Cremation

What he said, and AK. I wouldn't mind burial at sea for fish food after all the donations and science was finished with it.

 

There's a lot of debate about that question, but my understanding is that if you're saved, you go immediately to heaven (see Jesus' promise to the thief on the cross). If you're not saved, you "sleep" until Judgment Day. It's important to note that just because a person may have to wait until Judgment Day, it does not mean he's automatically condemned (according to the Bible -- Romans 2).

No.

Yes.

 

so, your body can be burned into little bits and pieces but it don't matter?

so, what if you're not saved, where is your body sleeping waiting till judgement day. will you be made a new if you're going to hell?

 

I don't think there's anything at all wrong with cremation, and that's what I've requested for myself.

I have a different view of death than many people, and my reasons for wanting to be cremated are unusual. Part of it is what others have mentioned in this thread -- caskets are a waste (my opinion), I won't need (or even want) my body anymore, what's left of me would be better put to use in science/medicine/nature.

But the main reason I want to be cremated is twofold:

1) My body is not who I believe I am. At that point, I believe it's more of a distraction than anything else. If I'm right, the essence of who I am (the part people might miss) will be gone. I don't want them focusing on the empty shell that I've left behind. I want them thinking about heaven, where I believe I will be.

2) Because of a long string of bad decisions I've made about the care and maintenance of my body, I really don't like it very much anyway. I'd rather not have any physical evidence of my mistakes and bad judgment remain after I'm gone.



But that's just me.

 

Why should it? Like AK suggested, would God punish those who have been disfigured in their deaths? Or how about the natural process of decomposition? After a while, even bones break down in the right environments. In the long run, it really doesn't matter. God made Adam out of dirt, remember?

Presumably, wherever it was placed. If you're talking about the soul (which is what actually sleeps), I'm not really sure. I think the Scriptures actually say "in the earth", but I don't know if that's meant to be literal or symbolic. We're talking about something spiritual, not physical, so the options are a lot wider.

That's an interesting question, and one I've asked. I don't know for sure, but as far as I can tell, no. I don't recall a verse saying those who are condemned were "made new" like those spending eternity with Christ.

 

so what ever you have going on here on earth, you'll keep having it if you are in hell plus what ever hell is like too?

 

I don't think so, no.

 

like if you have some kind of cancer and you're always in pain, if you're not made a new before going to hell, won't you still have cancer and always in pain then?

 

No, I think the body still dies. The torment in hell is spiritual, even though it may "feel" physical.

 

I think we still have a spiritual body and if one is not "saved", they don't get a reprieve from their pain and suffering. In fact, I think it intensifies.

Jesus told the story of the rich guy who was in hell and asked Lazarus (who was seated in Abraham's bosom) to bring him a glass of water to quench his tongue (body part). The Bible talks about the "knashing of teeth" (body part)when someone is in hell and being tormented.