There is no sin in cremation, that is for sure. And there is no inability on God’s part to raise a cremated body from the dead. But is cremation, a practice most often seen in Eastern religions, the best for the believer in Christ? 1. It is clarifying to note that burial was God’s preferred method of disposing of the body of Moses. God had the power to cremate Moses’ body on the spot, but rather, this gentle and loving phrase is found: '[God] buried him in the valley in the land of Moab' (Deut. 34:6). This fact alone is enough for me. If God chose this method Himself, then it certainly should be my preference also. 2. Burial underground (or in tombs) was the ordained method for the patriarchs, for God's chosen people, and for New Testament believers. There are numerous references to this, from Abraham's burial in the cave of Machpelah to Lazarus’ entombment in a crypt. The bodies of these saints were kept, as much as possible, in their original state, awaiting the resurrection of the body. 3. Consider the death of Christ Himself. He is our example in everything. Christ was in charge of His death. As He said, “No one has taken [my life] away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative” (John 10:18). Certainly His burial was no accident either. The dramatic events God ordained to take place included the tomb as an essential ingredient. It accentuated His resurrection. 4. Christianity is the most materialistic of the religions in this respect. That is, it gives an importance to the body and to all things tangible that other religions do not… Christianity sees the body as useful, rather than evil. It can do much good, if a believer is controlled by the Spirit. It is so valued by God that the very body we are living in will be raised up one day, made new for eternity. For this reason, we symbolize the importance of the body by burying it with love. 5. The burial of Christians was designed by God as the basis for our understanding of baptism. Though baptism does not save, it does picture our death, burial, and resurrection with Christ (cf. Rom. 6:3-4). Such a powerful picture as baptism is dependent for its meaning on the burial of Christ and of believers. 6. We should bury because the grave is such a potent reminder of the future (bodily) resurrection.

Jim Elliff

CATEGORY	CUISINE	TAG	YIELD
Vegetables, Grains	Bengali	Vegetables, Ethnic	4	Servings

INGREDIENTS

2/3	c	Raw almonds
2	c	Warm water
3	tb	Ghee
1	ts	Black mustard seeds
1/2	ts	Whole cumin seeds
1/4	ts	Fenugreek
1 1/2	tb	Brown sugar
1/2	tb	Grated ginger
1	ts	Minced green chilies
2	lb	Trimmed fresh spinach
1/3	c	Shredded coconut
1	ts	Salt
2	tb	Water
1/8	ts	Nutmeg

INSTRUCTIONS

Soak nuts in warm water for 4 hours or overnight. Drain, wash & drain
again.
Heat ghee in a large pot over moderate heat.  When hot, but not smoking,
add the spice seeds & sugar. Fry till the seeds darken & the sugar
caramelizes. Add the ginger, chilies, spinach, nuts, coconut & salt. Cover,
reduce heat to low & cook for 10 minutes. Uncover, gently turn the spinach
over.  Add water if necessary. Cook for a further 10 minutes.
Stir in the nutmeg & heat through for 1 to 2 minutes. Garnish with lemon &
serve.
Yamuna Devi, "The Art of Indian Vegetarian Cooking"
From Gemini's MASSIVE MealMaster collection at www.synapse.com/~gemini

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