Is It a Sin to Get Cremated?

Many people want to ensure their eternal souls rest easily. So, is it a sin to get cremated? Learn what religious experts have to say.

In 2020, around 56% of Americans chose the option of being cremated when they died. This is a huge leap from 1970 when only 5% of Americans chose cremation.

Many religious people may worry about is it a sin to get cremated or if that isn’t biblical. This is a conversation that has been going on for a long time, and many still don’t know the answer.

When it comes to religious burial options, people have strong opinions. This can make it difficult to decide what the best option is for you when you have to make this decision.

Is it a sin to get cremated? Keep reading to find out what the answer is.

Can Religious People be Cremated?

A common misconception that people have is that religious people don’t get cremated. While this is true in some instances, it is not as widespread as you would think.

Most religious experts agree that there is nothing definitively biblical against cremation. People may assume that the Bible is against cremation due to some misunderstandings.

The scriptures can be confusing when it comes to whether cremation is a sin. There is nothing in the Bible that actually says this or even hints at the fact.

Because of this, you will have to make this decision on your own on whether it is a sin to be cremated. It usually comes down to personal religious beliefs and cultural standards.

There is no reason to believe that you will not be able to go to heaven if you choose cremation. This is never mentioned in the Bible, so we must assume that Christians can choose this burial option.

Why Do People Think Cremation Is a Sin?

Are you wondering is it a sin to get cremated? The roundabout answer is that it is not a sin, but this is a popular belief among Christians.

Many people believe that scriptures in the Bible hint at the sin of cremation. None of these scriptures actually say that, however, it is just personal opinion.

There are other reasons why people believe cremation is a sin based on personal beliefs. If you are considering religious cremation for your funeral service, these are things that you should consider.

While cremation is not a sin in most people’s opinion, you want to choose the option that best aligns with your religious values.

Pagan Practices

Many people are against cremation because of its pagan roots. There are many instances in the Bible of people who worshiped false gods cremating their dead.

Outside of the Bible, there are plenty of historical resources that also point to this fact. Plenty of pagan religions of old have believed in burning their dead as a means of disposal.

There are also some instances of Christians in the Bible cremating their enemies. Many other people in history have also used cremation to bury their dead.

This is something that you will find in Viking history as well as in other cultures. Overall, there is no real reason to believe that cremation is strictly a pagan practice.

Scriptures

Most Christians do not believe in cremation because of certain scriptures in the Bible. They believe that they will not be able to go to heaven if their body is not intact.

A lot of these fears come from a misunderstanding of what these scriptures mean. Some of them are vague, and some are talking about something completely different than you might think.

There is no scripture that says that cremation is a sin, so it most likely isn’t. God was able to bring all kinds of people back to life, so there is no reason to believe that cremation would hinder you from going to heaven.

Desecration of the Body

Another common reason why Christians don’t believe in cremation is what it entails. Many people consider it to be a desecration of the body that God gave us.

It is not uncommon for people to be very uncomfortable at the thought of cremation. No one likes to think of a human body being burnt to ash, as it can be quite disturbing.

This is something that you will have to decide for yourself. It is not an act of self-harm.

What Does Cremation Include?

If you are thinking about the pros and cons of cremation, you should understand the process. Many people know what cremation is, but they may not know how it’s done.

If you’re worried that it is a sin, doing your research will help to set your mind at ease. It can be upsetting, but this is something that is worth looking into if you are planning your options.

Cremation is the process where the body is burnt at very high heat until it turns to ash. The body is heated to 1400 to 1800°F.

It can take up to two hours for this process to happen, depending on the person. Once the body has turned to ash, the ash will go into an urn that’s given to loved ones.

The family can choose to have the body cremated with or without clothing. They also have the option of choosing the urn that they want their loved one in.

Are There Benefits to Cremation?

Now that we have discussed whether is it a sin to get cremated, we should discuss the benefits. Cremation has plenty of benefits, which is why it has become a more popular option.

As unpleasant as this decision can be, it is important to think about these things. Whether you are planning for yourself or for a loved one, you want to have some decisions made.

A religious burial requires certain things, and you want to decide on the type of burial you will have. Cremation or being buried in a casket are both great options that you should carefully consider.

More Affordable

One of the most common reasons why people choose cremation is affordability. The funeral service is something that can be extremely expensive, more so than people realize.

There are expenses around transporting the body, preparing it, buying the casket, and burying it. That doesn’t even include the headstone or the burial plot.

These expenses can add up quickly and can result in a burial that costs thousands of dollars. For many people, this is unrealistic, especially if the death is unexpected.

Cremation is a much cheaper option since you don’t need a casket or a large plot. Many people don’t even bury the ashes, which significantly reduces how much money you need.

If the price is something that you are concerned about, this can provide a realistic option.

Provides a Keepsake

The process of cremation allows loved ones to have something of their loved ones. Many families choose to hold onto the ashes and even disperse them among each other.

Many people keep ashes in an urn in an honorary area of their home. Some people may even request to have their ashes spread in a special place after their passing.

There are also plenty of special keepsakes that can be made out of ashes. Some companies are able to create jewelry for ashes so that you can keep your loved ones close.

This can be a great way to help with the grief that you are dealing with. Many people find this comforting so that they do not feel like their loved one is in a graveyard.

Time for Grieving

A benefit to cremation is the process of grieving is not rushed. Many families can feel rushed if a family member dies and they have to quickly put together a funeral.

This does not allow much time to let the news sink in and feel the sadness. When you choose cremation, you do not have to rush to bury the body.

Many families choose to hang onto the ashes for months or years before burying them in a graveyard plot. Or some families may even decide to never bury the ashes.