The Sign of the Cross and the Possibility of Cremation by Pastor Walter Snyder What with vacation Bible school, the family's participation in the community theater production of ~Sound of Music~ (I was Admiral von Schrieber, in case you're wondering), sickness, several weddings, a funeral, and attempting to squeeze in a little vacation before school restarted, it's been a few weeks since we've gotten together. Q: What does it represent or mean when a Catholic makes the Sign of the Cross? Why is this not a practice of other Christians? A: Actually, a number of others besides Roman Catholics regularly use the sign of the cross. In much of Orthodox (Greek, Russian, etc.) Christianity, worshipers make the sign every time the name of the Lord is mentioned in Scripture, prayer, or hymnody. The Anglican Communion, including Episcopalians in the United States, also regularly uses it. In the Lutheran Church, our ~Small Catechism~ encourages us to "make the sign of the holy cross" when saying the Invocation, "In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit," during our morning and evening prayers. Other times we might use it include the same Invocation at the beginning of church services, during the benediction (concluding blessing), and elsewhere when God's blessings are conveyed. While some differences exist, the main reason any Christians have for making the sign is as a reminder of the meritorious suffering and death of Christ on the cross. Likewise, it connects us with our baptisms, since Baptism is a participation in Jesus' death (see Romans 6). Thus, the sign of the cross is intended to remind and reinforce the truth that all blessings and benefits we receive from God result from His good favor restored by Christ's suffering and death. Q: Does the Bible mention cremation? In your opinion, is it acceptable to God? I am in the fourth stage of small cell lung cancer, and I had pre-arranged cremation. I must be well informed of God's view of this, if He has one. I have not found any Scriptures related to this. Help, please. A: First of all, my prayers on behalf of you and your loved ones ascend to our loving Father. As you ask, we'll study Scripture as we focus on your question: In Old Testament times, only a criminal or crass sinner normally would have had his remains cremated (Joshua 7:25; Leviticus 20:14; 21:9). Amos 2:1 indicates that Moab's cremation of Edom's king was the result of disrespect for the dead. However, not doing anything (leaving the body hanging or on the ground to rot) showed the greatest disrespect and was reserved for the crassest sinners and most vile felons. However, no specific commands bind all people in all places and times. During the past few centuries, some atheists encouraged cremation to rebut the Bible's teaching of the resurrection of all flesh. This idea has faded in recent years. At the same time, Christians have been reconsidering the option of cremation because of rising burial costs and the scarcity of cemetery plots in many urban areas. Why one accepts or rejects a course of action is often more important than the action itself. Christians are not commanded nor are they forbidden any particular funeral practices. Conscience, judgment, community standards, offense to others, and the witness our actions give must all be considered. I have conducted funerals involving both coffins and urns. I have seen remains placed in the ground, in underground and aboveground vaults, and on a bookshelf in a person's home. If your confession tells those around you that you trust only in Christ's merits, that you await the resurrection of all flesh with hope, and that your cremation is not a rebellion in some way against God, I see no reason not to do it. Scripture quotations, unless otherwise noted, are from ~The Holy Bible, English Standard Version~, © 2001 by Crossway Bibles. Catechism quoted from ~Luther's Small Catechism~, © 1986 by Concordia Publishing House. Ask the Pastor, © 2004 by Walter P. Snyder. It may be reproduced in totality, including this disclaimer, by anyone, provided that no profit is generated by said republication and redistribution. Translations into other languages should similarly note the United States and any appropriate international copyrights, as well as God's Scriptural injunctions concerning the property of others. Walter Snyder is the pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Emma, Missouri and coauthor of the book "What Do Lutherans Believe."