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What Does The Bible Say About Creamation?
The Bible does not make an explicit statement about cremation, so its stance on the practice is ultimately a matter of interpretation. While many people believe that cremation contradicts scripture, some points in the Bible could also be used to support the idea that cremation is permissible.
In traditional Jewish and Christian practice, burial after death has been the most common way of disposing of the deceased. The practice of burial was seen as a physical sign of hope in the resurrection of the dead, and it was also adopted in many cultures as a way of honoring the dead. According to Deuteronomy 21:23, a dead body should not be left exposed to the elements, but “shall be buried in the same day; for he that is hanged is accursed of God; that thou defile not thy land which the Lord thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.”
However, despite the fact that burial is the most common practice in the Bible, it is not the only option. For example, when the bones of Joseph, the son of Jacob, were moved from Egypt to Canaan, they were not buried, but instead kept with the Israelites (Exodus 13:19). Similarly, in 2 Kings 23:16-18, there is a description of the bones of the kings and prophets that were collected and burned outside of Jerusalem. This passage could be seen as a suggestion for cremation as an acceptable form of disposing of the dead.
In addition, there is a biblical precedent for the use of fire in a figure of speech to represent resurrection. In Isaiah 66:24, it is written that “their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched.” This passage is usually interpreted as a reflection of new life after death, and could be seen as an indication that cremation might also be part of a Christian belief in the resurrection of the dead.
Finally, cremation could be seen as an embodiment of charity. In 13th chapter of Mark, Jesus asks his disciples to “take heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work…Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation” (Mark 13:33-34). This can be interpreted to mean that, in the same way that Jesus gave authority to his servants, his followers should also show charity and provide for those who are in need. Cremation, if seen in the context of providing for those in need, could be seen as an acceptable way of honoring the dead and showing charity.
In conclusion, it is clear that there is no definitive answer to the question of whether cremation is allowed according to scripture. While the Bible generally presents burial as the accepted form of disposing of the deceased, there are some passages that could be interpreted to suggest that cremation is a permissible option. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide whether the practice of cremation is compatible with their own beliefs and values.
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