Burial practices

RevJP · Moderator Joined: 18 Apr 2003 Posts: 7005 Location: USA

Let me pick all y'alls brains:

What is the scriptural or theological take on cremation as opposed to burial?

I'm working out the details for my funeral, looking for a plot, etc. but would really rather be cremated.

What's the biblical word on it?
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SarahJane · Alley Cat Joined: 20 Nov 2005 Posts: 177

Some churches teach that we are resurrected body and all so the body should be preserved after death. The body of Jesus was certainly resurrected in full. That leads me to question what God would do in an instance where a body was destroyed when the person dies naturally instead of the typical death. Would God fail to resurrect someone who died in a shark attack?

Looking at it with logic, our bodies were created to decompose after death. Embalming slows the process but we cannot stop decomposition. I think that God didn't do that accidentally; we came from the earth and our bodies are made to renew the earth when we are no longer a consumer of the earth. Eventually we would end up as dirt once again no matter what we do. That isn't saying that we aren't resurrected, that's saying that we underestimate God when we think that we have to preserve our bodies after death in order to gain heaven.

I know that not everyone will agree with me but I'm not going to discourage cremation. The only logical reason I can see to oppose cremation is a belief that God cannot recreate the body from ashes Wink

RevJP · Moderator Joined: 18 Apr 2003 Posts: 7005 Location: USA

Along those lines Sarah, I would have a hard time accepting that the Almighty would be unable to do something such as suggested:

golfjack · Posted: Wed Nov 23, 2005 10:24 am Post subject: reply

Rev. J.P. I don't of any N.T. doctrine that really talks about how we are to be buried. I can only give you my opinion: I know Paul said that his flesh was unprofitable. I imagine before his death, he was convinced that his spirit and soul would go to heaven. I have often wondered if we die before the rapture, when we get our new glorified body. My opinion is we receive our new bodies when the dead in Christ are raised first, and that would be the first resurrection mentioned in Rev. I also think we will have the feeling of a body before this event or some other kind of body. I imagine the Book of Leviticus tells the Jews how to be buried, with all it's rules and regulations.

Personally, I want no funeral, with any kind of ceremony, other than a celebration that I am home with the Lord. I want to be creamated, and have my ashes spread over the golf course that I play at. Bottom line, I don't think it makes much difference how we are buried.

May God bless, golfjack

nannabug · Growing Guppy Joined: 06 Nov 2005 Posts: 42

SarahJane · Alley Cat Joined: 20 Nov 2005 Posts: 177

RevJP, what are your thoughts on cremation? I'm always interested in learning the point of view of a person who asks a question like this. Cool

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RevJP · Moderator Joined: 18 Apr 2003 Posts: 7005 Location: USA

um.... I don't really have any as of yet, that is why I asked the question.

I would prefer cremation. But would like a biblical perspective on it.
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