Once a relatively rare occurrence, the popularity of cremation among U.S. consumers considering funeral
options has increased in recent years. Today, 25 to 30 percent of all deaths culminate in cremation, and that
number is projected to grow.
Deciding between burial and cremation is largely a matter of personal choice. Clearly, if you’re making
funeral arrangements for someone whose preference is known, you should honor those wishes. But if you
don’t know what the deceased would have wanted, or if you are trying to decide how you would the
disposition of your remains to be handled, it may help to consider the following points.
Reverence for the body. Whether the choice is burial or cremation, respect for the remains of the deceased
is often mentioned as the reason for the choice. For some people, this means preserving the earthly
remains as long as possible, or allowing them to decompose naturally, as in a green burial. Those who
choose cremation, on the other hand, tend to view the body as a shell, and may see cremation as
symbolically freeing the soul.
Concern for the environment. Whether they choose burial or cremation, many people point to the
environment as the most significant deciding factor. In a traditional burial, embalming fluids and toxins from
the materials used to manufacture the burial container are released into the ground, while “green” burials
avoid the use of such substances, allowing the body to decompose naturally. Cremation, on the other hand,
spares the use of finite land resources, but it also releases pollutants into the air as the body is burned.
While many “experts” prefer cremation to burial from an environmental standpoint, the issue is far from
settled.
Expense. A funeral is one of the most costly purchases most people will make in their lifetime, and cost is
usually a primary consideration in choosing cremation or burial. With the range of funeral goods and
services available today, funeral costs can vary greatly. In general, however, cremations are less expensive
than traditional funerals—typically around $2,000 less, according to some estimates.
Viewing the body. Contrary to a common misconception, choosing cremation does not prevent mourners
from being allowed to view the body at the wake or visitation. Both burial and cremation may take place with
or without a wake or funeral service and with or without the presence of the body.
Location of the remains. Survivors may find comfort in knowing they can visit the gravesite where their loved
one is buried. In the case of cremation, the ashes may be buried or inurned in a crypt or niche. When two or
more family members are separated by great distance, cremated remains may be divided, with a portion
entrusted to each family member.
Religious beliefs. Eastern religions—such as Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism—either require or favor
cremation, while the Jewish religion strongly discourages and Islam forbids the practice.
Among Christians, cremation was viewed as a pagan practice prior to the late 1890s and early 1900s. The
Catholic Church strictly forbade cremation until 1963, but although many people are unaware of the change,
Catholics are free to choose cremation today. Mainline Protestant denominations typically allow cremation,
while Baptist and other fundamentalist Christian denominations, as well as the Eastern Orthodox Church,
do not.
Other religions that permit cremation include Christian Science, Scientology, Society of Friends (Quakers),
and Unitarian Universalism
options has increased in recent years. Today, 25 to 30 percent of all deaths culminate in cremation, and that
number is projected to grow.
Deciding between burial and cremation is largely a matter of personal choice. Clearly, if you’re making
funeral arrangements for someone whose preference is known, you should honor those wishes. But if you
don’t know what the deceased would have wanted, or if you are trying to decide how you would the
disposition of your remains to be handled, it may help to consider the following points.
Reverence for the body. Whether the choice is burial or cremation, respect for the remains of the deceased
is often mentioned as the reason for the choice. For some people, this means preserving the earthly
remains as long as possible, or allowing them to decompose naturally, as in a green burial. Those who
choose cremation, on the other hand, tend to view the body as a shell, and may see cremation as
symbolically freeing the soul.
Concern for the environment. Whether they choose burial or cremation, many people point to the
environment as the most significant deciding factor. In a traditional burial, embalming fluids and toxins from
the materials used to manufacture the burial container are released into the ground, while “green” burials
avoid the use of such substances, allowing the body to decompose naturally. Cremation, on the other hand,
spares the use of finite land resources, but it also releases pollutants into the air as the body is burned.
While many “experts” prefer cremation to burial from an environmental standpoint, the issue is far from
settled.
Expense. A funeral is one of the most costly purchases most people will make in their lifetime, and cost is
usually a primary consideration in choosing cremation or burial. With the range of funeral goods and
services available today, funeral costs can vary greatly. In general, however, cremations are less expensive
than traditional funerals—typically around $2,000 less, according to some estimates.
Viewing the body. Contrary to a common misconception, choosing cremation does not prevent mourners
from being allowed to view the body at the wake or visitation. Both burial and cremation may take place with
or without a wake or funeral service and with or without the presence of the body.
Location of the remains. Survivors may find comfort in knowing they can visit the gravesite where their loved
one is buried. In the case of cremation, the ashes may be buried or inurned in a crypt or niche. When two or
more family members are separated by great distance, cremated remains may be divided, with a portion
entrusted to each family member.
Religious beliefs. Eastern religions—such as Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism—either require or favor
cremation, while the Jewish religion strongly discourages and Islam forbids the practice.
Among Christians, cremation was viewed as a pagan practice prior to the late 1890s and early 1900s. The
Catholic Church strictly forbade cremation until 1963, but although many people are unaware of the change,
Catholics are free to choose cremation today. Mainline Protestant denominations typically allow cremation,
while Baptist and other fundamentalist Christian denominations, as well as the Eastern Orthodox Church,
do not.
Other religions that permit cremation include Christian Science, Scientology, Society of Friends (Quakers),
and Unitarian Universalism
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