Burials

NoNukes writes:If in fact such a thing is silly,

Faith writes: we are spirit and body and only the body returns to dust,

Faith writes: I haven't been discussing this from a theological point of view. The only reason to note that Christian theology sees us as spirit and body is as a counter to the idea that we can be reduced entirely to material food for worms and vultures, which is the viewpoint I consider to be least respectful of humanity qua humanity. By comparison most cultures up until recently have recognized a soul or spirit, and again, I didn't even mention Christianity as part of my basic argument on this subject.

Faith writes:There is an opinion among some Christians that burial is to be preferred to cremation because we are immortal souls whose bodies will eventually be resurrected and joined with our souls in a new glorified form, so we should preserve the body until that day. Even unbelievers will be reunited with their bodies, though not in glorified form. I don't think it matters as far as the reality of being reunited with your body goes whether you are buried or cremated or burned at the stake. God will know how to put us all back together no matter what condition the body ends up in.

Faith writes: ABE: I guess you think I'm discussing it from a theologicial point of view after saying I wasn't. I don't think so. Just mentioning one theological opinion isn't making a theological issue of the whole thing.