Articles and Advice

What Religions Do Not Believe in Cremation?

Some religions forbid or strongly suggest against cremation after death. And within each religion, various sects have varying opinions about cremation.

It’s important to recognize these customs when preparing a loved one’s final disposition, so you can appropriately respect how they would want to depart this life. So, here is an overview of what religions don’t believe in cremation and which prefer it.

Which Religions Do Not Cremate?

A handful of religions still outright ban and oppose cremation. These religions against cremation hold the human body in high regard.

Islam

Of the religions on this list, Islam is probably the strongest opposed to cremation. They believe the body should be treated with equal respect before and after death. Cremation is considered a form of bodily mutilation and, therefore, an unclean practice.

Muslims are forbidden from participating in cremation in any way, which includes witnessing the event or even approving of it. Rather than cremation, Islam dictates the deceased be buried as quickly as possible, preferably within 24 hours of the time of death. 

The one exception to this rule is during times of an epidemic. Muslim authorities may approve cremation in order to mitigate the spread of disease.

Eastern Orthodox Catholicism (Greek and Russian)

Eastern Orthodox churches strongly oppose cremation. This is because these orthodox religions associate cremation with a deliberate desecration of the body. These churches prefer the natural decomposition of a traditional burial.

If a body is cremated, these churches may refuse to participate in those funeral services.

Judaism

Orthodox and Conservative Judaism strongly oppose cremation, citing that a traditional burial is the only acceptable option.

Today, many Liberal and Reformed Jewish churches are more accepting of cremation. However, these churches do not outright support cremation. 

Which Religions Are Neutral Towards Cremation?

Many religions today don’t have a strong opinion for or against cremation. Some of these religions listed, such as Catholicism or Judaism, used to have stricter policies but have reduced those restrictions as time has progressed.

Catholicism

In the past, Catholic officials were strongly opposed to cremation. Catholics, in line with their belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, believe that the body and soul have an eternal future. Therefore, the body must be respected after death.

They remained staunch opposers of cremation until 1963, when the Catholic church lifted their ban on the practice because of overcrowded cemeteries and sanitation reasons. However, they prefer the remains to still be buried rather than scattered.

Christianity

Other Christian denominations, like Protestants and Baptists, are neither opposed nor supportive of cremation. As such, these churches leave deposition to the choice of the individual and family. 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormonism)

Like Catholics, Latter-day Saints have a high regard for the resurrection and believe the body and spirit have an eternal connection. Because of this, Latter-day Saints are advised against cremation unless the local law requires it.

Even still, Mormonism doesn’t prohibit cremation, and members of their church who are cremated can still receive a funeral service in their church buildings.

Jehovah’s Witness

Unlike other Christian religions, Jehovah’s Witnesses believe more in a spiritual resurrection rather than a physical one and do not believe they will have a body. Because of this, the faith does not prohibit cremation.

Which Religions Believe in Cremation?

Some religions have a strong association with cremation, whether because of tradition or the symbolism attached to it. This is most common amongst eastern religions.

Hinduism

Hinduism strongly recommends cremation for the disposition of a believer. Known as “Antim Sanskar,” roughly translated as “the last rite,” Hindus believe the body is being offered up to Agni, the Hindu god of fire. Cremation is paired with a prayer to help guide the deceased’s spirit to a better life.

In India, many Hindus will dispose of the cremated remains in the Ganges River. For those believers outside of India, many will send the ashes to be dispersed in the Ganges, or they will use a nearby river as an acceptable substitute.

Buddhism

Buddhism doesn’t require it’s believers to adhere to any specific funeral practices. Many Buddhists prefer cremation because Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, was cremated.

Once the deceased is cremated, the remains are usually either kept by the family or dispersed at sea.

Cremation for All Believers

If your beliefs allow for cremation, All California Cremation is happy to help. We’ll ensure your loved one meets a gratifying and graceful departure from this life. 

We’re happy to accommodate and adjust the disposition process depending on your personal or religious views on cremation. So take some time to schedule your dearly departed’s cremation with All California Cremation today.