The question of Cremation

[Wepnx0916]

Is it alright to be cremated. I really don't want my family to be burdened with burial cost

[Jackie Lee]

I haven't found any scriptures to prove cremation wrong.
This is why I plan to be cremated also but then it may be just as expensive as burial by the time we die who knows?
Maybe some of the really wise ones here can show us.
If I find cremation is wrong then I wouldn't have it done.

[fe32k]

1Corinthians Chapter 15
42So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:

43It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:

44It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.

45And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.

46Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.



John 6:63
"It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing"

God be with you,
Roy

[indianabob]

My understanding is that the preparation of the body by the mortician for viewing cost about the same as cremation.

A large part of the cost is the funeral home fee for displaying the body for a day of viewing plus another day for the funeral plus an expensive maple or other decorated casket that wouldn't be needed if cremation was the choice.  Then you have the parade to the cemetery with a police escort and hearse and flower car and limo for the immediate family.

A grave site purchase will cost from $500 to $2,000 depending on the your location and a tomb stone may cost $5,000. installed with concrete foundation.  You should figure on about $10,000 for the normal funeral and burial plus the tomb stone.  Cremation would be much less.

In our family we plan to have either a cremation or burial with a private viewing for the family only and then an open house with carry in food for friends on the following week end.  It is much less stressful and I won't be there to make any judgments.   My wife and four children all agree with this and they aren't too concerned about the other relatives or in-laws.  They can come if they want to and are welcome.  The only one who will be disappointed is the undertaker.

You can check with a local funeral director for an estimate of the cost in your local city.

[Shmeggly]

I too would plan on being cremated just to save cost; I have heard that a normal funeral here can run about $10, 000 and up, while cremation is more like $2000 (I know relatives on my wife's side who have had a cremation as opposed to a funeral, and this is what they told me.  Have not checked personally...)

I wouldn't want to put my family in debt just because I die; it seems kind of unfair.  That's why I would make that choice for myself, purely economical.  So I totally understand where you're coming from.  And I don't think it is morally or spiritually wrong; I agree with what Roy and Jackie Lee said.  I understand why you would ask though because some Christians think it's wrong (they're thinking physical not spiritual!)  But then what about a body burned in a house fire, blown up, etc.?  God is so much bigger than that....

I hope you feel free to make the choice that is best for you and your family....I don't mean to pry, but are you alright, or are is this a just in case/for the future kind of thing?  Hope it's a just in case thing....James

[rick]

maybe i am wrong about this, but my understanding is that every taxpayer is eligible for a funeral upon his or her death. it may be just a pine box in a city owned cemetary but what difference would it make anyhow?? does any one know for sure if this is right or not..........rick

[Chris R]

Is it alright to be cremated. I really don't want my family to be burdened with burial cost

Yes

Chris R

[DuluthGA]

Total cost for cremation in Atlanta area in 2002 = about $300 with no memorial service (as most of my mom's family were either deceased or very long distance.)  You may elect to keep the cremains.  Funeral homes usually offer a variety of urns or containers (usually expensive) or you may bring your own.

With joy, Janice 

[Beloved]

Not to be morbid but since ....flesh profitheth nothing....here is an interesting page from MSN about.....a $800 funeral.

I told my friends a shoe box sounded okay to me. No memorial service please .....I do not want 'My life on earth " remembered.     

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/RetirementandWills/PlanYourEstate/HowToPlanAFuneral.aspx



Beloved   

[carol70]

I'm so glad this question was asked!  I have long wanted to be cremated but after my husband and I joined our church I always wondered how we would deal with the church, being cremated, having a memorial service, etc.

Now, my plan is to be cremated, have my ashes thrown off of a boat somewhere, and maybe a small gathering of friends and family.  No "home going" service for me!

[Jackie Lee]

 A memorial for me isn't necessary the ones that knew me living want forget me, but most important I want be forgotten by our Father.
As far as my ashes They could be buried in the pet cemetery it just don't matter to me. I consider my body as useless once it dies.
I hope this isn't offensive to anyone.

[psalmsinger]

A wise man once responded:

"No, cremation is not a sin. Many godly martyrs were burned at the stake.
God be with you,
Ray"

I want no memorial at all or to be a burden to my family in death. I would like for them to have a party and celebrate that my life here on earth is over.  Let Jesus Christ be praised!

Barbara

[DizzyD]

                      I may be wrong but I believe that the preserving of the body has strong roots in pagan Egypt (mummies) I believe it is the carnal wanting to hold onto the flesh. Cremation is merely speeding up of the process of returning to where we came from (dust) where God said we were going. Pondering wether trying to preserve and delay what God has intended to happen or speeding up the process is , I believe would be a personal decision

                                                  Bud

[UncleBeau]

Asking if it's alright to have something done to you after you're dead is like asking if it's alright to watch violent movies while you're sleeping. We should use our energy paying attention how to live right rather than how to die right.

your friend,

-Beau

[seminole]

Cremation is the way to go for me. I don't want viewing and all that stuff. I don't think it matters a bit to God where our bodies rest after we die.

[jER]

I may consider hiring, "Jeff Foxworthy" for the funeral service.   

- jER

[DuluthGA]

jER, HOOT!

Jackie Lee, since I think along similar lines as you, my body has been signed up with Emory University's School of Medicine to receive my body for their medical students to use as they will.  [I have been in the healthcare field, and this is important to me.]  What's neat is that if I die anywhere in the state of GA, they will transport the body to the university for free, and after it's use they will cremate it for free.  [Dying outside the state incurs some transport fees.]  Although my estate will not arrange for a memorial service, one could be done if desired.  Presto!  Zippo dinero death... serving a good cause.   

Thanks Psalmsinger/Barbara for the Ray quote!

Thanks and Love to all!!  Joy, Janice

[cindydgc]

I just started working for a lady who works for the Neptune Society.  She has been training me, so I am learning alot.  The Neptune Society is a very honest business, they are aknowledged by the BBB.  They offer two plans, one for the state you live in and the other is world wide.  Two set prices.  They do not add on extra costs at the end.  In Fresno, CA the statewide is $1495.  The Worldwide is $1790.  The prices go up every year or so.  You can buy it before you die and know matter what the price is when you pass away they do not charge you the difference.  Anyways a good business.  I hope this doesn't sound like I am trying to sell anyone a cremation plan.  I just wanted to share my info.  I also believe that being cremated just speeds up what is going to happen to our bodies anyways. Dust.  Think of all those bodies in graves from hundreds and hundreds of years ago.... by the time Christ returns there is nothing left.  It's our spiritual body that's raised.