For many years in the Church, cremation was not generally allowed. There were several reasons for this. 

 

First, in anticipation of the resurrection of the body one day, burial seemed the most appropriate expression of this Christian belief. 

 

Second, cremation was historically connected to paganism. 

 

Finally, at times cremation was sought by those who were anti-Christian as a way to reject or mock the Christian belief in the resurrection.

 

Catholics wanted the final disposition of the body to be an expression of the Christian faith and therefore wanted to avoid association with other forms of disposition that were statements of a different view of life and death and the human person. Understood this way, we can see why the Church was so uncomfortable with it.

 

However, in the 20th century, several cultural phenomena were occurring that caused the Church to soften her view of cremation. 

 

In some parts of the world burial simply became too expensive or otherwise out of reach for poor Christians. Christians would sometimes choose cremation not for a theological reason, but simply out of necessity, given their means. 

 

Recognizing the impossibility for some to participate in what had always been the normal Christian practice, the Church began allowing for exceptions beginning in 1963 so long as it was not being done for reasons contrary to the faith. 

 

Despite this allowance, the Church still has a definite preference for burial. With the allowance for cremation though, there are still serious considerations that have to be taken into account if a Catholic is to choose it in keeping with their faith. These impact both the funeral and the final resting place for the deceased. 

 

The basic principle underlying the Church’s teaching is simply that the cremated remains or “ashes” of the deceased are to be seen as, and treated as, the person’s body. Therefore, in keeping with the Christian view of the sacredness of the human body, some practices must be avoided. 

 

Regarding the funeral itself, the preference, if at all possible, is to have the funeral with the intact body and have the cremation take place at a later date. In those instances when this is not possible or reasonable, the Church allows for the cremation before the funeral. 

 

If only the cremated remains are present at a funeral, they would still be treated as the body of the person and therefore handled in similar fashion and shown the same respect. 

 

Finally, when it comes to cremation and a final resting place, the Church insists that every person be given one. This means that certain practices would not be seen as acceptable. 

 

Spreading ashes, making jewelry out of them, or keeping them at home would all be unacceptable practices which are not in keeping with the respect due the human body. 

 

On this note, one need only think about doing those things if the body remained completely intact. It would not be seen as acceptable to spread the body parts of a person, to make jewelry out of them or to store the body of a deceased relative at home. 

 

The body remains the body, no matter what form it happens to be in. Therefore, it is to be shown the same basic respect at all times. 

 

Regarding the spreading of ashes in particular (since this is such a popular custom) it should be noted that doing so is actually a non-Christian practice. In modern times, it’s often associated with what would be known as the “New Age” movement — which could be likened to a modern form of paganism. 

 

The proper disposition for someone who has been cremated is the same as one who is to be buried — they are to be given their own final resting place. This means either being buried in the ground or placed in a Mausoleum. Ensuring this happens is one way living Christians show proper respect for deceased ones.