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page 2 Absent from the body, present with the Lord…but what do we do with the body? The traditional answer in Western culture was “Bury ‘em,” but the new answer is “Burn ‘em”—no disrespect intended. Burial versus cremation is not an abstract debate. Since death and taxes this side of heaven are unavoidable, if you haven’t yet faced the bury-or-burn question within your extended family you likely will. Cremation, the act of turning a corpse to ashes, was once virtually unknown in the United States but not anymore. Cremation Statistics The first recorded American cremation, aside from ones long conducted by some Native Americans, took place in 1876. Still, before 1930 cremation was virtually unknown and by 1975, according to the Cremation Association of North America, cremation was chosen for body disposal in only 6% of all deaths in the United States. But since that time the number of cremations has increased dramatically. By 2005 American families opted for cremation over burial in 32.28% of deaths. The upward trend continues with a 2010 estimate of 35.07%. By year 2025 the Cremation Association projects 57.27% of American deaths will be administered via cremation, an amazing cultural shift in just fifty years. In 2005, more than ten states recorded cremation rates higher than 50% and four states topped sixty percent in the number of deaths administered through cremation: Hawaii was number one at 66.32%, followed by Nevada 65.08%, Washington 63.99%, and Oregon 63.74%. The states recording the lowest percentage of deaths resulting in cremation were Alabama, followed by Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Louisiana. Alabama, the state with the lowest percentage of cremations, still logs a number higher than the national average in 1975, 9.47% to 6%. In 2005, Michigan stood at 37.13%. To put this in global perspective, consider that Japanese families choose cremation in 98% of deaths. For Great Britain, the percentage of deaths handled via cremation stands at 70%. Scandinavian countries register about 65%, and the Canadian cremation rate is increasing rapidly, currently at 42%, lower in the eastern provinces, higher in the western. So the American rate of about one-third of deaths resulting in cremation lags other democracies. Cremation Rationale Reasons for increased cremation trends include: A) Lower cost than traditional burial— no casket, usually no gravesite, no gravestone, less expensive mortuary process, B) Declining available space in crowded cemeteries, while cremated remains require limited to no space if ashes are scattered, C) Convenience in part due to increased family mobility in a transient society less connected to a given area, D) Easier to transport remains, E) Generally quicker process, F) Environmental considerations or the green movement suggesting cremation is more hygienic, protects land, G) Potential for scattering ashes or ability to keep “cremains” in an urn, H) Changing religious views. Younger Americans think less about tradition and more about what works. They want respectful and creative solutions. They don’t care less; they care more about a bigger picture. Cremation vs. Burial Various religions have embraced cremation, for example Hinduism and Buddhism. Others rejected cremation in favor of burial: Orthodox and Conservative Judaism (Reform Judaism prefers burial but does not typically proscribe cremation), Christianity, Islam. For these groups, not getting a “proper burial” is a dishonor. Ancient Israel placed bodies in the ground in a pattern imitating the burials of the Patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Phrases like “gathered to his people” suggest burial in family crypts (Gen. 35:29). This practice continued in the New Testament era with burials of, for example, John the Baptist, Lazarus, Stephen, and the Savior Jesus. Historically, Christian tradition opposed cremation as a pagan rite that attempted to thwart the promised bodily resurrection, rejected the body, or reinforced the idea of reincarnation. Christians also disallowedmummification like the embalming found in ancient Egypt, because this practice presented a view of the afterlife that contradicted Christian teaching. Christians preferred to symbolize in burial the promise of the resurrection. The word “cemetery,” for example, has Christian roots in the term dormitory, a place where people “sleep,” implying they will awaken again. First Century Church leader Tertullian affirmed burial and rebuffed the Roman Empire’s cremation practices. We know from West Michigan Christian News | AUGUST 2010 Burial, cremation, and the afterlife Rex M. Rogers Author and Speaker 17-Year-old leads charge to restore pledge (EP News)--Sean Harrington is a typical high school student from Arlington, Mass.; yet, he seems to be turning political correctness on its head. Harrington, a senior this fall, wants to bring back what Massachusetts educators deem controversial – the Pledge of Allegiance. Arlington is the birth place of Samuel Wilson – the central figure to the mythic Uncle Sam. Artist James Montgomery Flagg popularized the flag-adorned Uncle Sam in his WWI poster, “What Are You Doing for Preparedness?” that appeared in the July 6, 1916, issue of Leslie’s Weekly. Troubled with the hypocrisy of the state’s tourism promotion highlighting the Founding Fathers and historic symbols of freedom, while his school has made a point to excise such ideas– Harrington asked the principal of Arlington High School whether the Pledge could be restored. The principal said the effort needed to be studentdriven. So, with the help of his fellow students, Harrington gathered nearly 700 signatures and the endorsements of Sens. John Kerry, D-Mass., Joe Lieberman, I-Conn., and John McCain, R-Ariz. But, that apparently wasn’t enough. School committee member Leba Heigham told the Arlington Patch, “Patri- otism is a very personal thing for all of us, but I do not think it is in the school committee’s best interest to mandate that any of our employees recite the Pledge.” Superintendent of Schools Kathleen Bodie told FOX News Radio that the Pledge has not been recited in high schools for nearly a decade. She added, “I don’t know if it’s all about ‘under God’ but that is certainly an aspect of it.” “I don’t know if it’s all about ‘under God,’” she added, “but that is certainly an aspect of it.” With schools officials digging in their heels, Harrington is considering his next steps. “I can continue with my petition and the catacombs that Christians buried their dead for centuries. With the spread of Christianity, internment, whether by land or sea, became so common the term “Christian burial” became synonymous with the practice. The Roman Catholic Church opposed cremation for centuries and officially banned it in 1886. But in 1963, the Roman Catholic Church removed its official opposition to cremation, now permits cremations, and provides appropriate liturgies. Interment or Inurnment in the Bible In the Old Testament, fire was often used as a purge of bad people, materials, or evil acts. Later burning of presumed witches and heretics fit the pattern. The reality of Hell as a Lake of Fire punishing those who reject Jesus Christ completes the narrative. Fire and sin have historically fit together in Christian understanding. Some Christians contend that any use of fire in funeral ritual smacks of false religion. Yet this begs the question of why deaths involving fire should be viewed any differently, e.g. individuals burned or vaporized by explosives, people dying in fiery plane crashes, or individuals perishing in building fires like and including the Twin Towers of 9/11. And what do we do when cremation is the only option? Famed Southern Baptist missionary Lottie Moon was cremated in Japan in 1912 when her body could not legally be transported from the country. We don’t know what Lottie would have thought of this predicament, but given her lifelong growth in applying Christian truth cross-culturally she probably would have considered it more stewardship than scandal. Some have argued that a gravesite is an important place for gathering, grieving, and remembering, and it is. But so, too, can an urn be a focus of remembering, and with few exceptions gravesites are not permanent. Most dissipate with the sands of time. Still other Christians believed that a de- Continued on Page 16... make the school concede – and I think, with the public’s help, I could do that,” he explained. “However, there’s also legal action. I’m just not sure if that’s the right thing to do at this time. What I am sure of is this: I will follow the words of Teddy Roosevelt, ‘If I have to choose the path between peace and righteousness, I choose righteousness.’” He’s not surprised at the media’s growing attention to his efforts. “I believe that I have God’s help – how else would this have become a national issue? I believe that it is Divine intervention,” he said. “As John Brown the abolitionist said ‘I am an instrument in God’s hand.’”
westmichiganchristian.com page 3 Floury follow-up: Breaktime Bakery Following our July “Flour Power” article, several WMCN staff visited Breaktime Bakery on Grand Rapids’ inner north side. This ministry is sponsored by Fourth Reformed Church and New City Neighbors. Eric Schalk is the hands-on supervisor. We talked one-on-one with about a dozen kids participating in one of the most creative summer programs around. About a dozen first year trainees eagerly shared some of their bake-time experiences. Slater said that there were lots of new things to learn here, while Arionna confessed that at first it’s hard to learn to work together as a team. But bringing kids together seemed to be a highlight. Tiffany expressed it for me Care by Seniors for Seniors several others: it’s much more fun to work together like this than to waste all summer at home playing video games! Ashley and others shared their favorite things to bake: Reeses chewy chocolate cookies, cinnamon rolls, and cheesecake – more on that later! Two advanced bakers, Cameron and Jennifer, showed considerable maturity and shared how good it made them feel to have ’s a huge first difference year kids in come the kind to of them home for help and ou can receive advice. Cameron from someone said that who he’s really learned to rstands what take on your responsibility, life is like as which a senior. he realizes The will erns you help have. him The in need the future. for independence. Both kids expressed one who interest like you, in coming has a little back living next under year, when, as her belt. fourth year “helpers,” they’ll be paid wages oving, caring, compassionate seniors are to help. We offer all the services you need y in your own Home home, Care living by Seniors independently. for Seniors ompanion Care ousekeeping ervices eal preparation/ ooking ersonal Care vernight and 4-hour Care ransportation hopping • Doctor Appointments • Yard Work • Handyman Services • and more! For the help you want at a price you can afford. ® s today. Like getting a little help from your friends • Companion Care • Transportation • Housekeeping Services • Shopping • Meal Preparation/Cooking • Handyman • Overnight and 24-hour Care • Personal Grooming Call us today. Like getting a little help from your friends. 616-234-0190 www.SeniorsHelpingSeniors.com TM . Your Personalized Info Here ©2009 Each office is independently owned and operated. All trademarks are registered trademarks of Corporate Mutual Resources Incorporated. for taking on even more responsibility. Jennifer said that she keeps learning more each year; skills she learns here are actually going to help in her family’s own restaurant business. Learning goes both ways here. Tiffany mentioned that they get to put to use math skills learned at school while making change for baked goods customers. But several said what they learn as team members, such as communication skills, could be helpful elsewhere. Cameron and others spoke of learning more about who Jesus is through their journaling and through the individual counseling they receive. Grand Rapids should appreciate the difference all its summer ministries make in You just have to see it, and soon you will have the opportunity to do so. After a long and well thought out design process, Grand Rapids Christian Schools will soon open the doors to its new $12.5 million elementary school on the city’s Southeast side. WMCN recently took the opportunity to sneak a peek at this surprisingly beautiful new facility. After passing though a high tech security system, students and visitors will be welcomed by a light and airy lobby. They will immediately notice the two story Light of Learning window with the colorful reflecting glass plaque entitled: Eyes to See, Ears to Hear, Hands to Serve, and Hearts to Understand. Every technological advantage has been installed, from multimedia projectors, with interactive whiteboards in every classroom, to the state of the art computer kids’ lives. Chad Kooyers, member of Fourth Reformed and a Grand Rapids police officer, gives his perspective on the Breaktime ministry: “It lifts a neighborhood up. As a police officer I may never see much of the effect it has – which is a good thing! I am appreciative of the real differences the ministry makes in kids’ lives: self respect, responsibility, mutual respect, and faith in the Lord. I enjoy seeing the productive kids with smiling faces and the opportunities for growth that otherwise may not occur. If a difference has been made even in one life then the endeavor was worthwhile and praise to the Lord shall be given.” The young bakers also grow to appreciate each other. Slater mentioned how consider- GRCS opens new school lab ready to train students with those important computer skills at a very early age. Architectural remnants of the old Iroquois Middle school have been saved and incorporated into the design of the school: several terra cotta columns, decorative tiles now strategically placed within the new brick walls, and salvaged old doors that have been refinished to serve as attractive wall panels. There is even a restored fireplace equipped with a gas log and now located in the media center. Over the last year many volunteers, including students, have been involved in the process. They have hand painted square tiles, now assembled together in columns and used to tell stories from the Scriptures. But not only is the building beautiful, it is very functional, with spacious and cheerful classrooms and specially designed common areas for group ately everyone treated him when he came in injured one day. And the youngsters also appreciate Eric’s interactions with them. They told how he counsels them as they journal their experiences daily. He also makes it fun, telling spooky stories at the final retreat that caps off their summer bakery experience. Oh, and the cheesecake story? The young bakers really glowed when they told of a huge project they completed successfully: they made 14 cheesecakes for a wedding, of widely varied flavors including snickers, raspberry, cookie dough, and key lime. Sounds pretty gourmet to us, from a group of very young entrepreneurs who are learning much more than how to make baked goods. teaching and worship. Efficient design features have been included to insure the lowest possible energy costs. A white roof, tinted energy efficient windows, and ceiling fans throughout preclude the need for air conditioning, which fulfills the desire to be LEED certified. Of special interest is the Fruit of the Spirit Garden featuring walks and paths laid out as vines and branches, rocks placed to represent Gethsemane, ever flowing water from a rock, and the three crosses, all designed to be teachable moments to the students. More important than all the brick and mortar is the enthusiasm and Christ-like passion on the part of the staff. Nearing the end of our tour, our hostess (Char Grassmeyer, Director of Admissions) stated, “Our desire is that when each student leaves, they will leave with the understanding of who they are in Christ.” After much planning, work, prayer, and happenings that can be only credited to God, the newest school in town will open debt free. More INFO GRCS Elementary School Open House 1150 Iroquois St. SE, Phone 574-6310 September 2, 2010 5:00 – 7:00 PM Tour 7:00 – 7:30 PM Dedication 5:00 – 7:00 PM Ice Cream Social
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