Lutherans and cremation

Scripture is silent on the subject of cremation. It is a matter of personal preference when it comes to burial or cremation.

There was a time when some voices in the Christian church cautioned against cremation. In a day and age when some unbelievers utilized cremation as a way to defy God (“Let’s see if this supposed God can put me back together some day.”), some Christians advocated that followers of the Lord not cremate their bodies, so as not to be associated with unbelievers or an activity of unbelievers.

That type of taunting has largely disappeared, so Christians today who make use of cremation are not likely to be confused with unbelievers. The choice of cremation over burial often includes ecological, economical and convenience factors. In the end, cremation essentially speeds up the process that occurs with burial: “Dust you are and to dust you will return” (Genesis 3:19). And, regardless of cremation or burial, “All who are in their graves will hear his [Jesus’] voice and come out” (John 5:28-29) for judgment on the last day.

There is no church policy regarding the disposal of cremains.

What a blessing to know and believe in “the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting” (The Apostles’ Creed). God grant that same blessing to many more.