Cremation?

[igator99]

As a Catholic can we be cremated? We believe in the resurrection of the body so I would think not. What does the church teach about cremation?

 

[jean8]

As a Catholic can we be cremated? We believe in the resurrection of the body so I would think not. What does the church teach about cremation?

I think the Lord knows where to find your body.

jean8

 

[dove51]

I learned from my catechist that we may be cremated, but our remains must be buried and not scattered. I’m not sure why, but I suppose it is to keep the body all in one place.

 

[kristie_m]

I think I’d read somewhere that intent counts as well. As long as we are not being creamated under the belief that the body won’t be ressurected, we’re okay.

 

[JKirkLVNV]

To the OP:

This issue has been discussed at length on the fora. Do quick search of “cremation” and you’ll get lots of links.

 

[Padilla7921]

Catholics may be cremated, but the remains (known as “cremains”) must not be scattered, as this is disrespectful to the sanctity of the bodies which God created and gave us.

However, I wouldn’t suggest being cremated. I worked with my uncle, a funeral director (and a deacon-to-be!), over the summer, and we talked about this at length. We have no problems with cremations, but if there is a possibility to not cremate someone (someone here = family member), we won’t do it. Having to cremate four bodies every day, it makes you think. It’s just something about all that fire and stuff…reminds me too much of…well, you get the picture.

 

[Holly3278]

Here, in the Catechism, is the Church’s official stance on cremation:

**2301 **Autopsies can be morally permitted for legal inquests or scientific research. The free gift of organs after death is legitimate and can be meritorious.

The Church permits cremation, provided that it does not demonstrate a denial of faith in the resurrection of the body.