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Post by ozark on Jan 8, 2010 13:57:41 GMT -5
My wife and I have prepaid our decision to be cremated. We find it less gross than to be buried and leave a grave for others to take care of. Before making these arrangements we ask Ministers and others if there was Bible teachings against this or supporting the ground burial. Funerals have become a big money making thing where you are encouraged to buy the casket with drawers to put your rings, teeth, glasses and personal treasures. They try to make survivors feel it is disrespectful to put a loved one away in a cheap casket. We want our ashes scattered near our cabin and fish ponds where we have spent countless weeks enjoying the area. My question: Is there any scriptures condemning this decision?
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Post by craigf on Jan 8, 2010 15:23:10 GMT -5
Ozark, There is no direct scripture verse that directly condemns this, as long as you do so with the mindset that God will raise you and your wife again. All, believers and non-believers, will be given their bodies back at the final judgment. Some interpret scripture to allow this and others do not. It is my opinion that it is allowable.
God made Adam from the dust so he can put you back together from the dust.
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Post by bubba on Jan 8, 2010 15:54:55 GMT -5
ashes to ashes, dust to dust..........
I am with you Ben, my wife & I desire to do the same.
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Post by 153 on Jan 8, 2010 16:26:38 GMT -5
Ozark I have also ask my wife to cremate me. I see no need to spend good money for a casket, vault, cemetery lot and pay another $500 for someone to dig a hole and cover me up. I would much rather my children enjoy the money. I think today total cost would be 10-12k. I feel I will get my new pain free body in heaven that the Lord has promised his flock. I have seen people plan their own funeral down to who places the dirt on the grave when they should have been more concerned about their own souls.
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Post by Buckrub on Jan 8, 2010 17:12:53 GMT -5
153, I suggest you investigate this. I believe in this state (not sure) but at least in SOME states, that a casket is required before they'll cremate you.
In other words, cremation is an ADDED expense, not a savings. You have to get stuck in a casket and THEN get burned up.
Again, I'm not sure, but I believe I'm right, at least in some places.
I want a pine box. In fact, I want to die on Thursday. That's because the city's trash pickup at my house comes on Friday. That way they can stick my body in the trash bin and it'll get picked up free. I don't plan on being there for the event, so what do I care?
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Post by 10ga on Jan 8, 2010 21:16:12 GMT -5
Ozark, I'm not offended by your comment on the venison tartar. I LOL at the looks some people give me too. I too have made plans to be cremated and my ashes scattered. Some over my beloved Chesapeake Bay, some along the Appalachian Trail, if any of the maggots I hunt/trap with are alive and able I'd like them to spread some around my favorite hunting stands and muskrat marshes.
As for a casket being required? If you are indigent and the state buries you, the casket is OSB, that cheap enough? You can make your own! Best to all, 10 ga
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Post by ozark on Jan 8, 2010 21:36:48 GMT -5
Ours is pre paid and pre arranged. We paid a fraction of the usual cost of burial. I don't know if a casket will be used to transport the body or not. Regardless, it is not left for the kids to handle and the funeral home is responsible by contract to handle it. We don't want some preacher who doesn't really know us to invent a bunch of stuff. Ours have been in effect now for several years and its a good feeling to know that which one of us is left will not have to go through, the initial shock, the visitation, the arrangements, the burial ceremony. We have been proud of making the decision and feel it is the least suffering and grief for everyone.
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Post by smokepole50 on Jan 12, 2010 21:34:35 GMT -5
Our pastor just cover this in a few statements a few Sundays back. I never really thought about it that much but had decided I wanted to be burried. His comments were that cremation was a pagan ritual. Add in the fact that Christ was burried in a tomb and you have his opinion that folks should be burried.
I myself would like a pine box and a wooden grave marker that will last maybe 50 years. Whats left of my body should be gone by then and the land can be plowed and planted if needed. Maybe a white oak tree planted on top of the grave would be a good idea. That way the deer can feed near by..........
I am 49 years old and waiting on the trumpet to sound, I really think we may never have to worry about getting burried........
Smokepole50
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Post by dougedwards on Jan 13, 2010 19:52:10 GMT -5
I think because scripture tells us that our bodies will be rejuvenated by a "rising up" on the last day that many believe that they would not want their bodies burned to ashes because they will need their bodies in the next life. What about all the military men who were buired at sea or who had lost their lives in combat by stepping on a mine? Are they out of luck? Will not God give them new bodies? Doesn't seem like God to only allow us to live with Him eternally in the same fatal condition that we left earth.
I do wonder how old I will be when I receive my new body. Would be cool to be able to dunk a basketball again ;D
Doug
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Post by ozark on Jan 13, 2010 20:02:05 GMT -5
Many are cremated in fires unintentionally. I don't know what age or how our bodies will be either. I just hope I don't float around on clouds and listen to harp music. I like to think that heaven will be perfect and we will get to do what we like. I am not interested in streets of gold or gold houses. Maybe in His goodness we will all get what pleases us.
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kudzu
Spike
(dancoman - Old Mess. Board)
Posts: 39
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Post by kudzu on Jan 19, 2010 16:40:30 GMT -5
To be absent from this body is to be present with the Lord. The rest is trash. Do what you want to with it. I expect I will be buried if it comes to that , however if for some reason I am cremated I want everyone to come and git a barrel full and BLAST away.
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Post by basspastor on Jan 31, 2010 18:39:09 GMT -5
I have held memorial services for people cremated. I have buried cremated bodies in a grave (in the urn the ashes came back to the family). I have never found anything for or against cremation in scripture unless you want to take a verse or two and build a religion or with it. Bible says "we will have a new body; we'll have a new life". Oh; maybe in some states but not all is a casket required. Just doesn't make sense. The funeral home is contacted when you die and they prepare to cremate you (in most cases after the family has had their viewing). If local funeral hiome can't cremate they send you to a place that can do the job and your ashes are placed in the Urn of families choosing it is wrapped and placed in a box which then is sealed. All I have said is in most cases. I don't usually chine in on religious issues but couldn't pass this one up. Blessings Gerald
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Post by petev on Feb 7, 2010 16:59:42 GMT -5
Ozark, the decision that you and your wife have made was a carefully made one. The replies in this thread have been enlightening to me also. You see, we (3 brothers) buried our sister 2 months ago, and I saw what a rip-off the funeral business is. Cost 12K. For example $1,100 for the second funeral home to receive the body in the hears one afternoon, and drive it up to the cemetary the next day. It makes me mad. It does feel good having a place to visit once in awhile (there are 6 relatives there that I knew), to pay respects and reflect. But, cremation is increasing in popularity, and probably anything that simplifies things these days may be a good thing.
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Post by ozark on Feb 7, 2010 19:20:58 GMT -5
Petev, We have a cemetery close by where all my wifes ancesters are buried. We had a reserved plot for us there but after putting her mother there several years ago we got a first hand look at the rip offs and greed of the funeral homes. After much consideration and discussion we decided that cremation was for us. We have it all paid for so no one will be tempeted to buy a fancy casket or other stuff. Here, there is the initial shock of the death, then the visitation, then the ceremony in a church or funeral home. This is followed by graveside ceremony and those left are exposed to suffering over and over. Needless in our opinion. Everyone that passes our cabin knows who built and used it. They will know our ashes will be scattered there and if they want to remember us then there is as good a place as any other. Funeral homes can have nice facilities but they cannot erase the grief or the hurt. Our decision was made several years ago and we have not regretted making it for a second. In fact, we are proud of our decision and believe that it is the least painful way.
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Post by chuck41 on Feb 9, 2010 0:42:05 GMT -5
153, I suggest you investigate this. I believe in this state (not sure) but at least in SOME states, that a casket is required before they'll cremate you. In other words, cremation is an ADDED expense, not a savings. You have to get stuck in a casket and THEN get burned up. Again, I'm not sure, but I believe I'm right, at least in some places. I want a pine box. In fact, I want to die on Thursday. That's because the city's trash pickup at my house comes on Friday. That way they can stick my body in the trash bin and it'll get picked up free. I don't plan on being there for the event, so what do I care? I feel much the same. Once I am done with this body, the easiest way to dispose of the mess is certainly OK by me. At that point the focus is on what is easiest for the family. Arkansas does not require a "casket" in the normal sense of the word although I am sure some funeral homes will try to sell you one. I was told a while back that they do require a container for the body here. They use simple cardboard like boxes that are very cheap. Here is one for $39 bucks. flmp.org/Cremation/Cremation-Caskets.aspI doubt if you can beat that even on e-bay or your local "Caskets or Us" store. Also, around here it is less than the county charges for the green trash bins I put on the curb on Thursday. Buckrub, perhaps you can have one of these on hand when the day comes along with a cord of wood and schedule a bonfire send-off party. Could even have a stock of coat hanger wires for roasting hot dogs and marshmallows.
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Post by lowoctane on Feb 9, 2010 10:17:40 GMT -5
Hmmm... now that's a smoke flavor I'm pretty sure I'll pass on. We covered cremation in discussions with our preacher and his take was that cremation does not destroy the DNA and that God can take it from there. I serve a great and powerful God!!!
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Post by petev on Feb 9, 2010 17:57:23 GMT -5
Ozark, I meant to be agreeing with you! (Sure you're not a marine? No offense rifleman.) I am pretty ticked off by the rip-off we just went through with the funeral homes and cemetary. Pete
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Post by ozark on Feb 9, 2010 19:45:12 GMT -5
Petev, did I say something to indicate you were not agreeing with me? I sure didn't feel you were disagreeing or disagreeable. No, I am not a Marine. I am Army Infantry ground pounders all the way. I respect the Marines because they all have to take Infantry training so they know what soldiering is all about. Rifleman and I have so much in common besides the branches of service that we probably have the same nightmares.
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Post by tar12 on Feb 22, 2010 4:12:23 GMT -5
I could not agree with you more Ben! When my mother passed none of us were prepared for the financial aftermath,16K to be exact.The funeral director had preyed on my brother and sisters emotions before I could get involved.Do not misconstrue,you can not take the money with you,but why the unnecessary burden?In addition to the funeral costs there were the unpaid medical bills that had to be dealt with.I tried to be the voice of reason but they would have none of that.That scenario will not repeat its self with my children.
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Post by petev on Feb 22, 2010 9:18:16 GMT -5
This is a very difficult subject, since the funeral homes and cemetary hold all the cards, when a death occurs. The states have tried to make it a little more reasonable, so now you can ask for a list of prices up front, but I wouldn't think it would make much difference. If anyone knows how to bargain with the funeral home and cemetary in a traditional burial, please speak up. Apparently, more people are using cremation because of the high cost of a traditional burial.
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Post by ozark on Feb 22, 2010 17:01:18 GMT -5
Burial is only part of it. Cemeteries here are always seeking funds for maintenance, mowing, cleaning up of old artifical flowers leveling the dirt and rocks that are removed from the grave itself. Upkeep is forever where as cremation and the spreading of ashes is returned to nature and never needs attention. Here, cremation is only about four hundred bucks total. Naturally they try to sell you a $300.00 urn. LOL.
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Post by basspastor on Feb 22, 2010 20:57:44 GMT -5
I have seen several families get caught up in the (I'm blank) for a lack of better word moment. Here the Funeral Home charges from $3,200. up (way up) for a casket then the steel vault if you want it, charges if you use the Chapel, the obits. and on.One family asked me to help them make decisions at the Funeral Home (I hope never again) they started with a $3,200.00 casket and kept looking and wanted to buy one for over $6,000.00 I said now lets think this over; first who is paying for this not enough insurance and ya'll don't have the money. Long story short, three hours later we walked out with a $6,000.00 dollar funeral. Oh yes; the cemetary plot was $250.00 I apologize; just had to rattle a bit.
Blessings
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Post by ourway77 on Jan 1, 2011 13:57:42 GMT -5
My wife and I have donated our bodies to science, Maybe some good will come of this. If it help some of the living then it's worth it. Lou
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Post by petev on Jan 1, 2011 17:41:39 GMT -5
basspastor, that funeral that you helped with was CHEAP! $12,000 is more like the average I would say. It's a rackett, and the state's have stepped in to regulate the charges that funeral homes and cemeteries can charge, to some extent, but the charges are still outrageous.
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Post by adk on Jan 2, 2011 21:47:06 GMT -5
As a reminder to the veterans on the board,if you served honorably you are entitled to burial, along with your spouse, at the expense of the government. www.cem.va.gov/cems_nmc.asp
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Post by pposey on Jan 4, 2011 12:43:23 GMT -5
Call me a granola head all ya want,,, but I'm looking at this type of burial for myself,,,, near a nice oak tree,,,, will probaqbly make my own casket when I'm older and have it on standby,,, I'm thinking hickory with a plain dark green cotton liner. have even thought about putting a conservation easment on part of my land and planning on that being the spot en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_burial
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Post by pposey on Jan 4, 2011 12:45:09 GMT -5
On cremation,,, I've carried burned firefighters out of fires before,, some dead, one alive, I just can't go that route
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Post by toosensitive on Jan 5, 2011 13:34:34 GMT -5
Sorry, no info on scriptures. My folks recognized the "business of death" many years ago, so I rented the casket for the visitation for my father. My dad did the same 25 years earlier for my mother. Buy a modest (Vase-urn) to keep the ashes. Doesn't have to be fancy. All states / cemeteries are different, but I was able to place both parents in a single vault and bury them together. Scattering the ashes would also be an option. I know I spent too much money on the service / head stone, and I am sure I will eventually hear about it.
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Post by adk on Jan 5, 2011 16:58:05 GMT -5
Call me a granola head all ya want,,, but I'm looking at this type of burial for myself,,,, near a nice oak tree,,,, will probaqbly make my own casket when I'm older and have it on standby,,, I'm thinking hickory with a plain dark green cotton liner. have even thought about putting a conservation easment on part of my land and planning on that being the spot en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_burialThat sounds real nice to me but it ain't legal in my state.
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Post by 161 on Jan 9, 2011 8:52:50 GMT -5
ozark All I can say is it's good that you planned ahead to save your family from trying to fulfill you wishes. My Brother died 4 years ago and I was his executor of estate. He wanted cremated, Dad didn't want him cremated. One brother wanted to rent a casket for the funeral @ $950.00. Then buy a cardboard casket so they could legally transport him to the crematorium, that would have been $250.00. That brother didn't talk to me for a couple years because I bought a nice wooden casket that was made to burn for the same money that the other two would have cost together. Death causes strong emotions to build and people tend to direct them at the first target that passes their way. I have asked several preachers pastors and a Catholic Priest they all said it makes no difference to the Lord. Good for you for thinking ahead for your family. And I'm going to be cremated also. Warren
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