Religious views on cremation differ widely across various faiths and traditions. Here's a brief overview of the stance on cremation for some of the world's major religions:
1. Christianity:
- Roman Catholicism: Historically, the Catholic Church preferred burial. However, since 1963, cremation has been permitted, provided it is not chosen for reasons contrary to Christian teachings. The ashes should be treated with respect, preferably stored in a sacred place like a church columbarium, rather than scattered or kept at home.
- Eastern Orthodox: Traditional Eastern Orthodox beliefs prohibit cremation, emphasizing the sanctity and integrity of the human body.
- Protestant: Many Protestant denominations allow cremation, and the choice is generally left to individual discretion. Some might still prefer burial, drawing on traditional practices and biblical references.
2. Judaism: Traditional Jewish law (Halacha) prohibits cremation, emphasizing the respectful return of the body to the earth through burial. This perspective is rooted in various scriptural and Talmudic references. However, cremation is becoming more popular within the faith and some more liberal or secular Jews are more likely to choose cremation.
3. Islam: Cremation is forbidden in Islamic teachings. Muslims are required to treat the deceased with great respect, which involves a swift and specific burial process.
4. Hinduism: Cremation (known as "antyesti") is the traditional and preferred method in Hinduism. The funeral rites involve burning the body on a pyre, and it's believed that this practice releases the soul from the physical body. However, specific groups, such as Sadhus or holy men, might be buried instead.
5. Buddhism: Cremation is acceptable in Buddhism and is common in many Buddhist-majority countries. Buddha himself was cremated. The decision between cremation and burial often depends on cultural practices rather than religious doctrine.
6. Sikhism: Sikhs generally prefer cremation, following traditions set in their religious texts. After cremation, the ashes are typically scattered in a river.
7. Bahá'í: The Bahá'í Faith requires burial and prohibits cremation. The body is to be treated with respect and placed in a coffin, with burial occurring not too far from the place of death.
8. Jainism: Traditional Jain beliefs support cremation, as it aligns with their principle of non-violence, ensuring that microorganisms in the soil aren't harmed by a decaying body.
It's essential to understand that within each religious group, individual beliefs and practices can vary. Regional and cultural differences, as well as personal preferences, can also influence the decision on cremation or burial. If in doubt or if seeking guidance, it's advisable to consult with religious leaders or scholars of the specific tradition in question.
Arrived very fast. It is absolutely a beautiful final resting place for my daughters ashes.
It brings my family comfort to know my brother, who loved to fish Vermont streams and rivers, is now in such a beautiful “gone fishing” urn. Even the funeral director commented on how very nice it was. Thank you!
I have an extensive art background, so I was beyond excited when I found the mosaic cremation urn, for my mom, who recently passed. I’d wanted something very different from what I’d seen/purchased in the past.
When I viewed it on the website, what originally attracted me was not only the mosaics, but the rainbow of colors that were displayed, including teals and purples.
Unfortunately, as is many times the case, what was shown on the website was very different in person. Instead what was received was a base of two colors, cranberry and forest green, sponged over silver with very little other reflective colors regardless of where I placed them.
Having done mosaic work myself, with glass, imperfections are expected, since the work is done by hand. The piece just didn’t have the impressive colors that were indicated on the site.
In addition, I must have been sent a return, because though there was decent packing, in the larger box that the smaller box was placed in, the box actually containing the urn itself, had NO packing to prevent movement; there was a torn white bag that had dark smudges on it, stuffed at the bottom, and there were several areas, on the urn, where the glass pieces had been cracked or fallen off.
Needless to say, I was pretty upset!
I looked on the site regarding returns and saw that a return MUST BE STARTED within 7 days of receipt, and so I immediately reached out with an email. The response was pretty quick, within a few hours, I believe, and because I was so disappointed with my experience, I was set on getting my full refund, because I couldn't imagine that a replacement would be any different. It was required that I send a picture with the logo from the bottom of the urn, in order to begin the return/replacement/refund, which I sent.
Though I indicated that I was leaning towards the refund, a replacement was sent out. This time, the replacement was properly packed, and the white bag that had previously been stuffed at the bottom of the box, (from the first shipment), was now new, clean and carefully placed around the blue velvet drawstring bag encasing the urn, AND the packaging prevented any movement of the urn during shipment.
When I removed the urn from the box and carefully examined it, I was more than pleased that NO glass pieces were cracked or missing.
I still wasn’t crazy about the base colors, but the glass placement reflected more of the myriad of colors I was looking for.
I now have ashes from BOTH my mom and stepdad, in the urn, on a lovely memorial shelf, in my home.
A “nod” and heartfelt thank you to Meagan S., in Customer Support, for her prompt attention and solution to the matter.
Gold came rusted and stained, and the top was completely rusted-It wouldn’t let me submit a picture but the pretty disappointing for the price. Still pretty and durable.
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