Pros And Cons Of Cremation
Cremation comes with benefits and drawbacks, which is why some people choose to be buried instead. Read on for a list of the pros and cons of cremation.
Pros
I. Cheaper than burial
When you opt for cremation, you save the money that would have been spent on a burial or a funeral. A traditional funeral can cost thousands of dollars. Not only do you get to save on the actual expenses but also on taxes and other miscellaneous fees. If you want, however, additional services such as a memorial service or urns can be purchased. To find cheap cremation services in your area, click here.
II. Convenience
Perhaps the biggest benefit is that it’s far more convenient than burial. You don’t have to worry about digging a grave or figuring out how deep to dig it. Funeral homes usually take care of all the details, including cremation and returning the ashes (in an urn) to the family. Cremation can also be performed quickly, usually within one business day. This is perfect for people who procrastinated on prearranging their own funeral or burial.
III. You can take control of what happens to your body after death
If you are interested in holistic medicine, mysticism, astrology, witchcraft, and other alternative therapies, you can make arrangements while still alive to use your body after death for scientific research. This may be helpful if you want to advance medical knowledge and help others through your sacrifice. In some cases, the ashes from a cremation are mixed with paint and used in art projects.
IV. Bequeathing one’s body to science
You can leave your body to be used for scientific research. Cremation is the most popular means of donating bodies, both whole and partial. The process must take place within 24 hours after death, according to the Anatomical Gift Act of 1968.
Cons
I. Emotional strain
For many, cremation is simply not an option because they want to be buried alongside their loved ones or in the same cemetery. Some religions require burial for their members, including Catholics and Orthodox Jews. Cremation goes against these religious beliefs. For some people, it’s just too difficult to imagine being placed into a furnace and reduced to ashes.
II. Lack of connection with the body
Not everyone sees a body as just a vessel, husk, or shell that will ultimately perish anyway. There are those who believe in an afterlife and the possibility of reuniting with their loved ones after death, even if they’re gone for several years or decades. When someone dies, it’s difficult for some people to leave the body and not ask questions such as “where are they now?” or “do you think they can hear us?”
As you can see, the pros and cons of cremation even out to about the same overall value. You get what you put into it; if you treat your body with respect and dignity before death, then that’s usually how it will be treated after death (with some exceptions such as donating your body).