Is cremation a sin?

Burial in cave or ground How We Treat the Dead Burial in cave or ground

Indian Mounds at Pinson, TN

Methods of dealing with the dead 2. mummification—Jacob & Joseph— Gen. 50:2, 3, 24-26; Heb. 11:22

Nablus, pop. 50,000

After Desecration by Palestinians

3. Burial at sea-Rev. 20:13

Methods of dealing with the dead 4. Sky Burial— Native Americans & Buddhists

Suttee/Sati Hindu practice Outlawed in 19th Century Encouraging Sati outlawed 1988

Instances of cremation King Saul/Sons (1 Sam. 31:12-13) Edomite king (Amos 2:1-3) Achan & family (Josh. 7:15, 25)

Instances of cremation Pagan priests in Judah (2 Kings 23:20) Hypothetical martyrdom (1 Cor. 13:3)

Arguments against cremation Pagan origins Jews buried their dead Christians followed jewish practice Burial shows respect for body Body will be raised

Arguments for cremation stewardship ($8k-$10K for burial vs. $1700 cremation); crowded cemeteries; Land ecology Fire does in few minutes what nature does in years

Arguments for cremation Simple, purifying process Ashes in container/urn—easy remembrance

Arguments for cremation No biblical command how to treat the dead Respectful, Truthful, & hopeful

Christian viewpoint Body is god’s creation Jesus became flesh; body was hallowed by him Holy Spirit indwells christian’s body Materials that made body will be raised-1 Cor. 15:50-57; Rev. 20:13

Lk. 18:16-17