Cremation in The Mormon Faith

Cremation has become an increasingly popular method of handling the deceased in many cultures and religious traditions around the world. In the United States, the rate of cremation has been steadily rising, with approximately 50% of the population choosing cremation over traditional burial methods. However, the practice of cremation is not universally accepted in all religious communities, including the Mormon faith. In this essay, we will explore the beliefs and attitudes of the Mormon Church towards cremation, examining the historical context, official teachings, and contemporary practices related to this topic.

Historical Context

The history of the Mormon Church's stance on cremation can be traced back to the early days of the church's founding in the 19th century. In the early years of the church, there was no specific prohibition against cremation, as the practice was not widespread in the United States at that time. However, as the Mormon community grew and established its own unique set of religious and cultural traditions, a preference for traditional burial methods became more pronounced. This preference can be attributed to the Mormon belief in the sanctity of the as a temple of the Holy Spirit, as well as the importance of physical resurrection in the afterlife.

Official Teachings

The official teachings of the Mormon Church regarding cremation are primarily based on the doctrines and principles found in the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. While there is no explicit prohibition against cremation in these scriptures, there are several passages that emphasize the importance of treating the with respect and reverence, as well as the belief in the eventual resurrection of the physical . For example, in the Book of Mormon, Alma 40:23 states, "The soul shall be restored to the , and the to the soul; yea, and every limb and joint shall be restored to its ; yea, even a hair of the head shall not be lost; but all things shall be restored to their proper and perfect frame."

Contemporary Practices

In contemporary practice, the Mormon Church generally discourages its members from choosing cremation as a method of handling the deceased. While it is not considered a sin or a violation of church doctrine to be cremated, the church encourages its members to opt for traditional burial whenever possible. This preference is based on the belief that traditional burial methods are more consistent with the teachings of the church regarding the sanctity of the and the eventual resurrection of the physical form. However, the church does recognize that there are certain circumstances in which cremation may be necessary or preferable, such as in cases of extreme poverty or in regions where traditional burial is not feasible.

Conclusion

The Mormon Church's stance on cremation is rooted in its historical context, official teachings, and contemporary practices. While there is no explicit prohibition against cremation in the scriptures, the church generally discourages its members from choosing cremation as a method of handling the deceased. This preference is based on the belief in the sanctity of the and the importance of physical resurrection in the afterlife. However, the church does recognize that there are exceptions to this preference and allows for certain circumstances in which cremation may be necessary or preferable. Ultimately, the Mormon Church's stance on cremation reflects its commitment to honoring the as a sacred vessel and its belief in the eventual restoration of the physical form in the afterlife.