Burials and Cremation

Different cultures have different traditions and customs about how to deal with those who have passed away. While many bury their dead, other cremate them in one way or another.

In Scripture, the dead typically are buried. Abraham buried Sarah (Gen. 23:19). Abraham was buried by his sons (Gen. 25:9-10) as was Rachel (Gen. 35:19), Jacob (Gen. 50:13-14), and David (1 Kings 2:10). According to the NT, John the Baptist, Jesus, and others were buried (Matt. 14:12; 1 Cor. 15:4; Acts 5:9). Occasionally, cremation happened (1 Sam. 31:11-13).

Burial practices varied widely, reaching from a simple interment to elaborate mummification processes and burial in caves and pyramids. Accompanying burials were and still are religious rites that reflect how different cultures and religions understand human life. Dualists would stress the exodus of the soul from the body in death which is reflected in their respective rites, while monists would believe that body, soul, and mind are not separate entities and death affects the entire human being, influencing the practices that accompany burial or cremation. According to Scripture, the human soul is not an entity separate from the body and is not immortal. The term “soul” is used to describe our entire human existence in all its aspects, whether bodily, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually.

The question of whether cremation is an appropriate way for Christians to deal with their dead is not addressed in Scripture, and Adventists have not taken a position on this issue. The biblical texts are descriptive, not prescriptive. In other words, they describe what happened when persons passed away, but there is no universal commandment legislating burial or cremation. However, what the Bible would be opposed to are burial or cremation rites that reflect erroneous teachings of the nature of humanity, especially if these open the door to occultism and spiritualism.

Whether burial or cremation, the deceased person is kept in the mind of God. His or her information is preserved. God’s creative power guarantees resurrection—for believers to eternal life, and for those who do not believe to judgment (John 5:29). Believers who were buried and those who were burned at the stake or cremated have the same hope of resurrection (John 6:40, 44).

In an overpopulated world, cremation helps to reduce the land needed for cemeteries. It also has the advantage of preventing the spread of infectious diseases. It may be less expensive and help the family of the deceased financially. However, we recognize that the question of burial versus cremation affects us emotionally, spiritually, and culturally. Therefore, church members may follow their sentiments and their conscience in the matter of how to say good-bye to their loved ones.