Eye Opener
Is cremation against the law of God?
Who introduced the burning of dead bodies to ashes? In India, incineration of dead bodies is a must. In Japan, due to lack of land space and the medieval cremation is also observed and cemeteries are mostly located in hills and mountains. In many Christian countries, cremation of dead bodies is already widespread. In America, many cremation shops are booming. Filipino-American citizens whose next of kin are having their dead relatives buried in their homeland Philippines while others have cremated the bodies as plane fare is expensive when shipping the cadaver via airlines. The cremated ashes or limes are placed inside an urn and brought home for safekeeping. Some kins put the ashes in thick plastic storage or bottle and bury it inside the tomb.
With the advent of all Saints Day, November 1, relatives remember the memory of their dead loved kins by placing the ashes on prepared altar adorned with candles, flowers and rosaries in their homes. They kneel before the ashes of their loved ones and start reciting their prayers. In some other cases, the relatives visit the tomb at the cemetery where the ashes of their departed kins are buried.
Why do families of the departed dead loved ones cremate their bodies? Some persons interviewed say that "it's the wish of their dying loved ones." Some medical doctors recommend that when the disease of a dead person is like, for example H.I.V, its blood when bitten by mosquitoes and transferred to another healthy human being, the possibility is likely that the affected person will have also an H.I.V. Other dying persons with communicable diseases, usually the body is cremated for health safety. Many find it awkward or difficult to believe that the final wish of their loved ones is to have their body cremated once they die. But since they love their departed kin, much as they would like to oppose the gory process, they fear the retribution once they disobey the wish.
But is cremation against the law of God? Persons who died in burning houses, buildings, planes, etc. their bodies are automatically cremated. In the nightly reading of the Holy Scripture by this columnist, he came upon the Book of Amos Chapter 2, verses 1-2: "Thus says the Lord; For three transgressions of Moab, and for four, I will not turn away his punishment, because he burned the bones of the king of Edom to lime. (underscoring mine). But I will send a fire upon Moab, and it shall devour the places of Kerioth; Moab shall die with tumult, with shouting and trumpet sound." Moab was the son of Lot. Remember, Lot's wife was spared by God during the complete destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Prophet Amos did not detail the transgressions of Moab but his sins were probably heavy that God would not let off the punishment.
Before World War II, cremation of the dead bodies was not yet observed in the Philippines although the ritual had been practiced in other few countries. Many skeptics say that when a dead body is cremated, he goes to his first torment in agony and if his life while on earth was very sinful, then he faces eternal fire in hell.
In Jaro district at the American cemetery, the putting up of a crematory was opposed by nearby residents although there were also some people who justified the crematory.
The City Municipal Council reportedly turned down the request but the crematory owners have reportedly asked for a reconsideration.
Since there is no law prohibiting the business of cremation, some people will continue to have their dead loved ones cremated according to the departed's death bed wish. And also for health and safety reasons of some dead bodies with H.I.V. and other dreadful diseases. God will be the final judge whether burning of bones into limes or ashes is justifiable.