Burial or Cremation: Does It Matter?

How should Christians dispose of the bodies of their loved ones after death? Does the Bible give us authoritative guidance on this question, or are we free to decide on the basis of pragmatic arguments, or even personal taste?

Donald Howard is convinced that the Scriptures do give a clear answer to this question: ‘Burial alone has the endorsement of God’s Word, and that Word, not tradition, sentiment or custom, must direct us in both our living and our dying. It is the writer’s firm belief that burial alone gives specific testimony to the Christian doctrine of the resurrection of the dead.’

The author traces the history of burial through the Old Testament to the culminating example of Christ’s burial and resurrection, discusses the practice of cremation in the modern world, and gives wise counsel on the need to grieve and to plan for our own funeral. His whole approach is based on the glorious privilege of being united to Christ in His death, burial and resurrection.

About the Author

Donald W. Howard is the retired minister of St Peter’s Church of England, Sydney, Australia. After experience in agriculture, The Royal Australian Air Force, and journalism, Donald Howard studied Theology at Moore College, Sydney and then served for many years in the pastoral ministry.

While at St. Peter’s, his first wife, Diana, died of cancer at the age of forty-six in 1977, which occasioned the writing of his booklet Christians Grieve Too.

After an active preaching ministry since his retirement in 1992, he and his second wife Nan became members of St Andrew’s Cathedral, Sydney. He has four children and eleven grandchildren from his first marriage, and he and Nan have two daughters. Donald and Nan live in Camden, NSW.

Donald Howard is also the author of the Trust’s booklet Burial or Cremation?.