Burial or Cremation - Does it Matter?

The burning issue?

BURIAL OR CREMATION - DOES IT MATTER?
By Donald Howard
Banner of Truth Trust. 32 pages. £1.25
ISBN 0 85151 803 6

Written by the author of the excellent booklet 'Christians grieve too', this is the best case, in a small space, for burial as against cremation. Mr. Howard refers to ancient customs and church history. But concentrates on the Bible for his material, which he believes points to burial as the right course for Christians.

Readers will judge for themselves. Seven points of principle emerge which would apply also to those who advocate cremation.

1. That the resurrection is not at all affected whichever method is adopted.
2. That provision should be made for the expression of grief.
3. That the body should be treated respectfully.
4. That funerals should give clear witness to our faith.
5. That unbelieving arguments for cremation as a defiance of the resurrection are rejected.
6. That, so far as is possible, funeral arrangements should be discussed with elders and/or family.
7. That everything should be done with reverence and simplicity.

While taking this booklet seriously, no-one who has been involved in the cremation of loved ones should feel guilty of having sinned. This is not a matter about which we should lay down the law for others.

Clifford Pond, Ipswich

© Evangelicals Now - September 2001
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