He giveth snow like wool: he scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes. Here is how it is written in the King James Bible: He giveth snow like wool: he scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes. Devon I was overwhelmed by the way you all got together to make it happen. I just wanted to say a massive thank you for all your help with getting the water journey urn to me it was really appreciated. We rejoice that she now resides for all eternity, Topics: Rather, the ashes must be interred. Through cremation and the scattering of ashes, some Christians see a recognition of God's original Genesis 2:7creation from the dust of the ground, ou… Rather, the ashes must be interred. It’s true that burial was the common practice in the Bible, and cremation was rare. I just wanted to say thank you for the beautiful pendant you made with my lovely dad's ashes inside. Although their cremation beliefs may be the same, religious opinions on the scattering of ashes can differ. Saul and Jonathan were cremated by the Israelites after their deaths, but this was not normal practice in Israel. But for now, we’ll begin by giving you a general idea of the type of things you can say at the scattering ceremony: Say Nothing. I am smiling from ear to ear. I finally scattered his ashes last week. Some Christian communities connect scattering ashes with the Genesis 3:19 idea of "for dust you are, and to dust you will return." Second, the Church should issue guidelines based on substance rather than appearances. Culture At Large, Anyway that’s my take on it, although more than happy to be corrected by any theologians out there. Personally I see the similarity to frost but not hoarfrost. The Church no longer opposes cremation, but it does offer guidelines on how the ashes should be cared for following cremation. Are ashes scattered or is it just the frost that is scattered? Count me in with Wendell Berry, who said that “[t]here are no sacred and unsacred places; only sacred and desecrated places.” Creation itself is sacred enough without the Catholic Church declaring slivers of it to be so. He also teaches environmental ethics and environmental values/public policy as part of the University of Michigan’s Program in the Environment. I have received the urn today and we are delighted with it. Everything about it is top quality. Or to put it another way does the hoarfrost look like ashes or scattered ashes. :godisgood: Theologians Apply Scripture to Cremation "Actually, the Scriptures do not say anything about required modes of burial for believers. Dividing up the ashes among family members is also forbidden. The Chapel Theology & The Church, When it came time, we divided her ashes. Kate, https://scattering-ashes.co.uk/testimonials/fantastic-service/, Thank you, your website is excellent, so glad I came across it. Bible Verses for Scattering Ashes Ceremony . If you and/or your loved one were religious, you may consider reciting some Bible verses while scattering their … Firstly, in no way do I express to be a translator of the Bible. This is where the Anglican Book of Common Prayer derives the phrase, "Ashes to ashes, dust to dust." Here is the prayer which accompanied the sprinkling of my sister’s ashes. I would of rather him be buried than creamated. Funeral Director List And the act of spreading ashes by itself is sacred and thus the land or water into which I spread her ashes, becomes holy land or water. Grand Rapids, MI 49508​, PO Box 5070 Most would assume that the phrase "ashes to ashes, dust to dust" came directly from the Bible. What to Say When Scattering Ashes. I am over the moon with the bracelet that I ordered, what quality, also the fast and efficient service that you have provided. Because he burned to ashes the bones of Edom's king. We then drove 20 miles east to a small country cemetery near where we’d lived as children. This is what the LORD says: "For three sins of Moab, even for four, I will not relent. • Services we offer. Knowing what to say when scattering ashes isn’t easy, but the right words will come to you: through a eulogy, reminiscing, praying, silence, or sharing a quote. I have a real problem with this. Successive waves leached the ashes until no visible signs remained. Subscribe to our email updates to get new articles in your inbox. When we said “Lake Michigan?”, she nodded as if to say that would be suitable. It was decreed that ashes were not to be scattered in any way. What are Airlines Policies on carrying ashes? My father in-law is now in pride of place... https://scattering-ashes.co.uk/testimonials/pride-of-place/, Sometimes it’s difficult to get the true picture from an online catalogue – but this is really good and surpassed our expectations. The matter of scattering cremated ashes is governed by Canon B 38.4 (b), which provides as follows: “The ashes of a cremated body should be reverently disposed of by a minister in a churchyard or other burial ground in … or on an area of land designated by the bishop for the purpose … or at sea.” There are more translations and some interpretation at this website http://bible.cc/psalms/147-16.htm, Your email address will not be published. No, this isn’t what the Bible says, and I find nothing in the Bible that forbids cremation as a means of disposing of a person’s body. Funerals are meant for the living as a chance to celebrate the life of their loved ones who have passed. On a cold, windy day laced with snow squalls we first met at Muskegon State Park and shook half of the ocher powder at the interface of water and sand. At the funeral, many people and distant relatives will be there and at the scattering of the ashes it may just be immediate family or even just yourself. 5,144 Catholics are forbidden from keeping the ashes of cremated loved ones at home, scattering them, dividing them between family members or … One last point about it being unlikely to be hoarfrost may supported in the way round the simile is written, with the more common experience being the one that it is being compared too, ie ash is more common than hoarfrost…but is it more come than frost? Burlington ON, L7R 3Y8, phone: 616-942-9383 Scattering Ashes. If you are scattering her ashes in a river or the ocean, for example, you may choose to include the petals of her favorite flower. We sprinkled the remaining ashes around the edges of the cemetery, framing our time with Scripture and prayer. Think Christian is a production of ReFrame Media. our beloved sister into the cycles of your creation: Through Christ’s victory we have hope in life eternal. The special attention from start to finish is just so reassuring. Additionally, exhibiting the ashes in the home, making them into jewelry, diamonds, cremation art, or any other form of display is not allowed. Different Gods God Scattering Israel Moreover, the Lord will scatter you among all peoples, from one end of the earth to the other end of the earth; and there you shall serve other gods, wood and stone, which you or your fathers have not known. It was decreed that ashes were not to be scattered in any way. I shudder to think that this would be deemed reason to deny my sister, a faithful if prickly daughter of the church, the solace of a Christian funeral. Rather, the ashes must be interred. Angela, https://scattering-ashes.co.uk/testimonials/truly-delighted/. Privacy Policy Last Date to be certain before Christmas - Sunday 20th December (for stocks items) Dismiss. Not required. How to Seal your Memorial Charm Jewellery, Biodegradable Urns for the Sea, Lake or River. Direct Cremation So is this deliberate, a geographical translation inaccuracy or has language moved in since the King James Bible making hoarfrost more specific? The law considers ashes to be the same as a body, so is unwilling to rule for separating them amongst different parties. She had given us explicit instructions regarding her cremation and general instructions regarding their disposition. This book was first printed in 1662. Your email address will not be published. Generally, there are no explicit verses in the bible that promote or denounce the act of cremation. What can’t work out is – is the Bible saying the verb applies to the ashes as well as the frost? What to Say When Scattering Ashes Scattering ashes is likely to be a much more intimate and personal occasion compared to a funeral. Delivery and Shipping Instead, the exact text was inspired by the Bible but written in the Book of Common Prayer. Additionally, exhibiting the ashes in the home, making them into jewelry, diamonds, cremation art, or any other form of display is not allowed. “Dust to dust, ashes to ashes." Why would someone scatter ashes in the first place? In 2016, the Vatican issued definitive guidelines concerning cremation. If I sit quietly in a forest glade with eyes closed, some might imagine that I am communing with and seeking oneness with nature. Faith, Newton Abbot The flowers will provide a visual marker to help you trace your loved one’s remains as they infuse the waters, while honoring her memory through something she loved. Cremation is the process of burning a body to ashes, and some religions see the practice as disrespectful to the human body and even to God. Thank you. Scattering ashes is generally forbidden in public places. Some of them can be a bit unpleasant, but they are best known beforehand to … Since cremation does not affect one’s soul, the Church says there are no doctrinal objections to cremation. Their bodies were mutilated by the Philistines, thus the decision was made to cremate, then bury the ashes (1 … Later we’ll get into specific sayings, quotes, and readings. What does the Bible say about scattering ashes? ... a beach, a park, or a mountain. The meaning implied by scattering ashes will vary across cultures, and will often be informed or influenced by religious beliefs. Which organisations allow you to scatter? This new instruction is meant to head off practices attendant to cremation that are deemed incompatible with the Christian faith. Never miss a new Think Christian article! Religions that practice cremation pay tribute to their dead by scattering ashes in varying religious ceremonies. The Church. Despite cautions from the Catholic Church concerning cremation, I see the scattering of my sister's ashes as an act of faith. What to Say When Scattering Ashes. Firstly, in no way do I express to be a translator of the Bible. (1 Samuel 31:9-13; 2 Samuel 2:4-6: Ecclesiastes 6:3) What does the Bible say about death? According to the instruction, cremains—the bodily residue of cremation—must be laid to rest in a “sacred place,” such as a cemetery or another space that has been duly consecrated by the Church. Cookie Policy TQ12 6NQ In conclusion I think the point being made is – isn’t nature wonderful and one meteorological phenomenon can bear a resemble to something more everyday, and basically isn’t god wonderful for doing this. And scattering ashes can be “misunderstood as a sort of religion of nature, while we believe in resurrection,” he said. It was decreed that ashes were not to be scattered in any way. On the face of it these appear to be similes for types of weather, their metaphorical meaning I would not profess to devise, if one was ever intended. May not people express their faith as the substance they intend rather than the “–isms” ecclesiastics fear? 1700 28th Street SE A small part of their ashes can be distributed to family members in urns if they want them. Thank you for all your patience and compassion in such a difficult decision and with such a perfect end result. Dividing up the ashes among family members is also forbidden. Nevertheless, many Christians believe that their bodies would be ineligible for resurrection if they are cremated. So sorry to those of you that are, please don’t mind my thoughts they designed not to offend, just to understand. What does the bible say about people and their wishes to be creamated or does it say any thing . (see Genesis 50; 26; Mark 16:1) The Bible also says that it was a great disgrace not to have a proper burial. November 1, 2016. Required fields are marked *, Scattering Ashes Also the King James version refers to hoarfrost (it appears other more recent bible translations tend to just call it frost), hoarfrost is visually quite distinct from a general frost and is created from protracted crystallisation when the there is high levels of moisture in the air. Ceramic Comfort Pebbles - Handmade in Somerset - Embossed, Copyright © 2020 Scattering Ashes or original authors | Powered by, Stonehenge ancient cremation ashes burial site, Columbarium: St John the Baptist in Norwich. Once again thank you. Rolf Bouma Laws on cremation and the preservation of ashes vary. There is a lot that could be said, but I will just note two points at which I take issue with this “instruction.” First, my Reformed instincts rebel at the division of creation into sacred and non-sacred places, with ecclesiastical blessing required to transubstantiate the mundane into the sacred. Have a moment of silence in honor of the departed loved one. fax: 708-371-1415 It arrived in time and... https://scattering-ashes.co.uk/testimonials/massive-thank-you/, Received our order yesterday & wanted to say thank you for your fantastic service. My heart is broken but I have let him go. It is quite beautiful and rare in the UK and even rarer in the Middle East, one would have thought, as you need prolonged periods of constant low temperatures. Ann, https://scattering-ashes.co.uk/testimonials/31552/. Standard practice among Old … Terms and Conditions In conclusion, to answer the question, ‘What does the Bible say about cremation?’, it is clear to see that the Bible does not prohibit nor does … The Bible does not command burial or have laws against cremation. (see Genesis 49:29-31 for instance) The Bible says that embalming was practiced in both the Old and New Testament times. “Over water,” she told us. Religions like Buddhism and Hinduism both accept cremation as a standard form of honoring a deceased loved one. God will resurrect his people at the second coming. Is this the appearance of pantheism or religious naturalism? Last week the Roman Catholic Church issued an “instruction” through its Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith on “burial of the deceased and the conservation of the ashes in the case of cremation.” It reiterates the Catholic Church’s strong preference for burial of the body, but its real focus is cremation, which, after centuries of prohibition for Catholics, was first allowed by Vatican II in 1963. The Lutheran faith, however, does support cremation as a valid way to treat remains. Tel: 01626 798198, Orders and Payments Theology, Lunch in town followed, and we drove home having commemorated my sister’s life, affirmed our memories and our hopes, and committed her dust back to the stardust bin from which God had formed her 60-some years earlier. It is a credit to your company... https://scattering-ashes.co.uk/testimonials/over-the-moon/, Thank you so much. Additionally, what type of ashes are being referred to, those from a hearth or are they cremated human remains? Additionally, exhibiting the ashes in the home, making them into jewelry, diamonds, cremation art, or any other form of display is not allowed. toll free: 800-879-6555, The Encouraging Despair of Dawes’ ‘Didn’t Fix Me’, Five Films to Help You Observe Advent at Home, Total Depravity and The Devil All the Time, The Persistent Widow of Garrett Bradley’s 'Time', Family and Forgiveness on the Fresh Prince Reunion, Discipleship Tips from The Lego Star Wars Holiday Special, Fighting Fate in Final Fantasy VII Remake, Human extinction and Christian eschatology, Human composting: ashes to ashes, dust to dust, 10 Pieces of Pop Culture Lamenting Racial Injustice. Sometimes the place is designated in a person's will. Moreover, any “appearance of pantheism, naturalism, or nihilism” should be avoided, so no scattering of ashes on land or sea. It is a chance to remember, respect, and reminisce their lives. However, the Bible does establish a pretty clear pattern which suggests that the “burning” of bodies or bones was often reserved for punishment or disgrace (and was commonly practiced by pagans), whereas the “burying” of individuals was often done out of reverence or respect (and was often practiced by the Israelites or New Testament Christians). I have just received the aqua heart frame, it is absolutely stunning! It was decreed that ashes were not to be scattered in any way. It’s worth it to say it out loud. Advice for Scattering. We feel so confident... https://scattering-ashes.co.uk/testimonials/overwhelmed/. It was not what I wanted but his wishes. Cremation is the process of burning a deceased body until there is nothing left but ashes or tiny, fragmented remains. David, https://scattering-ashes.co.uk/testimonials/surpassed-our-expectations/, I am truly delighted and so glad I chose your services. The Bible does not clearly define about cremation as a means to dispose of the dead. Every step of the way you have been respectful and everything... https://scattering-ashes.co.uk/testimonials/respectful/. 11 Seale Hayne My order came very promptly and well packaged. It is very much appreciated, and means a great deal to us. Thank you all... https://scattering-ashes.co.uk/testimonials/i-am-smiling-from-ear-to-ear/. What does the Bible say about scattering ashes? The Bible neither favors nor forbids the process of cremation.. Cremated remains may be afforded the same funeral and rites as a body. These injunctions are serious enough that, should a person “notoriously” request cremation and scattering of ashes, they are to be denied a Christian funeral. My husband was recently creamated. Standard practice among Old Testament and in the New Testament was burial. The scattering of ashes at sea, in woodland groves, or in volcanoes is now strictly prohibited. Ashes can only be buried in a cemetery or other sacred place. However, there is no scriptural prohibition of cremation in the New Testament. Susannah, https://scattering-ashes.co.uk/testimonials/your-website-is-excellent/. To preserve the sanctity of the body, the Church says ashes cannot be scattered or divided among family members. Moreover, any “appearance of pantheism, naturalism, or nihilism” should be avoided, so no scattering of ashes on land or sea. I love it, it's perfect. People throughout Bible times treated the human body with great respect, and often showed deep concern about the disposition of the remains following death. HELP - I have been asked,l by my good friend, to go with her and scatter her mothers ashes (or part of). What does Bible say about scattering ashes? So what does it mean and what is it telling us? I was brought up short. Email: info@scattering-ashes.co.uk Contact Us, Are you a Funeral Directors On another note, if you’re interested in scripture, read what the bible says about cremation. Returns and Exchanges On April 2, the one-year anniversary of her death, we scattered my sister’s ashes. Dr. Rolf Bouma is the Pastor for Academic Ministries at the Campus Chapel and directs the Center for Faith & Scholarship, a Christian study center, at the University of Michigan. I am willing to do such a thing because it will bring my friend peace and will help her. You can even use a combination of these different ways to craft a unique statement to remember your deceased loved one’s life. While there is a lot of advice and information about scattering ashes, many things are frequently left unsaid. Say a Prayer. Just a quick note to thank you so much. Rituals are inherently ambiguous, so we conjoin them with liturgies, which further fix their meaning. The heart is lovely & you have been brilliant. 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Urns for the caring, respectful service you provide, I could n't... https: //scattering-ashes.co.uk/testimonials/massive-thank-you/, received order. Ashes inside nevertheless, many things are frequently left unsaid this deliberate a. Honor of the Bible, and means a great deal to us remember your deceased one! Received our order yesterday & wanted to say when scattering ashes wanted but his wishes email address not! Happy to be corrected by any theologians out there similarity to frost but not hoarfrost said “ Lake Michigan for... Provide, I see the scattering of my sister ’ s ashes also forbidden Bible, and their... To say thank you so much for the caring, respectful service you provide, I am willing do. Let him go so no scattering of ashes on land or sea of faith in since the King Bible. And reminisce their lives at the second coming of silence in honor the... This New instruction is meant to head off practices attendant to cremation appreciated, and reminisce their lives cremation! 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Does the hoarfrost look like ashes is also forbidden am willing to such..., thank you for your fantastic service by the Bible, and cremation was rare also teaches ethics. To get New articles in your inbox just so reassuring in 2016, the Church no longer cremation. And compassion in such a thing because it will bring my friend peace and will her... Four, I see the what does the bible say about scattering ashes of my sister 's ashes inside quick note to you...