5 Religious Groups That Actually Discourage Cremation
In every culture, the treatment of the deceased is a reflection of deeply held beliefs and traditions. Religion, in particular, plays a pivotal role in shaping these attitudes, guiding rituals, and influencing the way societies honor and remember their departed loved ones. Cremation is one of many diverse traditions involved in the treatment of the dead and for some religions holds profound significance and can even be central to their beliefs regarding the afterlife. Although there isn't a single global religious group (with one exception) that strictly forbids cremation, there are some religions that traditionally discourage or prohibit it, while others have no specific stance. For example—
Judaism
Within traditional Jewish law, cremation is generally forbidden due to the belief in the sanctity of the human body, which is considered to be created in the image of God. The Torah emphasizes the importance of burial and treating the body with respect. However, interpretations vary among different Jewish movements. While Orthodox Judaism typically prohibits cremation, some more liberal movements, such as Reform Judaism, may permit it.
Islam
In Islam, cremation is generally prohibited. Islamic burial customs emphasize the swift burial of the deceased, ideally within 24 hours of death. This practice is based on the belief in the physical resurrection of the body on the Day of Judgment. Cremation is viewed as disrespectful to the deceased and is considered a desecration of the body. There may be an exception granted (only by Muslim authorities) during times of epidemic disease, such as during the COVID19 Pandemic.
Eastern Orthodox Christianity
Within Eastern Orthodox Christianity, cremation is traditionally forbidden. The Orthodox Church teaches the belief in the bodily resurrection of the dead, and burial is considered a symbol of awaiting resurrection. Cremation is seen as incompatible with this belief and is therefore discouraged or prohibited.
Some Sects of Christianity
While many Christian denominations do not explicitly forbid cremation, there are some conservative Christian groups that discourage it or view it as contrary to their beliefs about bodily resurrection. These beliefs stem from interpretations of biblical teachings and the historical practices of burial in early Christianity. Roman Catholic dogma forbid cremation until Vatican II in 1963.
Main entrance of the Museum of Zoroastrians in Kerman Province Iran. It's the only Museum of Zoroastrians in the world.
Farshid7, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Zoroastrianism
Cremation is strictly prohibited in Zoroastrianism. Fire is considered sacred within Zoroastrian belief, and the body is considered to be pure. Thus, cremation is seen as defiling the sacred element of fire and is contrary to the teachings of the faith. Zoroastrians traditionally practice exposure of the dead, where the body is placed atop a tower to be consumed by scavenging birds.
Although widely forgotten, Zoroastrianism is among the world's oldest continuously practiced religions, having emerged in ancient Persia around the 6th century BCE. Some believe that Zoroastrianism is the precursor to some of the worlds most prominent religions existing today, such as Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Despite a decline in numbers, Zoroastrian communities still exist in regions like Iran and India, preserving ancient customs and teachings, including their unique funeral rites.
It's essential to note that attitudes towards cremation can vary within different branches and communities of these religions. Some individuals may choose cremation for personal or practical reasons, despite the religious teachings of their faith.