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Line 1: − + − + − − Every single reference in the [[Bible]] to the disposition of the bodies of the deceased disfavors cremation.<ref>http://www.epm.org/articles/cremation.html</ref> − − The [[Nazi]]s heavily used cremation.<ref>JEAN PICTET, COMMENTARY, GENEVA CONVENTION I, GWS, at 178-79 (1952).</ref> The 1949 Geneva Convention, an international treaty, prohibits cremation in war: "Bodies shall not be cremated except for imperative reasons of hygiene or for motives based on the religion of the deceased."<ref>Article 17, second paragraph.</ref> − − == Christian Opposition to Cremation == − − Virtually all Christians believe in and recite basic tenets of the [[Nicene Creed]], which professes a [[faith]] in the resurrection of the body for Christians.<ref>http://cofe.anglican.org/worship/liturgy/commonworship/texts/word/creeds.html</ref> − − [[Christian]]s have numerous serious objections to cremation: − * the body is in the image of God and should be respected − * cremation is a pagan practice − * the body is an integral part of the person, not simply a vehicle for the soul<ref>[[St. Thomas Aquinas]] rejected the view that a person is a [[soul]] trapped in a body, observing that a soul by itself would not be a human. Robert Pasnau's introduction to his translation of ''Summa Theologiae'' explains that Aquinas is "quite clear in rejecting the sort of substance dualism proposed by Plato <nowiki>[...]</nowiki> which goes so far as to identify human beings with their souls alone, as if the body were a kind of clothing that we put on." See − {{cite book − | last = Aquinas − | first = St. Thomas − | title = Summa Theologiae 1a, 75-89 − | publisher = Hackett Publishing − | isbn = 0-872-206-130 − | year = 2002 − | page = p. xvii − | others = trans. Pasnau − }}</ref> − * burial of a Christian should be in imitation of Christ's burial − * cremation implicitly denies, and may interfere with, the resurrection of the body<ref>Christian acceptance of the resurrection of the body has been a central doctrine since at least [[Paul]]. [http://www.catholic.com/library/Resurrection_of_the_Body.asp]</ref> − − It is a theological issue whether cremation interferes with the ultimate resurrection of the body as accepted by virtually all [[Christians]] in the [[Nicene Creed]]. Minucius Felix's ''Octavius'' is cited by those favoring cremation, though his statements are not entirely persuasive.<ref>Felix stated, "Every body, whether it is dried up into dust, or is dissolved into moisture, or is compressed into ashes, or is attenuated into smoke, is withdrawn from us, but it is reserved for God in the custody of the elements. Nor, as you believe, do we fear any loss from sepulture, but we adopt the ancient and better custom of burying in the earth." [http://www.ccel.org/fathers2/ANF-04/anf04-34.htm full text of Octavius].</ref> − − In the [[Middle Ages]], cremation was only allowed when necessary, as in disposing of diseased bodies. − − == Jewish Opposition to Cremation == − − Orthodox and Conservative [[Judaism]] has always prohibited cremation. This respects their belief in bodily resurrection. In modern times, the memory of the use of crematoria during the [[Holocaust]] has reinforced the Jewish opposition to cremation. − − == Eastern Orthodox Church Opposition to Cremation == − − The Eastern Orthodox Church prohibits cremation. − − == Catholic Position on Cremation == − − The Catholic position for two millennia was that cremation did not treat the body with the respect warranted for God's image. The respect for life also required a respect for the body in death. − − The Church relaxed its prohibition on cremation in 1963. In 1963, the Catholic Church lifted its prohibition forbidding Catholics to choose cremation. Canon 1176 of the 1983 Code of Canon Law mandates, "''''The Church earnestly recommends the pious custom of burying the bodies of the dead be observed''', it does not however, forbid cremation unless it has been chosen for reasons which are contrary to Christian teaching."<ref>http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/__P4A.HTM (emphasis added)</ref> The Catholic Catechism, Section 2301, states, "The Church permits cremation, provided that it does not demonstrate a denial of faith in the resurrection of the body."<ref>http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p3s2c2a5.htm#2301</ref> − − In practice, however, recent years have seen a great increase in cremations among [[Catholics]], many of whom are unaware of the traditional teaching. Estimates range as high as 50% of the number of Catholics who are being cremated as of 2006, and several dioceses are even offering cremation services.<ref>http://www.catholic.org/diocese/diocese_story.php?id=18767</ref> − − == Hindu Position on Cremation == − − Since at least 1900 B.C. [[Hinduism]] has supported use of a funeral pyre to burn a body after death. − − == Secular Reasons to Oppose Cremation == − − Cremation destroys historical and criminal evidence, precluding inquiries that could benefit from examination of one's body after death. − − Cremation can lead to a societal degradation of respect for the human body, regardless of religion. − − Some environmentalists have objected to cremation due to toxic fumes caused by the burning of dental fixtures and jewelry.
no edit summary
'''Cremation''' is the [[burning]] to ashes of a person's body after death, rather than burying the body or otherwise honoring it. Often the ashes of a cremated corpse are then dispersed over water or land. The practice was traditionally so rare in Western societies that the word "cremation" did even not originate until 1874.
'''Cremation''' is the [[burning]] to ashes of a person's body after death instead of having a burial. Often the ashes of a cremated corpse are then dispersed over water or land. The practice was traditionally so rare in Western societies that the word "cremation" did even not originate until 1874.
Cremation has ancient [[pagan]] origins, and implicitly denies the resurrection of the body. In Western cultures, cremation is most favored by [[atheists]]. It has always been prohibited by [[Judaism]] and [[Islam]] and is still prohibited by the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]]. The [[Roman Catholic Church]] prohibited cremation until 1963, which it changed its policy to merely disfavoring cremation. Until 1997, the [[Catholic Church]] did not allow cremation until after the funeral mass, but now it allows cremation prior to the funeral mass if a local bishop approves, and Catholic cremations have greatly increased partly for [[economic]] reasons.
Cremation has ancient [[pagan]] origins. It has always been prohibited by [[Judaism]] and [[Islam]] and is still prohibited by the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]]. The [[Roman Catholic Church]] prohibited cremation until 1963, which it changed its policy to merely disfavoring cremation. Until 1997, the [[Catholic Church]] did not allow cremation until after the funeral mass, but now it allows cremation prior to the funeral mass if a local bishop approves, and Catholic cremations have greatly increased partly for [[economic]] reasons.
In 2006 in the [[United States]], about one third of the 2.3 million persons who died were cremated, and this percentage is increasing.<ref>http://www.thetimesnews.com/news/one_8366___article.html/simpson_caskets.html</ref> Cremation rates are much higher in other countries: 75% in [[Japan]] and 70% in [[England]].
In 2006 in the [[United States]], about one third of the 2.3 million persons who died were cremated, and this percentage is increasing.<ref>http://www.thetimesnews.com/news/one_8366___article.html/simpson_caskets.html</ref> Cremation rates are much higher in other countries: 75% in [[Japan]] and 70% in [[England]].
== Laws Concerning Burial or Cremation ==
== Laws Concerning Burial or Cremation ==