The Ascension

anusvara said -
The early Christians recognized the theological differences between burial and cremation and it surprises that quite a few modern Christians do not. I suppose it shows just how pervasive pagan ideas are now becoming, supplanting the Christian view of these things.

Or it could be that they do not recognize it because it no longer means that to them. See theological symbols are merely symbols, there is no real power in pagan things. We surrounded by symbols in our world, many which are pagan in origin but which we do not even recognize and so cannot possible be used by us to show any reverence to those pagan beliefs, because we do not even know what those beliefs were. That is because reverence and worship require intent.

We have liberty as Christians as long as we don't abuse it for our lusts.

Gal 5:13-14 13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.

Remember Paul teaches us that even eat food offered to idols is ok as long as we know the idol is nothing (and we don't mislead another whose faith may be weaker).

1 Cor 8:4-9 4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.
5 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)
6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
7 Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.
8 But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.
9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.

What does all this have to do with cremation? First cremation is just an act, one without meaning unless we intend it to be so, and certainly one without pagan meaning unless we know what that meaning is and purposely intend it to take on that meaning. Second, since we have liberty in our acts (as long as we act in love and not out of selfishness to feed our worldly lusts) then if we want to be cremated why not? After all if we die by being eaten by a shark, or just decay away in our coffin, then end result is the same and God can certainly resurrect our bodies as He wants to, so I doubt cremation offers any more of a challenge to Him. He is all powerful.

I love my family enough that when I die my family is free to do whatever is cheapest with the remains. If that is cremation, fine. If that is leaving me in a bag at the curb fine. It is just a body, the soul is gone by then. I trust God will be able to resurrect it regardless of what we mere mortals do to it.