what does the bible say about cremation vs burial

The Bible does not explicitly forbid or endorse cremation, while burial is the more commonly seen practice in the scriptures. Cremation is referenced in certain Old Testament instances, such as the burning of Saul and his sons' bodies (1 Samuel 31), yet the bones were later buried. Burial was the standard practice among the Israelites and early Christians, including the burial of Jesus, symbolizing hope in bodily resurrection. Biblical scholars note that the physical body's state after death is ultimately unimportant for believers, since they will receive a new resurrected body (1 Corinthians 15:42-49). The choice between cremation and burial is not explicitly commanded or prohibited by the Bible, meaning cremation is permissible, though traditionally burial has been preferred. Burial is often seen as a better symbol of Christian hope in resurrection and the continuation of life after death, whereas cremation is sometimes viewed as emphasizing finality of death. Nonetheless, Christian doctrine holds that God is fully capable of resurrecting a body regardless of whether it has been buried or cremated. Some Christian denominations prefer burial and consider cremation acceptable when necessary or chosen, provided remains are treated respectfully. The Catholic Church, for example, prefers burial but permits cremation under proper conditions, emphasizing respect for the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit. In summary, the Bible's teaching on cremation versus burial is neutral—neither explicitly forbidding nor commanding either—while burial retains historical and theological preference as an expression of hope in resurrection, but cremation is allowed and seen as compatible with Christian faith.