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As a Christian, my preference for burial over cremation has been influanced by biblical narratives and theological principles that have shaped my faith. The preference is not merely a matter of tradition but is connected to my understanding of Scripture and the hope it offers for the future.

Scripture, while not prescribing a specific method for handling human remains, provides numerous examples and themes that guide the Christian practice of burial. In the book of Genesis, we read about Abraham and his wife Sarah. When Sarah dies, Abraham secures a burial place for her in the field of Machpelah. This act of securing a specific resting place for his beloved wife sets a precedent for respecting the deceased and maintaining a connection to our ancestral heritage. Similarly, the narrative of Jacob shows his sons bringing his body back to Canaan for burial in the cave of Machpelah alongside his forefathers. This emphasizes the importance of being buried in a place connected to one's lineage and spiritual legacy.

The New Testament also highlights the burial of Jesus. After His crucifixion, Joseph of Arimathea, a follower of Jesus, obtains permission to lay His body in a new tomb. Jesus' burial fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah, which speaks of His grave being assigned with the wicked and the rich in His death. This event underscores the dignity of His physical body and points towards the hope of resurrection. The burial of Jesus is not just a historical fact but a theological statement about the sanctity of the body and the promise of eternal life.

There are several scriptural examples that inform the Christian understanding of burial. For instance, in Deuteronomy 34:5-6, the death of Moses is recounted, stating, “Moses the servant of the Lord died there in Moab, as the Lord had said. He buried him in Moab, in the valley opposite Beth Peor.” The act of God Himself burying Moses underscores the importance of honoring the body even in death. Ecclesiastes 12:7 reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death, saying, “Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.” This verse suggests that the body should return to the earth, reinforcing the idea of burial as a natural and reverent way of handling the deceased.

In the early Christian community, the story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:5-10 serves as a cautionary tale. After their deceit, the passage mentions, “the young men came and wrapped up his body, then carried him out and buried him.” This act of burial is done with solemnity and respect. Similarly, following Stephen's martyrdom, Acts 8:2 notes that “devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him.” This shows the early Christian community’s desire to honor and grieve for the deceased through burial.

Burial is an integral part of the Christian faith, reflecting the belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus’ burial and resurrection symbolize the hope of eternal life. Paul speaks of the body being sown perishable and raised imperishable, highlighting the significance of burial as a precursor to resurrection glory (1 Corinthians 15:42-44). This belief in the bodily resurrection is central to Christian doctrine. The act of burial aligns with this belief, treating the body with dignity and reverence, as it is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19).

Additionally, burial follows the biblical example set by the patriarchs and Jesus Himself. Throughout the Bible, God’s people have been buried with honor and respect. Abraham’s purchase of the field of Machpelah for Sarah’s burial and Jacob’s burial alongside his forefathers establish a tradition of honoring the deceased by laying them to rest in a specific place. Jesus' burial in a new tomb by Joseph of Arimathea underscores the sanctity of burial within the Christian faith. Christians believe in the resurrection of the dead, as professed in the Apostles’ Creed: “I believe in the resurrection of the body.” Burial is an act of faith in this promise, symbolizing the believer's participation in Christ’s burial and resurrection. It aligns with the biblical narrative, honoring the physical body as God’s creation, and serves as a testament to the hope Christians hold in the resurrection of the dead.

Burial also allows the Christian community to bear witness to their faith. Funeral rites and burial ceremonies publicly affirm belief in the resurrection and eternal life. These ceremonies provide comfort and hope to the bereaved, strengthening communal bonds within the body of Christ (Romans 12:15). Christians are called to emulate Christ in all aspects of life and death. Jesus’ burial, marked by dignity and reverence, signifies the importance of treating the deceased with utmost respect. This act of burial points to the fulfillment of prophecy and God’s redemptive plan.

When talking about what cremation it is helpful to point out how it compares with the practices of other religions, where cremation is more common. In Hinduism, for example, believers in reincarnation view cremation as a way to release the soul from the physical body, allowing it to move on to the next life. The body is typically cremated on a pyre, and the ashes are often scattered in a sacred river, such as the Ganges, to purify the soul and ensure a better rebirth. Similarly, Buddhism sees cremation as a means to detach the soul from the physical body, aiding in the soul’s journey through the cycle of rebirth and karma. Cremation is common, with rituals varying by culture. The ashes may be enshrined in stupas or scattered in natural settings.

Sikhism practices cremation, reflecting the belief in the impermanence of the physical body and the eternal nature of the soul. The cremation ceremony is communal, emphasizing life’s transient nature and the importance of remembering the deceased’s virtues. Jainism, on the other hand, believes in non-attachment to the body and views cremation as a way to sever the soul’s connection to the physical form. Cremation is performed simply, often followed by rituals reflecting on the deceased’s life and contributions. In Japan, Shinto practices often include cremation, influenced by both Shinto and Buddhist beliefs about purity and the soul’s journey. Cremation is followed by rituals to honor ancestral spirits, believed to influence the living.

Choosing between burial and cremation should be influenced by your theological, cultural, and personal beliefs. My preference as a Christian for burial will allow my own expression of my faith in the resurrection, the sanctity of the body, and continuity with biblical practices to be used for discussion. For Christians, being able to articulate the reasons for preferring burial can provide a meaningful perspective that could lead to further discussions about our faith and core beliefs.

Ultimately, we never know when the Holy Spirit will change someone's heart, but we are called to explain why we have hope in the resurrection. What better starting place than why we believe burial is a good option for a Christian?

~ john