Cremation used to be a taboo topic as far as many religions were concerned, but the body disposition option has gained widespread acceptance over the years. While this might not be much of a concern if you don’t believe in a god, it will be of interest to you if you are part of a religious community. Knowing what your specific religion or denomination thinks about different body disposition methods is critical if you’re considering the possibility of cremation in Coral Gables, FL. Check out the following 5 religious perspectives on cremation as a body disposition option.
1. Catholic
In the past, the Roman Catholic Church has been dead-set against cremation. But things have changed. That’s not to say that it views cremation as favorably as it does traditional earth burial, but cremation is allowed. If you are a practicing Catholic and don’t want to run afoul of church teachings, you should understand that many churches want the body of the deceased to be present during the funeral mass. So it goes without saying that the cremation should not proceed until after the funeral mass. Also consider that the church is against scattering the cremation remains. The remains should be buried, placed in a columbarium, or dispersed at sea.
2. Baptist
Baptists are okay with either cremation or traditional earth burial. You may have a cremation either prior to or following a traditional funeral service.
3. Jewish
Whether cremation is permitted or not will really depend on your level of orthodoxy. So if you happen to be an Orthodox Jew, you won’t be permitted to be cremated after you die. Your body must be buried in the traditional fashion. Other Jewish communities, such as Reform Jews, are more open to and accepting of cremation. You will also find that a lot of rabbis under the Reform Jews banner will be fine with performing the funeral of a person who has been cremated.
4. Buddhism
Buddhism is accepting of cremation as a body disposition method. During the process, monks may lead out in the chanting or the family of the deceased can lead out in the chanting if monks don’t happen to be there. The family can keep the cremation ashes, put the urn with the ashes in a columbarium, or even scatter the ashes at sea.
5. Muslim
Islam prohibits cremation. Pursuant to the religious tradition, the body of the deceased must be cleaned, cloaked in a shroud, prayed for, and buried. Muslims believe that cremation is a sin, so you will want to go with a funeral service if you happen to be a Muslim.
While there are other religious perspectives on cremation, the abovementioned ones will give you an idea of how the body disposition option is regarded by different faith communities. Whether you’re looking for a funeral service or cremation in Coral Gables, FL, you can count on us at Ferdinand Funeral Homes & Crematory to help you plan final services. Call us at (305) 631-0001 for immediate attention from one of our professional and compassionate staff members. You can also stop by our office at 2546 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135 to speak to one of our staff members in person.
