Preferences By Faith for Burial, Cremation, Green Burial, and Aquamation
The methods by which human remains are laid to rest, whether through burial, cremation, or newer alternatives like green burial and aquamation, are deeply influenced by religious, cultural, and secular values. Each belief system offers its own reasoning for how the body should be treated after death, often rooted in spiritual beliefs, traditions, or ethical concerns.
Christianity
Catholicism
The Catholic Church historically preferred burial as it symbolized the belief in bodily resurrection at the end of time. While cremation was once forbidden, the Church now permits it under the condition that the ashes are treated with respect and kept in a sacred place (such as a cemetery or columbarium). The scattering or keeping of ashes at home is not allowed.
Green burial, which minimizes environmental impact by avoiding embalming and using biodegradable materials, fits well with Catholic values of returning to the earth naturally. However, aquamation (also known as alkaline hydrolysis), a process that dissolves the body using water and chemicals, is still being debated within Catholic circles, with some dioceses accepting it, but no formal approval from the Vatican.
Eastern Orthodoxy
Orthodox Christianity places a strong emphasis on burial, reflecting its belief in the sanctity of the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit. Cremation is generally discouraged, and green burial is acceptable as long as it adheres to the principle of natural return to the earth. Aquamation, however, is rejected by most Orthodox Christians, as it is seen as altering the body in ways inconsistent with tradition.
Protestantism
Protestants have a wide variety of views on burial and cremation. Most mainstream Protestant denominations, such as Anglicans and Methodists, accept both, with green burial becoming increasingly popular among those who value environmental sustainability. Some Protestant groups in progressive regions are also beginning to accept aquamation.
Smaller Protestant sects, like Jehovah’s Witnesses and Seventh-day Adventists, often allow for individual discretion. Jehovah’s Witnesses typically do not prescribe a specific method, leaving the choice between burial and cremation up to the family, while Seventh-day Adventists prefer burial but are open to green and cremation options.
Latter-day Saints (Mormons)
Mormons traditionally prefer burial, reflecting their belief in the physical resurrection of the body. Cremation is not prohibited but is less common. Green burial is permitted as long as it aligns with the principles of honoring the body and proper burial rites. Aquamation is generally not practiced, as it diverges from traditional methods.
Islam
Both Sunni and Shia Islam require burial, as cremation is strictly forbidden. Islamic funeral practices emphasize returning the body to the earth as soon as possible, usually within 24 hours, in a simple, natural state. This makes green burial a natural fit with Islamic tradition, as it avoids embalming and encourages minimal environmental impact.
Aquamation is not accepted in Islam, as it involves dissolving the body in a way that contradicts the religion’s respect for bodily integrity.
Judaism
Orthodox Judaism
Orthodox Judaism mandates burial, as cremation is forbidden due to the belief in the sanctity of the body and the eventual resurrection of the dead. Green burial aligns well with Jewish customs, as it reflects the importance of returning the body to the earth naturally, without interference from chemicals or artificial enclosures. Aquamation is generally not accepted in Orthodox Judaism.
Conservative and Reform Judaism
While burial remains the preferred method, Reform Judaism is more open to cremation, with many Reform congregations now offering full funeral rites for cremated remains. Green burial is widely accepted as it fits with Jewish traditions of simplicity and natural return to the earth. Aquamation is less commonly practiced but could be accepted by more liberal Reform congregations, though it remains rare.
Hinduism
Hindus traditionally practice cremation, as it helps release the soul from the physical body for reincarnation. Exceptions are made for infants, saints, and ascetics, who may be buried instead. Green burial is not common in Hinduism, though it could be permissible in special circumstances.
Aquamation could be seen as consistent with Hindu symbolism of returning the body to its elemental state, but it is not widely practiced within Hindu communities.
Buddhism
Both burial and cremation are acceptable in Buddhism, depending on cultural traditions. In Theravada Buddhist countries like Thailand and Sri Lanka, cremation is more common, while in Mahayana Buddhist regions like China and Japan, burial may also be practiced.
Green burial aligns with Buddhist values of simplicity and respect for nature. Aquamation is not a formal part of Buddhist practice but could be compatible with its philosophy of detachment from the body and environmental mindfulness.
Sikhism
Sikhs traditionally practice cremation, which symbolizes the release of the soul from the body. Green burial is less common but could be an acceptable alternative if the body is treated with dignity. Aquamation is not part of Sikh funeral traditions and would likely not be practiced in most Sikh communities.
Baha’i Faith
The Baha’i Faith requires burial and strictly prohibits cremation. Baha’i teachings specify that the body should be buried within an hour’s journey from the place of death. Green burial aligns well with Baha’i values, as it respects the natural process of returning to the earth. Aquamation is not accepted due to the prohibition on cremation or body dissolution.
Jainism
Jains typically practice cremation, though both cremation and burial are accepted. Green burial could be compatible with Jain principles of non-violence and non-attachment to the body, though it is not common. Aquamation is not traditionally practiced but might be accepted by some Jain communities for its environmentally friendly aspects.
Zoroastrianism
Historically, Zoroastrians practiced sky burial—leaving the body exposed on a Tower of Silence to be consumed by birds. Today, many Zoroastrians opt for cremation or burial depending on local laws. Green burial aligns with Zoroastrian principles of protecting the earth, water, and fire from pollution. Aquamation is not widely practiced but could be an option for some progressive communities.
Secular and Humanist Beliefs
Secular individuals, humanists, and those without religious affiliation tend to choose their disposition method based on personal, ethical, or environmental preferences. Green burial is especially popular among environmentally conscious individuals, as it avoids embalming chemicals, concrete vaults, and non-biodegradable materials.
Aquamation is gaining popularity among secular communities due to its lower environmental impact compared to traditional cremation, as it uses less energy and produces no harmful emissions.
Recomposition (natural organic reduction) is another option embraced by environmentally conscious groups. It involves converting human remains into soil, aligning with values of sustainability and returning to nature.
Legal and Cultural Considerations
In many countries, green burial and aquamation are not yet universally available due to legal or regulatory restrictions. Some regions are just beginning to legalize these methods, and availability can depend on local funeral service providers. As these newer methods grow in popularity, more regions are likely to adopt supportive legislation.
Disposition Practices Overview by Religion
| Religion/Belief | Burial | Cremation | Green Burial | Aquamation | Recomposition (Human Composting) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catholicism | Yes | Yes | Yes | Debated | No |
| Eastern Orthodoxy | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
| Protestantism | Yes | Yes | Yes | Some | Some |
| Latter-day Saints | Yes | Allowed | Yes | No | No |
| Sunni/Shia Islam | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
| Orthodox Judaism | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
| Reform Judaism | Yes | Yes | Yes | Rare | No |
| Hinduism | Rare | Yes | Rare | Possible | No |
| Buddhism | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Sikhism | Rare | Yes | Rare | No | No |
| Baha’i Faith | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
| Jainism | Yes | Yes | Possible | Rare | No |
| Zoroastrianism | Yes | Yes | Yes | Possible | No |
| Secular/Humanist | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
