Sepultamento ou cremação?: uma análise desses rituais a partir da literatura do Antigo Testamento

Abstract

Based on a survey of Old Testament biblical literature and prestigious theoretical references, this research aims to analyze the practice of burial and cremation rites in ancient Israel and neighboring nations. The aim is also to identify and understand the sociocultural, religious and scientific reasons for the continuity, or, in certain cases, the discontinuity of such rites, among current followers of Judeo-Christian traditions. The theoretical foundation used here will pass through the areas of Religious Sciences, since, in this interdisciplinary universe and under the vision of several authors, it is possible to verify a rigorous approach to the theme of this research. Currently, although in the Judeo-Christian concept theological, affective and memorial reasons give sustainability to the uninterrupted use of burial, however, in Brazil, mainly, relevant scientific research has concluded that several negative environmental factors are recurrent and increasing in tombs in ancient spaces cemeteries, still in use. This is, therefore, a specific scientific reason that opposes the choice of burial. At the same time, the act of burial is the only farewell ritual offered free of charge by the public authorities to socially vulnerable families. In the global horizon in which the issue relating to environmental damage is studied, positive elements of technical-scientific origin drive greater awareness of the choice to use cremation. Finally, in response to the following problem question: "burial or cremation?", we therefore arrive at two conclusive answers: 1) the maintenance of the system of beliefs, customs and Judeo-Christian traditions provides cultural and religious foundations for continuity burial practice; 2) reliable and well-prepared scientific arguments provide favorable opinions on increasing the use of cremation, carried out in accordance with legal and technical standards