Cremation Services and Common Religious Beliefs

As per a recent survey, about 50% of the families in America are opting for cremation services over traditional burials. This statistic includes the families choosing cremation services in Rock Falls, IL. If you’re considering adding yourself to that 50%, you might be thinking about how your religious beliefs tie into cremation services, and you wouldn’t be alone in that line of thought.  

The choice between burial and cremation is a religious one for many people, as some religions accept cremation, while others do not. Keep reading to get some basic information on common religions and their beliefs on cremation.  

1. Hinduism – The Hindu religion pretty much mandates cremation. Hindus believe that fire is a purifying agent that can help release the deceased’s spirit from its physical body so it can move on to a spiritual dimension. Hinduism also calls for a memorial service after the cremation to keep memories of the deceased alive.  
2. Christianity – Cremation is fully accepted in Christianity. There are even verses in the Bible that seem to encourage the practice. Take, for example, Genesis 3:19, “By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.” However, there are some Christians that cite biblical examples in support of traditional burial, such as Christ being buried, or various Old Testament burials. All in all, when it comes to Christianity and burial, it really depends on what the individual prefers.  
3. Judaism – The Jewish faith does not allow cremations, as per scripture in the Torah. However, some more modern Jewish families do choose cremation if it coincides with their personal beliefs.  
4. Spiritism – Spiritism, or Reincarnation, is a kind of belief system that promotes the idea that all humans carry immortal spirits that will go to another host after death. Cremation is also widely accepted in Spiritism. However, believers do require a certain period of time between the death and the cremation as they believe that the spirit can sometimes remain with the body for a time after death.  

No matter what you believe or what your religion is, there are tons of options for you to honor and remember your lost loved one. At the end of the day for any religion or belief, all that matters is that the deceased is treated with respect and remembered fondly by those that loved him or her, be it through traditional burial or a cremation.  

Do you want to learn more about your options for Rock Falls, IL cremation services, or would you like more information on religion and cremation? Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation is here to help. We have lots of experience serving families of many different beliefs and backgrounds, and would be honored to help you in your time of loss. Please stop by and visit us at 702 1st Ave Sterling, IL 61081, or give us a call at (815) 626-1131 to learn more about what we can do for you.