The Council Speaks

Question: In studying the Bible, I have not come across any passages of Scripture that speak specifically against cremation or accept it. However, there are instances in the Bible that speak about burning of a dead body. Is cremation an option for our bodies when we die?

Answer: In 1 Samuel 31:11–13 we see, "Now when the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul, all the valiant men rose and walked all night, and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth-shan, and they came to Jabesh and burned them there. They took their bones and buried them under the tamarisk tree at Jabesh, and fasted seven days".

Cremation was not a general practice of the Hebrew culture, but in this instance of Saul's death and his sons, the men of Jabesh decided to burn their bodies. I believe they wanted to give Saul and his sons a proper burial as they respected Saul because they were grateful that he protected the people of Jabesh from the Ammonites. They fasted and showed that they were being respectful, and they mourned for the deceased (See 1 Samuel 11:9–12). The men of Jabesh took down the bodies from the wall where Saul's enemies had placed them, and brought them back to their home, and this is when they burned the bodies and buried the bones.

Another place in the Old Testament that mentions the burning of the body shows judgment on the person rather than honoring those who have died.

In Joshua 7 is the story of Achan. Joshua commanded the people in Joshua 6:18 as they were taking over Jericho, "Do not take any of the things set apart for destruction, or you yourselves will be completely destroyed, and you will bring trouble on the camp of Israel."

Yet, knowing this, Achan still coveted the plunder that they got from Jericho and wanted some items he saw and took them! This brought trouble for the Israelite, and Joshua confronted the people of Israel. He learned the family of Achan had done wrong. Achan confessed to stealing the plunder and hiding it in his tent. So punishment came on Achan-but not just him; punishment came for his whole family. The Israelites threw stones at Achan and his family and then burned their bodies. This happened all because of Achan's greed. The burning of the bodies showed punishment rather than honor in this case.

Asa was a king of Judah who the bible mentions as a man who "did good and right in the sight of the Lord" (2 Chronicles 14:2).

Despite this, 2 Chronicles 16:14 reveals that King Asa developed a terrible foot disease. He did not seek the Lord for help but sought out his physicians for healing. He eventually died and was put in a tomb. He was laid in a perfumed bed in a tomb with sweet spices.

The people built a huge fire in his honor. It was not cremation, but a fire burning nearby. It seems that building a fire during this time was a sign of honor. The opposite of one who did not have the customary honor of having a fire in his honor was Jehoram in 2 Chronicles 21:19. There was no fire in Jehoram's honor because of his evil reign-nor was he buried in a tomb of the kings.

Then we have the example of Jesus being buried-but in a tomb. To be buried in a tomb usually meant that the family was wealthy. That's why Joseph of Arimathea, who did follow Jesus and was also wealthy, wanted to take down the body of Jesus from the cross.

As was the Jewish burial custom, Joseph and another man, Nicodemus, wrapped Jesus' body with linen cloths, along with spices and perfumed ointments, and put his body in a tomb (See John 19:38–40).

Sarah was buried in a cave in a field, a cave in Machpelah, which Abraham purchased from the Hittites when Sarah died, and where Abraham would later be buried (See Genesis 23).

Regardless of the rare case of cremation for Saul and his sons, it was an exception but not the norm for the ancient Israelite.

How a person or family chooses burial or cremation may be due to cultural or spiritual significances; however, when it all is said and done, we are reminded of Genesis 3:19, "By the sweat of your brow will you have food to eat until you return to the ground from which you were made. For you were made from dust, and to dust you will return."

We can agree that times are changing and Indigenous people may be having a different outlook on the idea of cremation. Generally, in regards to all people groups, percentages of cremation have significantly increased since it started in the first century.

People who follow the Lord are taking this approach as well; one follower of Christ has told me that is the way this person wants it to be. The reason, this person said, is that it is less expensive, there is no purchasing of a casket or tombstone, decomposition of body to ashes will be quick, and the procedure will use less land. The person added that the fact is that their soul will be with the Lord, and it does not matter what happens to their physical body after death. Yes, times are changing; people are looking at cremation as another approach to a burial.

Despite all this, taken into decision is what a person or family member believes would be best; it is a decision of respect, dignity, and convictions if the person wants to be buried or cremated. If there is a cremation, there is usually a memorial or celebration of life where family and friends can remember their loved one. In the case of a burial in a grave, family members and friends are able to see a body of their loved one as a farewell. It may give them some comfort, and they are surrounded by family for support.

1 Corinthians 15 says, "It is the same way with the resurrection of the dead. Our earthly bodies are planted in the ground when we die, but they will be raised to live forever. Our bodies are buried in brokenness, but they will be raised in glory. They are buried in weakness, but they will be raised in strength. They are buried as natural human bodies, but they will be raised as spiritual bodies. For just as there are natural bodies, there are also spiritual bodies."

Those who die in Christ will be raised from the dead and given new bodies, and that is assuring. In times past, and even in some countries today, Christian martyrs were and are killed for trusting in Jesus and sharing the gospel. Of course, they did not choose how they were to die, but some were burned at the stake.

God is able to raise those believers who were burned at the stake. As a whole, God will raise all people in the end (See Daniel 12:2). What is important is our soul and our relationship with Jesus Christ our Lord. What matters is our faith in Christ alone.

Myrna is Cree from Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement, northern Alberta. She has taught at a Native Bible school, and served with a Christian publisher. Myrna is married to her husband, Joel, residing in Idaho where she works at a care centre for the elderly with Alzheimer's and dementia.