"Shocking Truth Revealed: The Dark History of Cremation the Church Doesn't Want You to Know!"
Cremation, the act of incinerating the remains of the deceased, boasts a longstanding history dating back to ancient civilizations. This practice prevailed in certain cultures, such as the Pre-Canaanites, until approximately 2500 B.C. when the emergence of Semitic civilization introduced burial as a customary funerary practice. Remarkably, there exists no historical documentation of cremation within the traditions of the Jewish community, Egyptians, Phoenicians, Carthaginians, or inhabitants of Asia Minor.
The Babylonians were recognized for their use of embalming techniques on the deceased. Conversely, the Greeks and Romans displayed varied practices influenced by their perceptions of the afterlife. Those who adhered to beliefs in an afterlife resembling the present life typically opted for traditional burials. In contrast, those who subscribed to the notion of an alternative existence commonly embraced cremation. Nevertheless, despite these variations, the Roman practice of cremation never fully supplanted the more ancient burial customs.
From its inception, Christianity has exhibited a steadfast opposition to cremation. Early adherents of the faith closely adhered to the Semitic practice of burial, a tradition exemplified by the burial of Jesus Christ. Even during periods of intense persecution, Christians risked their lives to retrieve the bodies of martyrs to accord them proper Christian burials. In stark contrast, pagan adversaries sometimes resorted to the burning of martyred Christians’ remains, mistakenly believing that this would thwart any possibility of bodily resurrection.
Throughout its extensive history, the Church has consistently placed strong emphasis on the burial of the deceased, regarding it as an integral aspect of Christian funerary practices. Although certain medieval councils permitted burials outside the confines of church walls or city boundaries, they firmly upheld the enduring Christian custom of interment within designated cemeteries and churchyards. The Church has persistently discouraged and opposed cremation on both doctrinal and ethical grounds.
In more recent times, cremation has gained popularity, resulting in the establishment of crematories across various countries. Nonetheless, the Catholic Church, along with other Christian denominations, has steadfastly maintained its preference for traditional burial. The Church’s stance against cremation is underpinned by profound moral, religious, and practical reasons. Cremation is often associated with secularism and materialism, and it runs counter to Christian beliefs regarding the sanctity of the human body, the resurrection of the dead, and the reverence owed to the departed.
In response to the growing prevalence of cremation, the Church has issued decrees and declarations reiterating its preference for burial and discouraging cremation. These teachings are grounded in the conviction that the human body, once considered the dwelling place of God and sanctified through the sacraments, should not undergo a treatment that contradicts the principles of Christian piety, love, and respect for the deceased. Throughout its history, the Church has consistently opposed cremation as a practice that is incongruous with Christian faith and compassion.
Source: Adapted from “Cremation” in The Catholic Encyclopedia. Retrieved from http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04481c.htm