For the first time in American history, a majority of Americans have chosen cremation rather than burial. What are we supposed to think about this? Do we let our wallet, tradition, or prevailing cultural opinions shape our views, or do we think as Christians, informed by God's Word?
In lesson one, we look at the doctrine of the dignity of the body.
Many evangelical leaders believe that "what we do with the body after death is not an ethical or moral concern." If that is true, then why not put them in a garbage can and take them to the landfill? Run over them with a steam roller and embed them in a highway? Put them in a giant blender and pulverize them? (Actually, the process of cremation is eerily similar.)
Most of us revolt at such suggestions.
Why? Because of the doctrine of general revelation. We instinctively know certain things. For example, God exists, and he is all-powerful. We also know that he is the Creator.
The human body has dignity because God made man. We are made in God's image. Our bodies are united with Christ, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, and will be resurrected from the dead. Further, Christ himself dignified the body by the incarnation.
These doctrines point to the truth that we do not belong to ourselves. Our bodies belong to God. We cannot do whatever we wish to his property.
Cremation violates these fundamentals of the faith. |
