Is Cremation Right or Wrong for Christians?

The issue of cremation will be debated for eternity. Some Christians feel that preservation of the body after death is necessary for resurrection. But in burial, the body decomposes to dust eventually. Believers in cremation return the body to dust immediately. God made everything out of nothing, so the miracle of resurrection will be available to all His followers regardless of the method chosen to honor the death of a loved one.

While the Church recommends burial as the preferred method, there is an increasing number of cremations annually in the US. The first cremation in America took place in 1876. In 1999, there were 598,000 cremations that marked 25% of all American deaths. In 2010, it is estimated that there will be 1,553,000 cremations, making 40% of all deaths.

Many things factor into the decision to cremate. Economically, the families of those who are cremated have no casket, grave space, or head stone to purchase, and no needed perpetual care. For ecologically sensitive folks, cremated remains don't take up needed land. Cremation allows scattering of remains in a place loved by the deceased. This often is a dying person's last wish. This practice can be a very loving tribute to the deceased by friends and family.

Funerals are expensive and elaborate. They are truly a celebration of the life of a loved one. Since the soul of the departed is already at home with the Lord, the funeral is for family and friends. The decision to bury or to cremate is ultimately a personal one.