×
App Icon
The Standard e-Paper
Fearless, Trusted News
★★★★ - on Play Store
Read on the App

To bury or to burn? A biblical perspective on cremation

While the Egyptians mummified the bodies of their dead and kept them in caves or pyramids, most other cultures of the world buried the dead.

Whereas the disposal of human bodies is a strictly solemn affair, often left to the wishes of the family, I have had several people enquire as to whether or not cremation is biblical. From ancient times, the disposal of bodies has varied from culture to culture.

While the Egyptians mummified the bodies of their dead and kept them in caves or pyramids, most other cultures of the world buried the dead.

Get Full Access for Ksh299/Week
Fact‑first reporting that puts you at the heart of the newsroom. Subscribe for full access.
  • Unlimited access to all premium content
  • Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience
  • Mobile-optimized reading experience
  • Weekly Newsletters
  • MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted
Already a subscriber? Log in