RELIGIONS AND CREMATION IN NILES, ILLINOIS

Here at Chicagoland Cremation Options®, our professional staff is dedicated to offering you simple, affordable cremation selections so you can make tough decisions faster, smoother, and without hidden fees. We are committed to guiding your family through the cremation process from start to finish.

That said, we are extremely sensitive to the cultural and spiritual diversity here in Niles, IL—it’s part of what makes our community so amazing. Please know that our sensitive staff is acutely aware that religious perceptions of cremation in Niles, IL are a significant—almost exclusive—determining factor for those of faith who are considering their own or a loved one’s final arrangements. Attitudes and levels of acceptance vary greatly among the major religions and sects, ranging from cremation being the required method of after death care to a forbidden practice.

GENERAL OVERVIEW REGARDING NILES, IL CREMATIONS

This article is meant to provide a general overview of some of the major religions represented here in Niles, IL. Note: for clarity regarding your religious body’s stance on cremation, please seek guidance from your spiritual leader/mentor. The staff at Chicagoland Cremation Options® is not a group of experts in religious standpoints, but we do seek to accommodate and extend respectful handlings of all persons of faith.

Christianity (As a Whole)

Statistics suggest that more Christians are embracing this practice. While cremation is not preferred among many denominations, it isn’t entirely forbidden, either. Depending on the level of conservatism, a denomination may believe that content in the Bible seems to support the concept of burial over cremation.

Catholicism

Throughout history, the Catholic Church has opposed the practice of cremation strongly. But, this stance changed in 1963, when the church lifted its bar. Though, should a Catholic member pass away and have cremation as part of his or her preplan or as the option the family has chosen, the church strongly advises that the intact body of the deceased be present during the funeral rites and is cremated after this is completed. Upon completion of the cremation, the church necessitates that the remains be “kept in a sacred place,” such as a Catholic cemetery (according to the recent Vatican guidelines released in 2016). The ashes should not be scattered at sea, kept in urns at home, divided up between family members, or be preserved in keepsakes, pieces of jewelry, or other objects.

Protestant

The Protestant institution comprises many Christian denominations. In general, the Protestant church as a whole is neutral regarding cremation; it neither condemns nor recommends it.

Greek Orthodox

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America strongly opposes cremation of the physical body. In fact, the church sees it as a deliberate desecration of the remains and insists the body be buried. The opposition is so strong that the church will not grant funerals to persons who have chosen to be cremated.

Judaism

Jewish law, too, takes a strong stance on the act of cremation. Traditionally, it strictly forbids it and requires burial instead (based on the belief that the body and soul will be reunited after death). There are, however, exceptions to this rule. Our staff would encourage you to discuss this with your rabbi.

Buddhism

This is one of the few religions where cremation is welcomed as a common practice. Buddhist monks will perform the last rites for the deceased on the day of cremation, which includes the chanting of the Three Jewels, the Precepts, and some significant verses. The remains may be kept by the family, buried, enshrined, scattered at sea, etc.

Muslim

The Muslim faith forbids cremation. Islamic followers prefer to bury their deceased’s bodies as quickly as possible, within the same day of the passing.

Hinduism

Hinduism actually obligates cremation as a last rite. This practice, according to the Hindu faith, presents the body as an offering to the Hindu god of fire, enabling the person to pass on. Following the cremation, for those residing in India, the ashes are customarily scattered in the Ganges River. For Hindus here in the US, the family may arrange for shipment of the remains or use other rivers as suitable alternatives.

Sikhism

Sikhs require cremation; it is a cultural ritual. Typically, the family will have the deceased cremated within three days post-death. In some circumstance (especially when cremation is not a practical option), the remains can be disposed of in other ways. According to Sikh scripture, it does not matter how the body is dispositioned once the soul has left it.

What Makes Us Unique: How We Honor You

At Chicagoland Cremation Options®, there is no “right” or “wrong” way to memorialize your loved one—we are here for you to provide options and to help you to feel most comfortable. Our staff has an innate ability to listen, empathize, and guide you and your family. Know that whatever your religious affiliation is, we are here to back you. You can be assured of our ability to provide an appropriate and meaningful experience.

We sincerely look forward to meeting you and discussing cremation services in Niles, IL for your loved one. Please visit us. We are located at 9329 Byron St, Schiller Park, IL 60176. Or, you can also call us any time of day—24/7—at (773) 631-0018.