Joshua Bennett
While the Catholic Church has clear guidelines on how to treat the body after death, the health of the body during life is rarely discussed. The Church emphasizes the importance of physical well-being and spiritual well-being, as neglecting one's health can be seen as disrespectful to the life that God has given. The Church teaches that the body is sacred and that it is a temple of the Holy Spirit, which further emphasizes the importance of caring for one's physical body. This belief is supported by quotes from St. Thomas Aquinas and Fr. A.G. Sertillanges, who stress the importance of discipline and care for the body.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Physical well-being | Equally important as spiritual well-being |
| Discipline and mortification of the body | Important for safeguarding the future |
| Body as a temple of the Holy Spirit | Should be treated with respect and dignity |
| Body as a member of Christ | Should not be used for fornication |
| Burial | Ideal way to honour the deceased |
| Cremation | Allowed, but not endorsed by the Church |
| Scattering of ashes | Not allowed |
| Donation of body to science | Acceptable if treated with respect |
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What You'll Learn
Physical well-being is as important as spiritual well-being
However, the Catholic Church teaches that the body is sacred and that it is a temple of the Holy Spirit. Fr. A.G. Sertillanges, OP, acknowledges that caring for the body is necessary for a life of holiness. He exhorts the reader: “Do not be ashamed to endeavour to keep well. But if [bad health] is your own fault, it is a very guilty instance of tempting God.” Similarly, St. Thomas Aquinas writes, "A lover of pleasure is an enemy of his body and therefore quickly becomes an enemy of his soul. I say to you … that discipline and mortification of the body, along with the necessary care of it … are among the most precious safeguards of your future."
Catholics are therefore encouraged to take care of their bodies and to treat them with the same respect that would be given to an intact body after death.
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Obesity is a result of laziness and lack of care
Catholicism emphasizes the importance of caring for one's physical well-being, just as much as one's spiritual well-being. This belief is rooted in the Catholic tradition and is supported by various sources, including the National Catholic Register.
Obesity is a complex chronic disease characterized by excessive body fat, which can lead to serious health issues and negatively impact one's quality of life. While obesity has multiple causes, including genetics, eating habits, and lack of physical activity, it is not accurate to attribute it solely to laziness and lack of care.
Genetics plays a role in obesity, as research has identified specific obesity-susceptibility genes that influence appetite. Additionally, certain eating habits, such as consuming more calories than needed, ultra-processed foods, high-sugar substances, and foods high in saturated fat, contribute to obesity. Lack of physical activity is also a factor, and high amounts of screen time from TVs, mobile phones, and laptops can reduce the time available for physical activity.
However, it is important to recognize that obesity is a complex condition influenced by various factors. While increasing physical activity and making dietary changes are part of the treatment for obesity, it is not accurate to reduce the condition solely to laziness or lack of care. Obesity is a multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive approach, including mental health support, to address effectively.
In conclusion, while Catholicism emphasizes the importance of caring for one's body, obesity is a complex disease resulting from a combination of genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors. Treating obesity requires a holistic approach that addresses these factors and provides individuals with the necessary tools and support to manage their weight and overall health.
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Discipline and mortification of the body are necessary
While the health of the body is not often mentioned in discussions of holiness, the Catholic tradition holds that one must be attentive to their physical well-being as much as their spiritual well-being to achieve holiness.
The Catholic Church teaches that the body is sacred and a temple of the Holy Spirit. This is reflected in the Bible, which states, "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?" (1 Cor 6:19). As such, Catholics are expected to care for their bodies and maintain discipline and mortification of the body.
St. Thomas Aquinas, a prominent Catholic theologian, emphasized the importance of discipline and mortification of the body, stating that these practices, along with the necessary care of the body, are among the most valuable safeguards for one's future. He encouraged followers to resist temptations and follow the path laid out by God.
Father A.G. Sertillanges, OP, in his book "The Intellectual Life," also addressed the importance of caring for the body. He wrote, "Do not be ashamed to endeavor to keep well... But if [bad health] is your own fault, it is a very guilty instance of tempting God." Sertillanges acknowledged that those prone to poor health through no fault of their own would have a distinct path to holiness.
Catholics are expected to avoid knowingly harming their bodies through laziness or a lack of care, as this demonstrates a lack of respect for the life that has been given to them. This idea is further supported by the belief that being physically fit and healthy is a requirement for Catholics, as stated in 1 Corinthians 6.
In conclusion, discipline and mortification of the body are necessary for Catholics to uphold the sanctity of the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit and to achieve holiness through physical and spiritual well-being.
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Body parts should be kept together and treated with respect
The Catholic Church teaches that body parts should be kept together and treated with respect, whether they are buried or cremated. This belief is based on the idea that the human body is sacred and that it will be reunited with the soul in eternity. As such, Catholics are encouraged to care for their physical well-being, just as they would their spiritual well-being.
The Church has specific guidelines for the treatment of the deceased's body, which include keeping the body intact and not scattering the ashes. While cremation is allowed, the Church still considers the burial of the entire body ideal. This is because the body is seen as a temple of the Holy Spirit, and it is believed that God will raise the deceased body to new life.
The Church's burial norms emphasise the sacredness of the body and the need for respect in its treatment. This includes ensuring that the burial site is clearly marked so that family, friends, and strangers can gather to remember and pray for the deceased's soul.
In addition to respecting the bodies of the deceased, Catholics are also encouraged to care for their own physical health. This includes avoiding harmful behaviours out of laziness or lack of care, as these can be seen as a form of disrespect for the life that has been given. While the health of the body is not often emphasised in discussions of holiness, it is an important aspect of Catholic tradition.
Overall, the Catholic Church teaches that body parts should be kept together and treated with respect, reflecting the belief in the sacredness and eternal destiny of the human body.
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Burial is ideal, but cremation is allowed
The Catholic Church teaches that the best way to honour the deceased is through burial, entombment, or interring the entire body in the ground. Burial is considered ideal as it allows the body to gently return to the earth. However, cremation is also allowed and has been since 1963. The Church raises no doctrinal objections to cremation since it does not affect the soul, nor does it prevent God from raising the deceased body to new life.
The Church requires that cremated remains be placed in a respectful vessel, such as an urn, and treated in the same way as a body in a casket. The ashes must be laid to rest in a sacred place, such as a cemetery, church, or another area dedicated by the competent ecclesial authority. The ashes should not be scattered, kept at home, or divided, as this would desecrate the body. Instead, all parts should be kept together and treated with love and respect, just as with a full body burial.
The Church's burial norms, which include sacred place and respect for the body, apply to cremated remains. The funeral rites, which include the Vigil Rite, the Funeral Liturgy, and the Rite of Committal, can be adapted for cremated remains. The Church treats cremated remains with the same prayerful reverence as full body remains, as the human body has an eternal destiny in any form.
In December 2023, the Church ruled that, provided local civil norms are observed, a family may keep a minimal part of the ashes of their relative in a place of significance for the history of the deceased. This ruling is based on the Church's faith in the resurrection of the body and the great dignity of the human body as an integral part of the human person.
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Frequently asked questions
While there is no explicit requirement for Catholics to be healthy, some believe that Catholics should take care of their bodies as it is God's. Additionally, some Catholics believe that those who knowingly harm their bodies out of laziness or lack of care are not respecting the life that was given to them.
The Catholic Church does not forbid cremation unless it has been chosen for reasons contrary to Christian teaching. The Church still considers the burial of the body ideal, but cremated remains should be treated with the same respect and dignity as a body.
The Catholic Church's burial norms include burying the body in a sacred place, such as a cemetery, and treating the body with respect. Body parts should be kept together, and the burial site should be clearly marked.
There is no definitive answer to this question. While some Catholics believe that donating their bodies to science is acceptable, others may have concerns about the potential lack of respect and dignity given to the body during the scientific process. Ultimately, the decision may depend on the individual's interpretation of Catholic teachings and their own personal beliefs.
