Question:  Dear Greg,

            Please explain about cremation from a biblical, Christian viewpoint.  Is there any reason that it is wrong? 

            Thank you,

            Dorothy

Answer:  Dear Dorothy,

            Burial became the Christian practice following its Old Testament roots.  Of course Jesus was buried, but in a tomb, above ground, and in a very different way than our Western custom of burial in a casket.  The Bible gives no directions that we must follow.   For many years Christian sailors have been buried at sea, for example.  Christians understand that God does not need us to be buried in a particular way in order that he might resurrect us.  Some bodies are so destroyed in accidents or in warfare that burial of the complete body is impossible.

            Cremation is opposed by some Christians on the grounds that “pagans” burn the bodies of their dead.  That is true, but pagans also breathe, eat, marry, have children, etc.  There is nothing in the Bible to suggest that cremation is an inferior practice to burial.  In fact, there might be a case to be made in some areas where land is at a premium that cremation is a much more responsible practice.  There are also economic concerns.  Some simply cannot afford a burial in some urban areas.  So again, there is nothing in the Bible that would compel us to follow one practice over another.

            Hope this helps, Dorothy.  Thank you for allowing PTM to be of service.

            In Christ,

            Greg Albrecht