Is Cremation Okay If I Give My Body to Science? // Ask Pastor John

We testify to the hope of resurrection when we choose burial over cremation. But if we first donate our body to science, is cremation okay then?

We have addressed the topic of cremation on the podcast back in episode 406: “Cremation or Burial?” We have addressed the topic of giving the body to science back in episode 874: “No Cremation — But Should I Gift My Body to Science?” But what about if you give your body to science, and that program cremates the remains they don’t need or use by way of standard policy?

Here’s the exact question. “Pastor John, hello! I’m a nurse at the local university medical center, and I’m considering donating my body to them when I die. After they harvest organs and tissues, the rest of the body is cremated. In the APJ episode on cremation you said this was not an edifying option for Christians. I’m seeking your wisdom on this situation. (1) Is it virtuous for Christians to donate their organs and tissues for medical use? (2) Is cremation less of a concern in such a situation?”

Episode 1336: https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/is-cremation-okay-if-i-give-my-body-to-science

Related Resources:

“Cremation or Burial?” https://youtu.be/wkcyIigDVqY

“No Cremation — But Should I Gift My Body to Science?” https://youtu.be/2T0eA0A7SHY

“Does My Soul Sleep After Death?” https://youtu.be/ai-giNdUr-A

“Do Pets Go to Heaven?” https://youtu.be/_XYvut9igdU

Ask Pastor John Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKvMOJ1T8T4&list=PLFF7F6AE365DA3564

Find other recent and popular Ask Pastor John episodes, http://desiringgod.org/ask-pastor-john