For many, the choice between burial and cremation is a religious one, as some religions accept cremation, while others do not. The religion and cremation debate is not a new one, as some belief systems have been encouraging or discouraging cremation for centuries. There are a lot of cremation services in Penn Township, PA every day. However, this doesn’t mean that people are not stopping to think about religion and belief before they choose cremation.
If you’re wondering what your religion says about cremation or would like to learn more about other belief systems, keep reading for information on what common religions think when it comes to cremation.
- Spiritism – Spiritism, or Reincarnation, is a kind of belief system that promotes the idea that all humans carry immortal spirits that will go to another host after death. Cremation is also widely accepted in Spiritism. However, believers do require a certain period of time between the death and the cremation as they believe that the spirit can sometimes remain with the body for a time after death.
- Hinduism – The Hindu religion pretty much mandates cremation. Hindus believe that fire is a purifying agent that can help release the deceased’s spirit from its physical body so it can move on to a spiritual dimension. Hinduism also calls for a memorial service after the cremation to keep memories of the deceased alive.
- Judaism – The Jewish faith does not allow cremations, as per scripture in the Torah. However, some more modern Jewish families do choose cremation if it coincides with their personal beliefs.
- Christianity – Cremation is fully accepted in Christianity. There are even verses in the Bible that seem to encourage the practice. Take, for example, Genesis 3:19, “By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.” However, there are some Christians that cite biblical examples in support of traditional burial, such as Christ being buried, or various Old Testament burials. All in all, when it comes to Christianity and burial, it really depends on what the individual prefers.
Remember, the only important thing is that your lost loved one is treated with respect and remembered fondly by those that loved him or her, be it through traditional burial or a cremation. At the end of the day, no matter what you believe, there are tons of options for you to honor and remember your lost loved one.
Patrick T. Lanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. is here to help if you’re looking to learn more about religion and cremation. We offer a wide range of Penn Township, PA cremation services, and have experience working with families and bereaved of many different religions and backgrounds. Please feel free to stop by and visit us or give us a call for more information on what we can do for you in your time of loss and remembrance.