Why discourage cremation?

[_KimberlyAnn]

I'm preparing to rewrite my will. It's a bit depressing, but one of those things that just has to be done.

As a Mormon, I always wished that I could be cremated upon my death, but it was discouraged by the church. Now, of course, there's no question: I'll be cremated. It's easier, cheaper and altogether a better idea, in my opinion.

Is cremation still discouraged?

If so, why?

Curious,

KA

[_skippy the dead]

Is creation still discouraged?

If so, why?

I believe so, yes. Here's what the 1999 CHI says:

Normally, cremation is not encouraged. However, in some countries the law requires it. The family of the deceased must decide whether to cremate the body, taking into account any laws governing burial or cremation. Where possible, the body of a deceased member who has been endowed should be dressed in temple clothing when the body is cremated. A funeral service may be held.

I don't know if the 2006 version alters this.

In my ward, we were instructed that cremation was wrong for one of two possible reasons: (1) it was disrespectful to the body God gave us (letting it rot is not?) or (2) it would create extra work for God during the resurrection, having to put together so many little pieces. I'm inclined that the former reason is more likely the belief. The second one is just silly.

I plan to be ashed. No sense having the body decompose underground. Ick.

[_moksha]

I tried to research this question a few years ago, and I found that this area is left solely to the discretion of the family and the wishes of the deceased. Even if Elder Joe Blow of the High whatever has a preference for burial, it matters not. It is your choice.

[_Scottie]

I've wondered this myself. Cremation just seems to make so much more sense!

I guess it's the mindset that we will all be crawling out of our graves when Christ returns again. Why do we face east when we are buried?

[_Yong Xi]

Cremation tends not to work very well for the endowed. The head, arms and legs from the knee down are burned but the remainder of the body is protected. It's very traumatic for the survivors. Nor is it practical as the urn is quite large.

[_KimberlyAnn]

Cremation tends not to work very well for the endowed. The head, arms and legs from the knee down are burned but the remainder of the body is protected. It's very traumatic for the survivors. Nor is it practical as the urn is quite large.

HA!

Clever, Yong Xi!

KA

[_Boaz & Lidia]

Cremation tends not to work very well for the endowed. The head, arms and legs from the knee down are burned but the remainder of the body is protected. It's very traumatic for the survivors. Nor is it practical as the urn is quite large.

HA!

Clever, Yong Xi!

KA

OMG that was hil-friggin-larious!

If Bill Marriott chooses cremation, he needs to ensure his will states that the mortician remove his garmies before popping his body into the oven.(1996 60 Minutes interview with Marriott about his magic undies)

[_John Larsen]

It probably comes from the practice of wearing temple clothes when you are dead No point in wearing the temple robes if you are just going to be burned. Plus that is probably sacrilege. All Mormons are buried with their feet to the east so when the rise on the morning of the first resurrection they will be facing Mecca. I think other Christians do this to, though.

[_bcspace]

In my ward, we were instructed that cremation was wrong for one of two possible reasons: (1) it was disrespectful to the body God gave us (letting it rot is not?) or (2) it would create extra work for God during the resurrection, having to put together so many little pieces. I'm inclined that the former reason is more likely the belief. The second one is just silly.

I have never heard those reasons given in the Church. The reason I have heard is that cremation imitates what pagans do but I have not seen that in a doctrinal work.

Personally, I see no conflict yet with cremation and LDS doctrine.

[_Sethbag]

In my ward, we were instructed that cremation was wrong for one of two possible reasons: (1) it was disrespectful to the body God gave us (letting it rot is not?) or (2) it would create extra work for God during the resurrection, having to put together so many little pieces. I'm inclined that the former reason is more likely the belief. The second one is just silly.

I have never heard those reasons given in the Church. The reason I have heard is that cremation imitates what pagans do but I have not seen that in a doctrinal work.

Personally, I see no conflict yet with cremation and LDS doctrine.

Pagans eat carrots too. And breathe.

Ah-oh.