What is better, cremation or burial?
Asked by: Dr. Waldo Jacobs DVM | Last update: October 4, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (71 votes)
What are the negatives of cremation?
Lack Of Closure - Some people feel that cremation denies them the opportunity to have a physical place to visit their loved ones. The absence of a physical burial site can make it difficult for some people to find closure.
Why do we bury the dead instead of cremate?
Burial respects the cycle of nature, and our bodies give back, to the Earth that gave so much to us. Burial is calm, natural, and respectful. Cremation is a loud, disgusting, and violent procedure to the bodies of our loved ones. If ashes are scattered, there is no physical memorial to the dead.
Does the Bible say you should be buried or cremated?
The Bible doesn't explicitly prohibit or endorse cremation or the keeping, spreading, or burying of ashes.
Which funeral is better?
Cremation can be a more affordable option compared to traditional burials. With the rising costs of caskets, cemetery plots, and maintenance fees, cremation provides a practical alternative that can help ease the financial burden often associated with end-of-life arrangements.
Cremation vs Burial | What does the Bible say about Cremation? | GotQuestions.org
Should I get cremated or buried?
In a nutshell, choosing cremation gives families more flexibility to remember their loved one, their way – and it's usually cheaper. But while burials are more expensive overall, they tend to have less impact on the environment.
What happens to a body if there is no funeral?
If you choose not to have a funeral, you can choose alternatives that offer flexibility and cost savings. Common options include direct cremation, where the deceased is cremated without a service or attended cremation with a small, intimate service led by the family.
What does God say about keeping ashes?
It's important to note that there are no explicit verses addressing cremation or the keeping of ashes. The Bible does not directly discuss these specific issues and there are different interpretations of what this silence might mean.
What happens to the soul after cremation?
The soul is seen as being trapped in the physical world, and cremation is seen as a way to break free from this cycle. Cremation is also seen as a way to purify the soul. The fire of cremation is believed to cleanse the soul of all impurities. Once the soul is purified, it is able to begin its journey to the next life.
How soon after death do you go to heaven?
He indicates that, as soon as we die, our souls go immediately into the presence of Christ. In the intermediate state, however, we are disembodied souls. We won't have our glorified bodies until after the coming of Christ and the great resurrection. At that point, our souls will be reunited with our bodies.
Which body part does not burn in cremation?
During cremation, the body parts that do burn consist of organs, soft tissue, hair, and skin, while the water in our bodies evaporates. The body parts that do not burn are bone fragments. Teeth usually burn during cremation, but not entirely.
Why do we bury people 6 ft deep?
An ancient practice of burying dead people six feet underground may have helped mask the odor of decay from predators. Similarly, random disturbances, such as plowing, would be unable to reach a person buried six feet underneath. Preventing the Spread of Disease was another major reason.
How does God want us to be buried?
Regarding Christian practice, there is no prescribed method for burial in the Bible nor even was the tradition consistent with scripture. The Bible teaches that believers will be resurrected at the Coming of the Lord for the Church (commonly called the Rapture), not at Christ's Second Coming to Earth.
Is it cheaper to bury or cremate?
According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the national median cost of a burial with funeral and viewing in 2021 was $9,420. The national median cost of cremation with funeral and viewing in 2021 was $5,365 (without cremation casket and urn).
What religion is against cremation?
Islam has one of the strictest beliefs against cremation among the major religions and has a long tradition of prohibiting the practice. All burial rites are prescribed by divine law, and there are strict practices to follow.
What are the disadvantages of burial?
Cons of Traditional Burial:
Cemetery rules can be restrictive. Some cemeteries have strict rules about the type of monument you can have, visiting hours, flowers, and other remembrances. A fixed memorial location also has drawbacks, as burial plots might only be visited by loved ones living close to the cemetery.
Why do you have to wait 3 days before cremation?
The waiting period before cremation, while sometimes challenging, serves several essential purposes. From ensuring that all legal and medical requirements are met to providing families with the time needed for emotional closure and thoughtful planning, this period is a crucial part of the cremation process.
What does Jesus say about cremation?
According to most Biblical study websites, there is no explicit scriptural command for or against cremation. There are no passages that forbid cremation, according to most Biblical scholars.
How many days does a soul stay after death?
In many traditions, there is a belief that the soul lingers on Earth for 40 days, engaging in a journey of purification, judgment, or preparation for its ultimate destination, which may be reincarnation, heaven, or another form of afterlife.
Is it better to scatter ashes or keep them?
Deciding what to do with your loved one's ashes can be difficult. But the good news is that you can do both. You could scatter most of the ashes as part of a special ceremony with friends and family, but keep a small amount at home too.
What happens to cremation ashes if no one wants them?
Most of the time unclaimed ashes are scattered. But the funeral home has to get approval for the scattering just like the family would.
Where does it say a cremated body can't rise?
But the Bible does not say a cremated body can't rise. In fact, the Vatican explicitly approved cremation in 1963 as a final disposition as long as the practice remains in line with the fundamental belief in the resurrection.
What happens if someone dies and the family cannot afford a funeral?
If you cannot afford a burial or cremation, you can sign a form with the county coroner's office and the state will bury or cremate the body for you. This will be at no cost, but you won't have any say in where or how.
When should you not have a funeral?
Reasons you might not want a funeral
You cannot afford a funeral at the time of the person's death. You do not want to make a decision on how to remember the person or celebrate their life. Not everyone can attend a funeral and you do not want to leave people out. The person who died wanted a memorial service later on.
What happens to a person who dies and has no family?
If a funeral director picks up an unclaimed body and can't find the next of kin, they can either pay for the burial with the money provided by the state, and absorb the rest of the cost, or store the body in a refrigerated space, in hopes that a family member will eventually turn up.