Introduction. Since the 1960's, attitudes toward cremation in the United States have changed drastically. In 1960, cremation made up about 3.5% of all funerals in the US. This year (2024) it has increased to 61% and is projected to be over 80% by 2045. In Nevada, Oregon and Washington, cremation is over 80% of all funerals. That is an amazing change in attitude over a very short time.
Reasons cited are lower costs, less impact on the environment, and a movement away from religion. Religion doesn’t appear to be a true reason though, since the Catholic church removed its prohibition against cremation in 1963, although they still demand the ashes be buried. The general view of most “religious people” in America is that this is a personal decision left to each family to decide. So a movement away from religion may only be wishful thinking.
What do the Scriptures actually say? There are strong feelings and opinions, but what has God revealed about His feelings and His will toward this practice? Does the custom of burial and thus our feelings about it arise from a “manner of life handed down from your fathers” or is it a tradition which came from Scripture? Should Christians oppose, preach against, or discourage cremation? Should they be told to accept it and even begin practicing it? The key to this discussion hinges on the body at death. Since God defined and explained it at the very beginning, we must start there.
Reasons cited are lower costs, less impact on the environment, and a movement away from religion. Religion doesn’t appear to be a true reason though, since the Catholic church removed its prohibition against cremation in 1963, although they still demand the ashes be buried. The general view of most “religious people” in America is that this is a personal decision left to each family to decide. So a movement away from religion may only be wishful thinking.
What do the Scriptures actually say? There are strong feelings and opinions, but what has God revealed about His feelings and His will toward this practice? Does the custom of burial and thus our feelings about it arise from a “manner of life handed down from your fathers” or is it a tradition which came from Scripture? Should Christians oppose, preach against, or discourage cremation? Should they be told to accept it and even begin practicing it? The key to this discussion hinges on the body at death. Since God defined and explained it at the very beginning, we must start there.