The practice of cremation after death is an increasingly popular choice among many people. Still, many do not realize that there are different types of cremation based on one’s religious leanings. Religious cremation is practiced across a lot of different regions, and there are specific techniques that must be used for the practice to be in keeping with the various religious tenants that designate how to do this properly.
Catholic Church
The Catholic Church took a stance against all types of cremation for most of its existence, but it has since changed some of the rules around this. Now, the Church allows for cremation to be an acceptable way for Catholics to honor their loved ones. This change came around the 1960s as the option became more popular.
The Pope clarified the position of the Catholic Church on this issue in 2016 when he stated that cremation is permitted, but that the ashes must be scattered in a sacred place. This could include a church cemetery or other area deemed sufficiently appropriate from a religious point of view.
Protestant
The various Protestant churches have long accepted the practice of cremation, and many of their cemeteries have areas specifically set aside for the scattering of ashes. They encourage their followers to speak with family and friends about their last wishes long before they have to make them. They want everyone to be on the same page so that they can honor the departed in a civilized fashion when they leave this Earth.
Islam
Practitioners of the Islamic faith are not allowed to be cremated. The practice is considered unclean, and it is therefore banned. Those who wish to honor their dearly departed must utilize another solution. Most of the time, people bury their loved ones in a cemetery specifically set aside for practitioners of this faith.
Buddhism
Cremation is allowed as part of the Buddhist faith. Chanting and other forms of honoring the dead are often practiced regardless of if someone is cremated or not. It is considered a matter of personal choice in this faith, and many choose cremation as a means of bringing some part of their body back to the Earth. Thus, this is a frequently selected option for people who practice Buddhism.
Hinduism
Cremation is the preferred method of burial in Hinduism. This faith highly encourages the practice because they believe it is a great way to handle the remains of someone who has passed on. There are a few exceptions to the rule, such as babies, young children, and saints. Their bodies are considered to be so pure that they may be buried in traditional methods. Either way, the departed are honored for their contributions to the world, and those who loved them are able to remember them.
Final arrangements are all about setting things up so that the departed are honored and remembered. Different faiths have different rules on this, but all agree that the deceased should be memorialized in some way.