People who follow different religions may have opposing views about cremation. In some religions, followers expect their loved ones to get cremated. Other religious groups strictly forbid cremation.
Simple Cremation of New Jersey wants to make sure that our services meet all of your religious beliefs. The following list represents our understanding of popular viewpoints within major world religions. If you have a different perspective, please let us know your preferences.
Baptist
Most Baptist churches have an open perspective about cremation. Although scripture doesn’t forbid cremation, some Baptists interpret passages of the Bible in a way that makes them wary of cremation. According to 1 Thessalonians 4:16, “For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ shall rise first.”
Christians who interpret this passage literally may wonder how they can rise from the dead if their bodies have been cremated.
Some Baptists and other Christians also point to Middle Eastern traditions that include placing the dead in burial plots and vaults.
No authority within the Baptist church has ruled for or against cremation, so practitioners can make the decision that they feel comfortable with.
Buddhism
Many Buddhists do not follow prescribed rituals. Instead, they use Buddhism as a way to perceive and behave in the world. As such, Buddhists have the freedom to choose between cremation and burial.
Many Buddhists prefer cremation because writings say that Gautama Buddha was cremated after his death. Some archaeologists even believe that they have found the found cremated remains of Gautama Buddha in China.
Catholicism
Historically, Catholicism has had a negative opinion of cremation. For hundreds of years, the church could use cremation to excommunicate believers, which would deny them the holy sacraments required to enter Heaven.
The Catholic church softened its negative opinion of cremation during the 20th century. In 1863, it officially changed its position, allowing followers to get cremated without consequences. Still, most Catholics choose burial. The Vatican directs the loved ones of people who choose cremation to keep their remains in a sacred place, such as a church cemetery. The church discourages families from distributing ashes among loved ones or putting cremated remains in jewelry.
Hinduism
While some religions accept cremation, Hinduism promotes it. For centuries, Hindus have followed a tradition called Antyesti, a funeral process that ends by placing the deceased’s body on a cremation pyre. According to some Hindu beliefs, the fire helps separate the soul from the body so the soul can continue its journey.
Hindus still practice traditional Antyesti in parts of the world that allow it. Those living in areas that ban public cremation have adapted by delivering the bodies of loved ones to licensed crematoriums.
Islam
Islam forbids cremation. According to Muslim tradition, bodies should get buried within a day of death. Ideally, Muslims also avoid embalming. They make exceptions, however, in places that require embalming by law.
Muslims can only cremate bodies during pandemics that threaten to spread disease throughout communities. Before cremation begins, though, religious authorities must grant permission.
Judaism
Traditionally, Jewish people believe that their bodies and souls will reunite in the future. Because of this belief, they avoid cremation. Even most members of Conservative and Orthodox Judaism, however, give an exception to those cremated against their will. In such an instance, the cremated remains can receive a Jewish funeral and burial.
Not all Jewish people believe God forbids cremation, though. Reform Judaism, for example, doesn’t put much emphasis on burial rites, leaving the choice up to individuals and families.
Methodist
Methodists can decide for themselves whether they prefer burial or cremation. Predominantly, members of the religion do not believe that end-of-life services have an influence on the soul’s eternal presence.
Mormonism
The Mormon Church encourages its followers to choose burial over cremation. It doesn’t, however, have specific rules that forbid cremation. Regardless, few Mormons will choose cremation because it does not fit into their family and religious traditions.
Presbyterian
Presbyterians favor burial over cremation, even though the Christian religion does not forbid it.
Religious Cremations at Simple Cremation of New Jersey
Simple Cremation of New Jersey understands that religious viewpoints and personal opinions can play roles in whether someone chooses cremation or burial. For some people, cremation sounds like an environmentally friendly option that they would prefer over burial.
Our team can work with you and your loved ones to find a service option that respects your beliefs. For example, you might want to consider having a viewing and religious service before cremation. We can adapt to practically any belief system because we understand the important connection between the end of life and religion.
Contact Simple Cremation of New Jersey to learn more about making arrangements that align with your beliefs.