Cremations outnumbered burials in the United States for the first time on record in 2015, the most recent figures available, according to the National Funeral Directors Association. That year, cremations accounted for 49 percent of deaths compared with burials at 45 percent.<\/p>\n
Patrick Lanigan, a former board member of the association and owner of a funeral home and crematory in East Pittsburgh, said that while a minority of clients who opt for cremation shun formal rituals, about three-quarters also do have such traditions as a church funeral, viewing or memorial service.<\/p>\n
\u201cSome people like the simplicity of it,\u201d he said. \u201cSometimes it\u2019s convenient when services are postponed for long periods of time. Sometimes it\u2019s personal preference: Some people don\u2019t want to be buried in the ground.\u201d<\/p>\n
The highest cremation rates are in more socially and religiously liberal states, accounting for three in four deaths in Oregon and Washington state. The lowest rates are in more conservative Bible Belt and Appalachian states such as Mississippi (21 percent) and West Virginia (32 percent).<\/p>\n
Read it all<\/a>.<\/p>\n (Post-Gazette) Once rare, #cremation<\/a> is becoming the new norm https:\/\/t.co\/YSHjCOJTiv<\/a> #religion<\/a> #death<\/a> #burial<\/a> #usa<\/a> #theology<\/a> #eschatology<\/a><\/p>\n — Kendall Harmon (@KendallHarmon6) June 2, 2017<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n