the cremation question, fostering a compassionate and understanding community.