How Different Religions View Cremation (And Alternative Forms of Disposition)

Wonder how your religion views cremation? Considering your disposition options before making arrangements with your church? 

Religion has defined disposition in the U.S. for many years, but now irreligion is affecting cremation trends. Despite a rise in Americans that don’t identify with a specific religion, religious beliefs are still a primary concern for millions. If you’re one of those people, check out this quick overview on how different religions view cremation. Plus, get links to deeper information and a comparison chart!

Catholicism

The Catholic Church has been reluctant to accept cremation, but it is allowed today and the restrictions aren’t as strict as they once were. Catholicism is by far the largest Christian religion, so what the Catholic Church decides can have a trickle down effect for many other faiths. 

Catholics can be cremated, but there’s a catch. Due to concern over how the cremains can be treated, respect for the dead and desire to remain a part of the process, the Catholic Church requires that at least a portion of the cremains be kept on holy ground. That means the family would need to bury a portion of the cremains or put them in a niche at a cemetery or church grounds. 

Episcopalian / Anglicanism

Episcopalians can freely choose cremation if they want. Some people may find that surprising since Episcopalians believe the body is sacred. However, the religion also doesn’t connect the body with resurrection so burial isn’t necessary. 

Baptists

The Baptist faith has taken a neutral stance on cremation. It’s neither the preferred form of disposition nor is it frowned down upon. It’s considered a personal choice and not something that the church dictates. 

The reason the church isn’t concerned about cremation is because Baptists believe the soul leaves the body upon death. 

Lutheran

In the Bible there’s no scripture for or against cremation. For that reason, Lutherans allow cremation. Like Baptists, Lutherans don’t believe that the body is connected with the soul or resurrection. 

Methodists

The Methodists are fully accepting of cremation. It’s not only accepted, cremation is considered respectful. Because of the church’s neutral stance, Methodists have no pressure to choose either burial or cremation. It’s a truly personal choice. 

Church of Latter-Day Saints – Mormon

The Church of Latter-Day Saints, also commonly known as Mormonism, does things differently than other religions in a few key ways, but their take on cremation is fairly mainstream. While the church prefers that members choose burial, Mormons can be cremated. 

Unlike some other religions, the Church of Latter-Day Saints has created clear guidelines for cremation. The guidelines state that the choice between burial and cremation is up to the family. However, there’s still a grey area with new forms of disposition like water cremation. 

Jehovah’s Witness

There’s a lot of mystery surrounding the Jehovah’s Witness religion because the beliefs are starkly different from other faiths. In terms of their outlook on cremation, it comes down to the religion’s view on resurrection. 

Leaders of the Jehovah’s Witness church have stated that God can resurrect a soul regardless of the physical form of the body. Therefore, cremation is a perfectly acceptable form of disposition. That said, what’s of most concern is that the body be treated respectfully at all times.

Hinduism 

Cremation is by far the primary form of disposition for people who practice Hinduism. Almost all Hindus are cremated because it is believed to help release the soul from the body. 

While the vast majority choose cremation, often on a traditional funeral pyre in India, Hindus can be buried. Burial is typically reserved for young children and infants. Saints and yogis in the Hindu religion may also be buried rather than cremated.

Islam

Cremation is definitely not allowed in the Islamic faith. It is prohibited in all circumstances, and is considered a violation of religious law. The Qur’an states that not only does burial need to happen, the body needs to be buried within 24 hours of death. 

In Islam it’s believed that the body is necessary for resurrection. Funeral rituals include washing the body and covering it in a shroud prior to burial. Islamic practices are similar to green burial in that everything is natural. A casket isn’t even used unless it’s legally required. 

Buddhism

Buddhists are known for meditation and being at one with the world. The belief that all things are interconnected comes into play with funeral rites. 

Buddhists believe the body is just a vessel that isn’t connected to a person’s life force. It is taught to look at the body as impermanent. Cremation is preferred for Buddhists since it’s seen as a way to release the physical form that’s no longer needed. The act of cremation is also believed to help release the consciousness so that rebirth can occur. In fact, Siddhartha Gautama, one of the first Buddhas, was cremated, which established cremation as the preferred choice.

Judaism  

There are various sects of Judaism, and that can make a difference when you are arranging funeral services. More traditional sects prohibit cremation entirely. But for the most part, Judaism discourages cremation in favor of burial. 

The Torah makes the church’s stance on cremation clear. Jewish people believe that the body needs to be returned to the earth. It’s actually a commandment of the Jewish faith, so there’s little room for interpretation.

At Cremation.Green we help families and individuals of all faiths arrange respectful, eco-friendly funeral services. If you’d like more information on your disposition options, please give us a call, text or email at any time.

Comparison: How Religions Perceive Cremation