cremation vs. burial

[kiwi]

Hello all,

I had a very weird discussion recently regarding cremation vs. burial.  An individual was highly irate that I would want to donate my organs (if they would, indeed, be donatable)and then choose to have my body cremated.  I have never even THOUGHT of this as being an "issue" ...anyone have any Bible verses they could share?  (This person was upset that I would have my body cremated/ NOT that I had chosen to donate organs)...

[bebakerus]

I don't necessarily have a verse to support it but what does the condition of your body matter after you're gone?

Is this person telling you that this is an unbiblical practice?

[Lanakila]

The person is probably believing that since our bodies are going to be resurected that cremation is wrong. I am not sure on this one, but I do know that a funeral with a real body does help in the grieving process, and thats why I desire to not be cremated. It has nothing to do with scripture, but so many oppose funerals and flowers or any of the standards of funerals from the past, and these things actually do help in the grief process. I think anything that helps the ones left behind is what we should be thinking about, instead of money, or our own desires.

[kiwi]

To clarify, it is an elderly woman (just background here-no slam on ages, please!)...anyway, I am guessing that she was brought up where burial was "respected" and not cremation.  I just thought that was an interesting "slant" on things-the issue never crossed my mind.  I think she is looking at it for the first time, ever-especially in the context of organ donation (something she had never considered).

Thanks! :cheesy:

[Guest Christopher]

Personally, I wish to be cremated.  The embalming process for funerals is gruesome.  A body may help some people with the griving process, but I know it always freaked me out as a kid to see my relatives that way because they generally don't look like themselves.

 For many people, it may be a financial issue as well because funerals are downright expensive these days (averaging about ůK, I think).  You can get cremated for ũK, and sometimes less, though I wouldn't recommend it in Georgia any more.

I don't know what the Bible says about this.

[kiwi]

"I know it always freaked me out as a kid to see my relatives that way because they generally don't look like themselves"

(and, have you ever noticed how everyone says "oh, they look so natural")-I mean, come on! they ARE, after all, uh-dead.

and the Georgia crack...well-you CERTAINLY have a point there!

Isn't it wonderful that God blesses us with humor?  

even in discussing things that aren't so pleasant! That I am thankful for!! :cheesy:

[Teri Mc]

I had the same response from a Catholic friend of mine. He gave me a four page opinion against cremation wrote by a priest that threw in a couple of Bible verses but proved nothing except the catholics are against cremation. The verses didn't fit in context so I disregarded it. So maybe the woman's denomination has taught her this view. Which we know may not neccessarily be the view of God on the matter. As with anything I suggest prayer on it. If God doesn't want you to be creamated He will let you know.

Love in Christ

Teri

[kiwi]

thanx, all~I appreciate it!  

[johnjackofmn]

Kiwi

It was the request of both my parents that they be cremated. We did honor that request. Being Catholic, my Dad's remains were not allowed in the Church after cremation, so we had a memorial service after the burial. Two years later, Mom was able to have her urn up in front by the altar. The thing is like Christopher stated, the cost factor, plus my parents didn't want a big fuss over their death. Dad even gave us money to buy a keg and have a party after the service. I don't think you would want to do this though.

[kiwi]

John-thanx for sharing, and no-as of yet, I don't think a keg would be appropriate (ask me in a 'few' years, though...)