Contrary to what most people think, cremation is not a modern invention. Since ancient times, people have been using direct cremation as the final disposition method. This decision, however, is usually based on religion. Your faith is a huge determining variable when you are considering between cremation or burial services for yourself or your loved ones. With the various religions and sects around the globe, attitudes vary from total acceptance of cremation to its polar opposite, which is a total ban. If you want to get an overview of the stand of the different religions on cremation, continue reading below:

Christianity

Though cremation is not entirely banned among Christians, it is not the preferred method. It will all depend on the conscience of the person in gauging what feels the right choice. A few conservative Christian denominations insist that statements in the Bible dissuade from practicing cremation. They also point out that some passages support conventional burial. 

To illustrate, in the book of Deuteronomy of the Old Testament, it can be gleaned that God opted for the burial of the Prophet Moses after his death. Other verses exemplify that God will raise of bodies of the dead, which is seen in the story of Lazarus and the resurrection of Jesus. Because of these factors, most Christians select burial because God will not be able to raise a body that has been burned into ashes. 

Catholicism

When you examine the history of the Catholic Church, anecdotal evidence indicates that the Church was firmly against cremation services. Back then, the opposition was so strong that people who tried this disposition method were excommunicated. It may sound harsh, but that was the policy of the Church in the olden days.

However, this changed dramatically in 1963 when a proclamation was made to lift the prohibition on cremation. Today, it is an acceptable practice for Catholics along with entombment. Catholics believe that there is everlasting life for the body and soul. Thus, should you or your loved one be cremated, the remains in the cremation urn are accorded the same treatment as the deceased in a casket. Whether it is cremation or burial, a Holy Mass must be celebrated, and the burial or cremation can only be done after these holy rites have been completed. 

Protestantism

Unlike other faiths, the Protestant Church, in general, seems to be neutral towards the issue of cremation. It doesn’t condemn the practice, but neither does it promote it. The final choice hinges on the preference of the person planning the funeral rites. In the same token, the cremated remains can be brought home, scattered in the ocean, or ensconced in a columbarium. 

The Protestant faith actually embraces many denominations, which were established due to conflicting beliefs on how various aspects of the Bible should be interpreted. Because of this open mind, cremation is also a non-issue. 

Greek Orthodox

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese actively takes a stand against cremation. This method is considered as deliberate destruction and desecration of the body. This body is akin to a temple that been ordained and given by God. To mutilate it, even after death is not justifiable. 

Because of this belief, the Orthodox Church will only permit a burial. Only organic decomposition of the body is allowed because it is a natural and physical process intended by God. For their members who have been cremated, they do not grant sanctuary. 

Judaism

The traditional Jewish laws place a complete ban on cremation. Burial is their preferred method because of the Jewish belief that the body and soul will be reunited later. The body is also considered sacred, so it must be buried in the earth. However, if a Jew has been cremated against his or her will, Jewish laws will grant a proper Jewish funeral and burial rites for the remains. 

Additionally, Jewish laws require that the body be buried within the same dame of passing. Embalming is not performed because of the belief that the body will return to dust. The deceased body is usually interred in a simple wooden casket with no embellishments or metal accouterments to promote swift, natural decomposition. 

Muslim

Cremation is strictly forbidden in the Muslim religion. Allah considers it a form of mutilation to burn the body. According to their sacred book, funeral rites for Islamic followers is mandated in their divine words. For this reason, they have to bury their dead as fast as possible, usually within the day of the death. 

The body first be washed by the loved ones. Then it is usually wrapped in white cloth as a sign of respect for both life and death. Embalming is not allowed, too. This is followed by a congregational service full of prayers called Janazah. Finally, the body is buried.

Do note that this ban on cremation can be lifted in times of epidemics. To prevent the spread of disease, Muslim leaders grant permission for cremation. 

Buddhism

Buddhists are the only one who can engage in cremation without fear. Buddhism is one religion that whole-heartedly accepts this method. It is not opposed in the tenets espoused in their religious doctrines. Their faith believes that life and death are both parts of the reincarnation cycle. The ultimate objective is to release the dead from all his or her worldly desires to achieve enlightenment. Cremation is one way to accomplish this. 

Once the decision has been made that the deceased will be cremated, Buddhist monks or family members are tasked to do the last rites on the day of the cremation service. These rites include chants and verses containing the precepts of Buddhism. After cremation, the family is given the freedom to do what they want with the cremated remains. 

Hinduism

Perhaps, Hinduism is one of the rare faiths that require cremation. They dub this “antim sanskar” and do this last rite to say goodbye to the earthly remains. The body is viewed as an offering to Agni, who is the Hindu God of Fire. The cremation is spoken with a prayer of purification to lead the body to a better life. This approach is seen as helping detach the body from the mind so that it will no longer linger around loved ones. 

In India, a country where Hinduism is pervasive, the ashes are traditionally scattered in the Ganges River. If the cremation services happen outside the country, it is customary to ship the ashes back to India for dispersion in the Ganges River.

It must be noted though, that holy men and children are exempted from cremation. Holy men are already detached from their body due to their esteemed position. Children are also seen to have a minimal attachment to their earthly forms because of their young life.