Bible Discussion Thread

What does the Bible say about cremation?

Hello James. As far as I know, the Bible is silent on this topic, probably because it was not a practice of God's people, rather more in line to what the heathen would do. The references that come up are found in the Old Testament: 1 Samuel 31:11-13; Amos 2:1; Leviticus 20:14. However, Israel generally resorted to burial in a tomb, cave or ground: Genesis 23:19; 2 Chronicles 16:14; Matthew 27:57-60.

So, the Church is not given a specific direction on this, as ultimately, the body returns to dust "from whence it came" ( Ecclesiastes 12:7). It then becomes the decision by the family of the departed to have a burial or a cremation, depending on preference, costs, or availability. My choice would always be for a burial, in line with what was practised by Israel.

Hi Chris ,ive always thought that people burned bodies rather than have wild animals dismember and eat them ,if there is some where like a secure cave etc near by obviously you would use that ,i think it helps to remember the times and places and limited resources people had ,i would rather my loved ones body was burned that eaten by lions ! Once the fire was out and the soft parts consumed the bones could be buried latter in a safe place ,just my thoughts ,a bit morbid ! Sorry.