Bible Question: Is it right for a Christian to be cremated? I have struggled with this one for some time. Pastors I have spoken to cannot agree on this matter as some say it is unscriptual for a believer to be cremated whilst others tell me it makes no difference. What does God's Word say? |
Bible Answer: Personally, I think it's a very private and individual decision. However, there are several factors to be considered. First, I don't think our Lord really cares what we do with our bodies after one is deceased. I guess a person could point out that Jesus was buried BUT of course He was not in the tomb long enough to be mummified, etc. My main point here is that our God is Spirit and the home He's has intended for us is spiritual and this world of bodies is all physical and He's going to destroy it anyway at Judgement Day. Second, this world is getting more and more populated every day with less square footage allowed for the living. Graveyards take up a lot of space, usually in prime real estate areas. Sometime in the not-to-distant future, maybe even our kids' or grandkids' lifetime, nations are going to be forced to start thinking about mandatory cremations. So, the bottom line for me and my wife: we've already discussed it and have chosen to be cremated rather than spend the thousands of dollars on a casket, formal furneral, etc. I'd much rather have my family and christian family celebrate and rejoice at my meeting my Lord, pending that is to Judgement Day. But when I mention this kind of talk to my parents, they react with a different attitude. And my mother comes from several generations of christians. So, go figure...again, it's a very individual decision. I'd like to see the opinions of others. If there's any Bible guidance on the subject, I'd like to see it. God bless. |