Can Catholics be cremated? Yes, cremation has been acceptable since 1963, and we should respect the remains in the same way we do burial. Families have the option of celebrating the Eucharist or simply a funeral liturgy within our Catholic Chapels.
Cremation (using fire and heat) is the process by which the body of the deceased is reduced to its basic elements. Cremation is permitted for Catholics as long as it is not chosen in denial of Christian teaching on the Resurrection and the sacredness of the human body.
For most of its 2,000-year history, the Catholic Church only permitted burial, arguing it best expressed the Christian hope of resurrection. But in 1963, the Vatican explicitly allowed cremation as long as it didn't suggest a denial of faith about resurrection.
A: In the Bible, cremation is not labeled a sinful practice. Frankly, the topic is not dealt with at all in terms of the detailed lists of instructions for living and dying set forth by almighty God in the Old and New testaments. The short answer to your question appears to be no, cremation is not a sin.
Cremation is acceptable in most branches of Christianity, including Baptist, Lutheran, and Methodist. These denominations state that there is nothing in the Bible to condemn cremation, therefore the decision between burial and cremation can be left to personal choice.
According to the law, Orthodox Greeks can choose cremation as long as they have stated this in writing before their death or their immediate relatives wish it. "A pre-condition for the cremation is the clear, unequivocal statement of the deceased, or their relatives," that they wish to be cremated, the law said.
The new Vatican guidelines do not prohibit that, so long as the body or cremated remains are buried in a dignified and well-protected container. (Catholics should consult with their diocese for further instructions, since standards can vary from diocese to diocese.)
The funeral and burial take place between 2 and 7 days after someone has died — typically around three days after. The ceremonies are usually not held on a Sunday, as this day is reserved for the traditional Sunday church service.
The Vatican announced Tuesday that Catholics may be cremated but should not have their ashes scattered at sea or kept in urns at home. According to new guidelines from the Vatican's doctrinal office, cremated remains should be kept in a “sacred place” such as a church cemetery.
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.
Keeping the ashes on the forehead is a choice and nobody is required to wear them after the practice is complete, according to uscatholic.org. It is believed that many Christians keep the ashes on their forehead throughout the day as a witness to their faith.
Catholics may choose to be buried with their rosary beads. These may be placed in the hands of the deceased for an open-casket visitation.
I'll cut to the chase: There is nothing immoral about tattoos. Mother Church has never condemned them, and neither can I. It is one of those areas where a Catholic must follow his or her conscience.
Cremation is Accepted (But Not Mandatory)
In the Protestant Faith, cremation became a common choice after World War I. After cremation, it's common for the ashes to be buried in the ground with an upright monument. They may also go in a mausoleum or columbarium.
Grave sins can be classed as sins against God, neighbor and self, and can further be divided into carnal and spiritual sins (CCC 1853). Four other sins are considered grave also. These sins not only offend God, but men as well.
The respect we show by burying the dead body remains one of the seven great corporal works of mercy. Our bodies have received the Body of Christ in the Holy Eucharist in this life and expect to receive Him again when our bodies have risen from the dead.
However, the Catholic church wholeheartedly recommends continuing the "pious practice of burying the dead," Müller said. It is considered one of the corporal works of mercy and, mirroring the burial of Christ, it more clearly expresses hope in the resurrection when the person's body and soul will be reunited.
Cremation of the dead is now legal in Greece, despite strong opposition from the Orthodox Church. The law on cremation was officially published in Monday's Government Gazette. The Church of Greece prohibits cremation.
Many modern Greek-Orthodox individuals believe the soul lingers on Earth until the 40th day. Others simply believe it's important to pay respects to the dead on these historic days. Either way, this tradition is a way to bring families and congregations together.
Cremations are not arranged directly with the facility but through funeral homes. “The cost at our end comes to 600 euros, but with that of the funeral home, I estimate it at between 1,500 and 2,500 euros,” Alakiotis said.
In Christian countries, cremation fell out of favor due to the Christian belief in the physical resurrection of the body. Christians also used burial as a mark of difference from the Iron Age European pre-Christian Pagan religions, which usually cremated their dead.
What does the Bible 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. However, some passages describe standard death practices during these times.
However, it's important to remember that the Bible does not explicitly prohibit or endorse cremation or the keeping of ashes. Ultimately, the decision of what to do with the ashes of a loved one is a personal one, and should be made based on what feels right for the family.