[Wondergirl]

My mother used to say that choosing to be cremated is challenging God to put you back together again.

[jlisenbe]

Sometimes I think this is one of those "How many angels can fit on the head of a pin," kind of questions. I know that many people consider it to be crucial in some way, but how is it different from burial at sea where the body ends up spread all over the ocean?

[Wondergirl]

Or death (being blown to pieces) due to an explosion (on 9/11?) or house fire or auto accident/fire....

Cremation is much less expensive than body burial, takes up a lot less space, plus ashes can be scattered or they can be stored at home.

[Athos]

Cremation is much less expensive than body burial, takes up a lot less space, plus ashes can be scattered or they can be stored at home.

The Catholic Church at one time was opposed to cremation since the body "which shared in the good and evil should share in the reward and punishment". I guess, like your mother, they didn't figure God could put all those atoms back together again. I think they have since modified their belief to allow cremation. Not good news for funeral directors and stonemasons.