Cremation is the practice of disposing of a deceased person’s body by burning it to ashes. It has become increasingly common in many parts of the world, including among some Christians. However, biblical teaching on burial and perspectives on cremation vary within Christianity. Here is an overview of key biblical passages and themes relevant to considering cremation as a Christian.
1. The Bible prescribes burial as the primary means of caring for the dead
In the Old Testament, the common practice for disposing of the dead was burial in tombs, caves, or graves. Several passages give indications about proper burial:
- “Abraham buried Sarah his wife in the cave of the field of Machpelah east of Mamre (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan” (Genesis 23:19).
- “Rachel died, and she was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem), and Jacob set up a pillar over her tomb” (Genesis 35:19-20).
- “Joseph died, and they embalmed him and put him in a coffin in Egypt” (Genesis 50:26).
- “You shall surely bury [the executed one] that day, so that you do not defile the land that the LORD your God is giving you for an inheritance” (Deuteronomy 21:23).
Likewise, in the New Testament, burial in tombs or graves remains the standard practice:
- “Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud and laid it in his own new tomb” (Matthew 27:59-60).
- “Taking her by the hand he called, saying, ‘Child, arise.’ And her spirit returned, and she got up at once. And he directed that something should be given her to eat. Her parents were amazed, but he charged them to tell no one what had happened. And he said, ‘Give her something to eat.’ Her parents were amazed, but he charged them to tell no one what had happened” (Luke 8:54-56).
Based on these practices, burial appears to be the standard method of caring for the dead in the biblical worldview. The reverent burial of loved ones and dignitaries was viewed as a sign of honor and respect.
2. Cremation was not a common practice in biblical times
There are a few accounts in Scripture where burning of human remains occurs, but these are not examples of cremation as a funeral practice:
- Burning in judgment: After the wicked city of Sodom was destroyed, Abraham “looked down toward Sodom and Gomorrah and toward all the land of the valley, and he looked and, behold, the smoke of the land went up like the smoke of a furnace” (Genesis 19:28). This burning was an act of divine judgment, not a funeral rite.
- Burning to prevent defilement: Under Mosaic law, if an executed criminal was hung on a tree overnight, their body had to be buried that same day, “for a hanged man is cursed by God. You must not defile your land that the LORD your God is giving you for an inheritance” (Deuteronomy 21:23). Exceptionally, King Josiah burned and desecrated human bones on pagan altars to ritually purify the land (2 Kings 23:16-20).
- Burning bones as an act of desecration: The Ammonites burned the bones of the king of Edom into lime as an insulting act of destruction (Amos 2:1).
In none of these instances was cremation practiced as a normal funeral custom. Rather, burning was done to destroy human remains in unusual cases of judgment, prevention of impurity, or desecration of an enemy.
3. The Bible uses burial to represent meanings like hope and intimacy with God
Beyond prescribing burial as the standard practice, the biblical authors use burial imagery to convey theological concepts:
- Burial represents hope: When believers die, their bodies are “sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory” (1 Corinthians 15:43). Just as seeds must be buried to grow, the body is buried in hope of resurrection.
- Burial represents intimacy with God: Joseph’s bones were carried out of Egypt for burial in Canaan because “he had made the sons of Israel solemnly swear, saying, ‘God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here’” (Exodus 13:19). Burial in the Promised Land represented resting in intimate covenant with God.
- Burial represents dignity: Even when killed by enemies, “devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him” (Acts 8:2). Honoring the dead with burial was a solemn duty.
These meanings would have resonated with ancient audiences who saw burial as the norm. While they may not demand burial over cremation today, the underlying meanings remain relevant.
4. Early Christians generally opposed cremation
The first clear reference to cremation among Christians appears around the turn of the second century AD. The author Minucius Felix refers to burial as the more acceptable practice, while noting that some Christians approve of cremation:
“Some, in shunning burial, have their bodies burnt (bustum), and regard this as the best return to the dust, to which they are destined. But we, holding this to be forbidden, consider it no less impious to burn what God has so wondrously created, than to deface the face of humanity”
By the following century, apologists like Tertullian completely reject cremation as unfitting for Christians:
“The faith of some in the resurrection of the dead is on a par with the unbelief of others regarding it…. We, however, as befits the faithful, who are fully persuaded that those whom we bestow in the ground will rise again, shrink from disturbing even a buried body” (On the Resurrection of the Flesh)
This stiff opposition toward cremation continued for centuries until acceptance grew after the Reformation.
5. Views among contemporary Christians vary
Today, perspectives on cremation within Christianity span:
- Acceptance: Many Protestant churches accept cremation as a legitimate option, even if they still recommend burial.
- Caution: Some caution that popular motivations for cremation like convenience and cost savings reflect less respect for the body than burial.
- Rejection: The Eastern Orthodox Church, as well as some conservative Protestants, still forbid cremation.
- Requirements: The Catholic Church allows cremation with the caveat that cremated remains must be kept intact and properly buried.
Views on the practice often look at how cremation interplays with theology of death, the body, respect for the deceased, and precedent. Christians can thoughtfully come to different conclusions.
6. Key considerations around cremation
When evaluating cremation, Christians can reflect on questions like:
- Does this approach properly balance honoring the deceased with other factors like costs and simplicity?
- Does cremation or burial better represent my beliefs about the dignity of the body and hope of resurrection?
- Will my motivations and the message communicated reflect respect for the dead?
- How does my decision consider Christian tradition and views in my community?
It is not necessarily unbiblical to choose cremation, especially given changing cultural contexts. However, these key considerations can help Christians evaluate motivations and perceptions.
7. Cremation and burial both require Christian reflection
Whether choosing cremation or conventional burial, Christians should thoughtfully reflect on how they honor the dead. Questions to consider include:
- How do funeral practices reflect my beliefs about the dignity and value of each person as made in God’s image?
- Does the handling of the body show care and concern for the deceased?
- How do ceremonial elements point to hope in Christ’s resurrection?
- Do funeral costs display wisdom and stewardship of resources?
- What burial traditions or forms can carry significance about my Christian beliefs?
Careful reflection on these questions allows Christians to make spiritually meaningful decisions about cremation and burial.
8. Focus on honoring God more than personal preference
Burial or cremation is less about rigid rules than honoring the dead in a way that glorifies God. Scripture offers principles like:
- “So whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s” (Romans 14:8). Our primary purpose is honoring God in life and death.
- “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Even mundane decisions like burial can honor God.
- “Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good” (Romans 12:9). Choices should thoughtfully reflect Christian values.
- “Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor” (1 Corinthians 10:24). Consider how decisions affect others’ grief and views.
With prayer and discernment, Christians can make spiritually meaningful decisions about burial practices that honor God and neighbor.
9. Focus on resurrection more than physical remains
Paul writes that the perishable body is sown, but raised imperishable; sown in dishonor, raised in glory; sown in weakness, raised in power (1 Corinthians 15:42-44). What matters most is not the physical body, but resurrection to new life:
- “We do not lose heart… For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison” (2 Corinthians 4:16-17). The departed Christian’s spirit is now with Christ.
- “It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body” (1 Corinthians 15:44). Our redeemed bodies will be transformed.
- “The dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed” (1 Corinthians 15:52). Our current perishable state will put on the imperishable.
While cremation destroys the earthly tent, the eternal dwelling in the heavens remains (2 Corinthians 5:1). Our hope is in resurrection more than physical remains.
10. Remember the departed’s impact and character
At Christian funerals, eulogies and memories often focus less on physical details than on the godly character and spiritual impact of the departed. We remember:
- Abraham was a man of faith who obeyed God (Hebrews 11:8-12).
- David was a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14).
- Mary showed devotion in anointing Jesus (John 12:3).
- Paul fought the good fight and finished the race (2 Timothy 4:7).
Rather than obsess over burial details, Christians honor the dead by celebrating Christ-like character that inspires us to godly living and service.