Jehovah’s Witnesses have specific beliefs about what happens after death that impact their views on burial practices like cremation. As a Christian denomination that bases its beliefs solely on the Bible, Witnesses view cremation as incompatible with scriptural teachings.
In this article, we’ll provide a brief overview of what Jehovah’s Witnesses believe about death and the afterlife. We’ll look at why cremation is discouraged and what acceptable burial practices are. And we’ll examine if there are any exceptions that allow for cremation.
Jehovah’s Witness Beliefs About Death
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe death is not the end of existence but rather the beginning of an extended state of unconsciousness they refer to as “sleep.” They take the view that the Bible consistently compares death to sleep and points to a future resurrection.
When a person dies, Witnesses believe the body simply decays in the grave while the spirit, or life force, returns to God. But there is no immortal soul that lives on.
At an appointed time in the future, Jehovah God will resurrect the dead by recreating the same individual from his life force and memories. They will be given a physical body and have the opportunity to live forever in paradise on earth.
So for Witnesses, burial of the physical body intact is important because God will use it to recreate that same person in the resurrection.
Why Jehovah’s Witnesses Discourage Cremation
Jehovah’s Witnesses strongly discourage the practice of cremation. They take this position for several reasons based on their biblical understandings:
The Bible Specifies Burial, Not Cremation
Witnesses point out that God’s Word, the Bible, contains numerous examples of faithful servants of God being buried, not cremated. For example, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, and Jacob were all buried, not cremated. (Genesis 23:19; 25:9; 35:29; 49:29-32) The Bible also reports that God’s servants Joseph and Moses were embalmed and buried, not cremated.—Genesis 50:2, 26; Deuteronomy 34:5, 6.
Cremation Reflects Pagan Religious Influence
The practice of cremation has historically been associated with pagan religious beliefs about death and the afterlife. Witnesses feel cremation reflects non-biblical philosophies influenced by religions like Hinduism.
Cremation Does Not Show Proper Respect for the Body
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe the body should be treated with proper respect and care since it was created by God. They cite scriptures like Genesis 2:7, Psalm 139:14-16, Acts 17:26, and 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20 to show the Bible teaches the sanctity and dignity of the human body even in death. Therefore, they feel cremation shows a lack of respect for life created by God.
God Will Use the Body to Recreate the Person
As discussed earlier, Witnesses believe God will reanimate the actual physical body that was buried in order to resurrect the individual in the future. So they feel maintaining the body intact through burial shows faith that God will keep His promise.
Acceptable Burial Practices for Jehovah’s Witnesses
Although cremation is discouraged, Jehovah’s Witnesses allow for personal choice in burial arrangements. However, any practices must be in harmony with Bible principles. Here are some guidelines:
Burial
Witnesses prefer traditional burial of the complete body. No organs or tissues should be removed unless required by law. They believe this maintains respect for the person who will be resurrected.
Burial Clothing
The deceased may be dressed in any clothing that is dignified and modest. Some choose to be buried in clothes that reflect their faith such as a simple white gown.
Embalming
Embalming is permitted if required by law. However, Witnesses believe the Bible shows it is unnecessary in most cases.
Autopsies
Autopsies are a personal decision. They may be allowed if required by law. But if optional, Witnesses normally choose to avoid autopsies out of respect for the deceased unless needed to advance medical knowledge.
Funeral Services
Funerals held at a Kingdom Hall are simple, focused on comfort from the Bible and the resurrection hope. Eulogies, elaborate floral displays and certain funeral traditions are avoided. Cremation is not mentioned if it has been chosen.
Organ Donation
Organ donation, if done to save a life, is a personal decision left to each Witness’s conscience.
Interment
There are no restrictions on burial vaults, mausoleums or grave markers as long as they are modest, dignified and affordable.
Are There Any Exceptions Where Cremation is Allowed?
Jehovah’s Witnesses recognize that there may be rare exceptions where cremation is the only option. For example:
Extreme Situations or Disasters
In the case of mass casualties from disasters, disease epidemics, or wars, cremation may be necessary. Lack of space, resources or facilities may require cremation.
Financial Hardship
If burial is not affordable or would impose extreme financial hardship, a Witness may choose cremation. The Bible encourages avoiding unnecessary debt, even for a funeral. (Romans 13:8)
Government Requirements
In some countries, the law may require cremation. Witnesses try to work within the law as much as possible while adhering to Bible principles. So if cremation is required, it would be left to personal conscience.
Family Objections
If family members strongly object to burial on biblical grounds, cremation may resolve the conflict. Witnesses advise balancing respect for the deceased’s wishes with trying to maintain peace.
However, Witnesses make these rare exceptions reluctantly. The vast majority choose burial except in extreme situations. Even if cremated, they look forward to the resurrection when God recreates the person’s exact likeness. (Acts 24:15)
Conclusion
Jehovah’s Witnesses discourage cremation based on their understanding of Bible teachings. They believe the body will be resurrected, so burial shows faith that God will recreate the deceased in the promised paradise. Though rare exceptions are allowed, Witnesses almost always prefer burial as the most appropriate way to care for the dead while awaiting the resurrection. Their main objective is adhering as closely as possible to God’s Word on this matter while being reasonable in difficult situations.
| Beliefs About Death | Death is like a sleep; the dead are unconscious |
|---|---|
| After Death | The spirit returns to God; body decays in grave |
| Resurrection | At a future time, God recreates the person from their body and memories |
| Why Avoid Cremation? |
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| Acceptable Burial Practices |
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| Exceptions Allowing Cremation |
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