How Different Religions Regard Cremation

If you’re affiliated with a specific religion, you will probably look to the tenants of your faith when making life decisions whether big or small. So when the time comes to preplan final services, you may wish to look into how your religion regards cremation. That way, you’ll know if it’s a good idea to preplan cremation services in Chaska, MN. The good news is that many religions and faith communities are accepting of either funerals or cremations. But there are a few that prohibit cremations, so it’s important to know whether it’s an option for you. 

With that said, what follows is a look at what several religions have to say about cremation as a body disposition option. 

Christianity 

While Christendom used to be largely against cremation as a body disposition, times have changed. It's now the case that most Christian denominations are accepting of cremation, which means that adherents are free to choose either cremations or funerals. Why the change? Churches are now mostly in agreement that cremation won't impede resurrection as taught in the Bible. Of course, this doesn't mean that all Christian churches are okay with cremation. The Russian Orthodox Church and the Greek Orthodox Church, for example, are against cremation. 

Judaism 

Whether it’s okay or not for a follower of Judaism to get cremated depends on the branch of Judaism. Judaism generally discourages the ody disposition but Reform Judaism is more accepting of cremation as a body disposition. If you are affiliated with Reform Judaism and wish to be cremated, your ashes will need to be placed in a casket before burial. If you are affiliated with Orthodox Judaism, you’ll be prohibited from getting cremated. 

Islam 

Islam prohibits cremation. In fact, someone who adheres to the Islamic faith is not even permitted to witness a cremation or to discuss the body disposition option. According to Islam, the body of the deceased should be regarded with as much respect as the body of the living, which means that it should not be placed in a cremation chamber. It is also believed that a future resurrection is dependent on the body being buried under the earth whole. 

Buddhism 

If you're a Buddhist, you're free to either get a funeral or a cremation. The faith community does not have any specific criteria for what final services to choose. However, many Buddhists opt for cremation since Buddha, himself, was cremated. 

Hindu 

Hindus encourage cremation since they believe that this body disposition option entices the soul to exit the body and move closer to “mukti,” which means becoming one with what they call "the Source." 

Do you practice a religion that is not covered here? Contact us at Scott County Cremation, and we’ll get the answers you need. If you want to plan cremation services in Chaska, MN, you can get a hold of us by phone (952) 402-9000, in person at 833 S. Marschall Road, Shakopee, MN 55379, or online at https://www.scottcountycremation.org/. We’re committed to providing satisfactory service before, during, and after the cremation. When you contact us, ask us about our satisfaction guarantee. It will ensure that you get the services you paid for and set your mind at ease. When you’re ready to talk, get in touch.