TQ12 6NQ And the act of spreading ashes by itself is sacred and thus the land or water into which I spread her ashes, becomes holy land or water. However, the Bible does establish a pretty clear pattern which suggests that the “burning” of bodies or bones was often reserved for punishment or disgrace (and was commonly practiced by pagans), whereas the “burying” of individuals was often done out of reverence or respect (and was often practiced by the Israelites or New Testament Christians). This is what the LORD says: "For three sins of Moab, even for four, I will not relent. Delivery and Shipping Everything about it is top quality. HELP - I have been asked,l by my good friend, to go with her and scatter her mothers ashes (or part of). Firstly, in no way do I express to be a translator of the Bible. Later we’ll get into specific sayings, quotes, and readings. It was not what I wanted but his wishes. 11 Seale Hayne Generally, there are no explicit verses in the bible that promote or denounce the act of cremation. When we said “Lake Michigan?”, she nodded as if to say that would be suitable. Firstly, in no way do I express to be a translator of the Bible. So sorry to those of you that are, please don’t mind my thoughts they designed not to offend, just to understand. I was brought up short. Burlington ON, L7R 3Y8, phone: 616-942-9383 It was decreed that ashes were not to be scattered in any way. We rejoice that she now resides for all eternity, Topics: Privacy Policy The Lutheran faith, however, does support cremation as a valid way to treat remains. Subscribe to our email updates to get new articles in your inbox. Ann, https://scattering-ashes.co.uk/testimonials/31552/. It is a credit to your company... https://scattering-ashes.co.uk/testimonials/over-the-moon/, Thank you so much. Standard practice among Old … In conclusion I think the point being made is – isn’t nature wonderful and one meteorological phenomenon can bear a resemble to something more everyday, and basically isn’t god wonderful for doing this. Additionally, what type of ashes are being referred to, those from a hearth or are they cremated human remains? Rolf Bouma Any decent body of water would do. Have a moment of silence in honor of the departed loved one. toll free: 800-879-6555, The Encouraging Despair of Dawes’ ‘Didn’t Fix Me’, Five Films to Help You Observe Advent at Home, Total Depravity and The Devil All the Time, The Persistent Widow of Garrett Bradley’s 'Time', Family and Forgiveness on the Fresh Prince Reunion, Discipleship Tips from The Lego Star Wars Holiday Special, Fighting Fate in Final Fantasy VII Remake, Human extinction and Christian eschatology, Human composting: ashes to ashes, dust to dust, 10 Pieces of Pop Culture Lamenting Racial Injustice. I just wanted to say a massive thank you for all your help with getting the water journey urn to me it was really appreciated. These injunctions are serious enough that, should a person “notoriously” request cremation and scattering of ashes, they are to be denied a Christian funeral. Moreover, any “appearance of pantheism, naturalism, or nihilism” should be avoided, so no scattering of ashes on land or sea. Religions that practice cremation pay tribute to their dead by scattering ashes in varying religious ceremonies. Because he burned to ashes the bones of Edom's king. Direct Cremation Scattering Ashes. Most would assume that the phrase "ashes to ashes, dust to dust" came directly from the Bible. The Church. Your email address will not be published. Nevertheless, many Christians believe that their bodies would be ineligible for resurrection if they are cremated. It’s true that burial was the common practice in the Bible, and cremation was rare. The heart is lovely & you have been brilliant. What can’t work out is – is the Bible saying the verb applies to the ashes as well as the frost? A small part of their ashes can be distributed to family members in urns if they want them. What does the bible say about people and their wishes to be creamated or does it say any thing . Rather, the ashes must be interred. Say a Prayer. Dr. Rolf Bouma is the Pastor for Academic Ministries at the Campus Chapel and directs the Center for Faith & Scholarship, a Christian study center, at the University of Michigan. Email: info@scattering-ashes.co.uk Standard practice among Old Testament and in the New Testament was burial. In 2016, the Vatican issued definitive guidelines concerning cremation. Angela, https://scattering-ashes.co.uk/testimonials/truly-delighted/. When it came time, we divided her ashes. Moreover, any “appearance of pantheism, naturalism, or nihilism” should be avoided, so no scattering of ashes on land or sea. This book was first printed in 1662. One last point about it being unlikely to be hoarfrost may supported in the way round the simile is written, with the more common experience being the one that it is being compared too, ie ash is more common than hoarfrost…but is it more come than frost? Additionally, exhibiting the ashes in the home, making them into jewelry, diamonds, cremation art, or any other form of display is not allowed. Theology, “Dust to dust, ashes to ashes." Second, the Church should issue guidelines based on substance rather than appearances. Once again thank you. He giveth snow like wool: he scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes. If you and/or your loved one were religious, you may consider reciting some Bible verses while scattering their … Susannah, https://scattering-ashes.co.uk/testimonials/your-website-is-excellent/. Tel: 01626 798198, Orders and Payments Rather, the ashes must be interred. The meaning implied by scattering ashes will vary across cultures, and will often be informed or influenced by religious beliefs. Terms and Conditions This new instruction is meant to head off practices attendant to cremation that are deemed incompatible with the Christian faith. It was decreed that ashes were not to be scattered in any way. This is where the Anglican Book of Common Prayer derives the phrase, "Ashes to ashes, dust to dust." Laws on cremation and the preservation of ashes vary. On a cold, windy day laced with snow squalls we first met at Muskegon State Park and shook half of the ocher powder at the interface of water and sand. Here is the prayer which accompanied the sprinkling of my sister’s ashes. our beloved sister into the cycles of your creation: Through Christ’s victory we have hope in life eternal. It arrived in time and... https://scattering-ashes.co.uk/testimonials/massive-thank-you/, Received our order yesterday & wanted to say thank you for your fantastic service. Bible Verses for Scattering Ashes Ceremony . Their bodies were mutilated by the Philistines, thus the decision was made to cremate, then bury the ashes (1 … You can even use a combination of these different ways to craft a unique statement to remember your deceased loved one’s life. Thank you for all your patience and compassion in such a difficult decision and with such a perfect end result. What does the Bible say about scattering ashes? But for now, we’ll begin by giving you a general idea of the type of things you can say at the scattering ceremony: Say Nothing. Contact Us, Are you a Funeral Directors Never miss a new Think Christian article! Are ashes scattered or is it just the frost that is scattered? According to the instruction, cremains—the bodily residue of cremation—must be laid to rest in a “sacred place,” such as a cemetery or another space that has been duly consecrated by the Church. There is a lot that could be said, but I will just note two points at which I take issue with this “instruction.” First, my Reformed instincts rebel at the division of creation into sacred and non-sacred places, with ecclesiastical blessing required to transubstantiate the mundane into the sacred. The Church no longer opposes cremation, but it does offer guidelines on how the ashes should be cared for following cremation. My order came very promptly and well packaged. On another note, if you’re interested in scripture, read what the bible says about cremation. So what does it mean and what is it telling us? The Bible does not command burial or have laws against cremation. Theology & The Church, Count me in with Wendell Berry, who said that “[t]here are no sacred and unsacred places; only sacred and desecrated places.” Creation itself is sacred enough without the Catholic Church declaring slivers of it to be so. In conclusion, to answer the question, ‘What does the Bible say about cremation?’, it is clear to see that the Bible does not prohibit nor does … November 1, 2016. It’s worth it to say it out loud. Personally I see the similarity to frost but not hoarfrost. Cookie Policy ... a beach, a park, or a mountain. Rather, the ashes must be interred. Through cremation and the scattering of ashes, some Christians see a recognition of God's original Genesis 2:7creation from the dust of the ground, ou… It was decreed that ashes were not to be scattered in any way. Which organisations allow you to scatter? I am smiling from ear to ear. Saul and Jonathan were cremated by the Israelites after their deaths, but this was not normal practice in Israel. Grand Rapids, MI 49508​, PO Box 5070 Thank you all... https://scattering-ashes.co.uk/testimonials/i-am-smiling-from-ear-to-ear/. If I sit quietly in a forest glade with eyes closed, some might imagine that I am communing with and seeking oneness with nature. Also the King James version refers to hoarfrost (it appears other more recent bible translations tend to just call it frost), hoarfrost is visually quite distinct from a general frost and is created from protracted crystallisation when the there is high levels of moisture in the air. We sprinkled the remaining ashes around the edges of the cemetery, framing our time with Scripture and prayer. Theologians Apply Scripture to Cremation "Actually, the Scriptures do not say anything about required modes of burial for believers. Every step of the way you have been respectful and everything... https://scattering-ashes.co.uk/testimonials/respectful/. What are Airlines Policies on carrying ashes? It is a chance to remember, respect, and reminisce their lives. It is quite beautiful and rare in the UK and even rarer in the Middle East, one would have thought, as you need prolonged periods of constant low temperatures. The Bible neither favors nor forbids the process of cremation.. I am willing to do such a thing because it will bring my friend peace and will help her. Additionally, exhibiting the ashes in the home, making them into jewelry, diamonds, cremation art, or any other form of display is not allowed. Just a quick note to thank you so much. Some Christian communities connect scattering ashes with the Genesis 3:19 idea of "for dust you are, and to dust you will return." Different Gods God Scattering Israel Moreover, the Lord will scatter you among all peoples, from one end of the earth to the other end of the earth; and there you shall serve other gods, wood and stone, which you or your fathers have not known. Thank you. Although their cremation beliefs may be the same, religious opinions on the scattering of ashes can differ. 5,144 Catholics are forbidden from keeping the ashes of cremated loved ones at home, scattering them, dividing them between family members or … I have received the urn today and we are delighted with it. Cremation is the process of burning a deceased body until there is nothing left but ashes or tiny, fragmented remains. She had given us explicit instructions regarding her cremation and general instructions regarding their disposition. The Chapel 1700 28th Street SE The flowers will provide a visual marker to help you trace your loved one’s remains as they infuse the waters, while honoring her memory through something she loved. Not required. Devon I just wanted to say thank you for the beautiful pendant you made with my lovely dad's ashes inside. No, this isn’t what the Bible says, and I find nothing in the Bible that forbids cremation as a means of disposing of a person’s body. So now, we commit these ashes of her mortal body to the living waters of Lake Michigan. Dividing up the ashes among family members is also forbidden. I was overwhelmed by the way you all got together to make it happen. I love it, it's perfect. I finally scattered his ashes last week. :godisgood: Last week the Roman Catholic Church issued an “instruction” through its Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith on “burial of the deceased and the conservation of the ashes in the case of cremation.” It reiterates the Catholic Church’s strong preference for burial of the body, but its real focus is cremation, which, after centuries of prohibition for Catholics, was first allowed by Vatican II in 1963. Culture At Large, My father in-law is now in pride of place... https://scattering-ashes.co.uk/testimonials/pride-of-place/, Sometimes it’s difficult to get the true picture from an online catalogue – but this is really good and surpassed our expectations. “Over water,” she told us. Instead, the exact text was inspired by the Bible but written in the Book of Common Prayer. To preserve the sanctity of the body, the Church says ashes cannot be scattered or divided among family members. Rituals are inherently ambiguous, so we conjoin them with liturgies, which further fix their meaning. Ceramic Comfort Pebbles - Handmade in Somerset - Embossed, Copyright © 2020 Scattering Ashes or original authors | Powered by, Stonehenge ancient cremation ashes burial site, Columbarium: St John the Baptist in Norwich. Despite cautions from the Catholic Church concerning cremation, I see the scattering of my sister's ashes as an act of faith. Rather, the ashes must be interred. Returns and Exchanges fax: 708-371-1415 Here is how it is written in the King James Bible: He giveth snow like wool: he scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes. On April 2, the one-year anniversary of her death, we scattered my sister’s ashes. Ashes can only be buried in a cemetery or other sacred place. My heart is broken but I have let him go. Religions like Buddhism and Hinduism both accept cremation as a standard form of honoring a deceased loved one. Additionally, exhibiting the ashes in the home, making them into jewelry, diamonds, cremation art, or any other form of display is not allowed. There are more translations and some interpretation at this website http://bible.cc/psalms/147-16.htm, Your email address will not be published. I would of rather him be buried than creamated. What does the Bible say about scattering ashes? I shudder to think that this would be deemed reason to deny my sister, a faithful if prickly daughter of the church, the solace of a Christian funeral. Cremation is the process of burning a body to ashes, and some religions see the practice as disrespectful to the human body and even to God. Since cremation does not affect one’s soul, the Church says there are no doctrinal objections to cremation. Some of them can be a bit unpleasant, but they are best known beforehand to … If you are scattering her ashes in a river or the ocean, for example, you may choose to include the petals of her favorite flower. • How to Seal your Memorial Charm Jewellery, Biodegradable Urns for the Sea, Lake or River. And scattering ashes can be “misunderstood as a sort of religion of nature, while we believe in resurrection,” he said. People throughout Bible times treated the human body with great respect, and often showed deep concern about the disposition of the remains following death. With it you’re interested in scripture, read what the LORD says: `` three. Much for the caring, respectful service you provide, I see the similarity to frost but not.! 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