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From the author
of the best selling "The Great Divide"
Dust to Dust or Ashes to Ashes?
A Biblical and Christian Examination of Cremation
by Alvin J. Schmidt
Why have many pagan societies for thousands of years cremated their deceased human beings? Why did the Jews throughout the Old Testament era consistently oppose cremation? Similarly, why did Christians, like their Jewish ancestors, also consistently oppose cremation until the latter part of the 19th century? Why are more and more Christians and Jews in the West now cremating their loved ones?
In 1900 only .003 percent of the deceased in the United States were cremated. In 1960 the American cremation rate stood at 3.56 percent, but by 2001 it had risen to 27.25 percent. In 1999, Canada had a 46.15 percent cremation rate. In England the rate currently stands at about 75 percent. What has prompted these rapid increases? Are these relatively recent rates of cremation related to increases in secularism and a corresponding decline in biblical knowledge and conviction?
This book Dust to Dust or Ashes to Ashes? A Christian Examination of Cremation, written in non-technical language by Dr. Alvin J. Schmidt, a sociologist and theologian, answers these and other questions. The book reflects research drawn from numerous biblical and historical sources. No book has thus far provided answers to these questions. Readers will benefit greatly from reading it, as it provides helpful information especially for Christians who have at some time wondered whether cremation might be an option for them when their time comes to depart for eternity. Non-Christians, who have questions about cremation, will also find the book valuable.
About The Author
Dr. Alvin J. Schmidt holds the B.A., M. Div., M.A., and Ph.D. degrees. He is emeritus professor of sociology at Illinois College, Jacksonville, IL. Previously, he served as professor of sociology and Christian social ethics at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN. He has also taught at colleges and universities in Nebraska, North Carolina, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, and Canada.
Dr. Schmidt has published numerous articles and several books, including The Menace of Multiculturalism: Trojan Horse in America and Under the Influence: How Christianity Transformed Civilization. The Great Divide—The Failure of Islam and the Triumph of the West. (Regina Orthodox Press 2004)
Dr. Schmidt writes for readers who may never have considered whether cremation is biblically right or wrong, at least not in any prolonged seriousness. Along with presenting his evaluation of cremation within the frame work of the Bible and historic Christianity, he provides an historical overview of the practice from the ancient world including the Americas. Both lay members and clergy will benefit from this book.
After reading this book, the clergy will want to consult it again in regard to counseling their parishioners at the death of a loved one, but also in regard to preaching sermons for those trying times. It is a book well suited for Bible study in churches, college, and seminary, and other Christian discussion groups. It is historically well researched, convincingly argued, theologically presented and gently persuasive. David P. Scaer, Th.D. Chairman of Systematics Department, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana
This is the most forceful, biblical, and reliable book available on the topic of cremation. It is crucial reading for Christians who want to engage in a God-honoring burial of their loved ones. It provides a thorough, scholarly, historical, and theological treatment of one of the most widespread and fast-growing non-Christian practices within the Christian Church today. Norman L. Geisler, Ph.D. President and Professor, Southern Evangelical Seminary, Charlotte, North Carolina.
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