Redemption of the Just - Isaiah 57
Acrylic and digital print on panel. 24" x 60" - 2010
This subject came up while reading a news article on Christians increasing choosing cremation over burial. I've often assumed that's not really a bad idea considering the cost of burial. I really don't like business' that have a solid grip on your finances - right to the end.
This posting may seem morbid, at times funny. I decided to search the web to see if there were comments on what Mormon's officially teach on the subject - there were plenty. Apparently the only official statement (and it's not doctrine) is that the Church discourages the practice of cremation; but doesn't forbid it. That's an interesting statement, to me it says "Everyone I know wants to be buried, but there is nothing really wrong with cremation from a doctrinal point of view. From a doctrinal point of view it comes down to the question of the resurrection. According to The Book of Mormon, another Testament of Christ:
The soul shall be restored to the body, and the body to the soul; yea, and every limb and joint shall be restored to its body; yea, even hair of the head shall not be lost; but all things shall be restored to their proper and perfect frame. Alma 40:23
Throughout my life I've been led to believe that this scripture indicates that our mortal, our physical body will be reconstructed to their perfect form. That has always suited me as I think I could use a more perfect form. Having to restore every mortal particle? I wouldn't say that's beyond God's ability, but it does seem very impractical.
On the serious side this brings to question the fate of those who's bodies have been destroyed by one horrible means or another - all the way back to Adam. That's a lot of people who had no choice in the matter. God, being a loving God, has has provided the resurrection, or eternal life, to all men. From the Bible, KJV;
