In this week's conversation between Dr. James Emery White and co-host Alexis Drye, they discuss whether it is okay for those who consider themselves Christ followers to be cremated, rather than pursuing a traditional burial. This has become the preferred form of disposition, and is two times more common than it was even a couple of decades ago.
This discussion was prompted by a recent article in the Washington Post titled “The Stunning Rise of Cremation Reveals America's Changing Idea of Death.” It is uncertain whether the rise in cremation is due to people becoming increasingly uncomfortable with death and dying, the more transitory nature of our existence, or the incredibly high costs of traditional burials. What's for certain is that this form of disposition will only continue to rise.
Dr. White discussed the fact that cremation as a form of disposition is not prohibited in Scripture. There are two passages where cremation is mentioned: 1 Samuel 31:12 and Amos 6:9-10. In neither case is the decision to burn the body condemned. However, throughout Christian history the tradition has always been to have a burial instead.
Finally, at the beginning of the podcast Alexis mentioned earlier podcasts that have surrounded the idea of “Is it okay for a Christian to….?” You can check out Dr. White's series by this same title at Church & Culture HERE. And if you missed the past podcasts, we encourage you to go back and listen to:
CCP74: On Smoking Marijuana and Drinking Wine
CCP55: On Tattoos and Cosmetic Surgery
CCP38: On Attending Diwali Celebrations and Gay Weddings
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