Is Body Donation a Sin? Here’s What the Bible Says

Published December 18th, 2019
Many people are now choosing to donate their bodies to science. Not only because the whole-body donation is significant for medical science, but it also benefits all of humankind.
However, the issue of such a practice has become complicated. Some people are still bothered by the idea of donating their bodies to science and doubts the morality of it.
But, is body donation a sin? Let’s see what the Bible has to say.
Does Whole-Body Donation Dishonor God?
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.” Corinthians 6:19-20
In whole-body donation, scientists will use the body for research in hopes of finding a cure to the diseases that we face today. However, some people believe that such an act is a form of mutilating the body in which it dishonors God’s temple.
Yes, it clearly says in the Bible that to honor God, we also need to treat our bodies the way we treat our Creator. But it is not stated in the Bible how we can honor one’s body, as well as how we can dishonor it by whole-body donation. Surgeries and medical procedures were not a thing at that time. Thus, donating our bodies is indeed not forbidden.
In fact, body donation is more of a selfless and heroic act. Most body donors want to be part of advancing medical science and help future generations to come. Just look what John has said:
“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.” John 3:16
If we are doing something that will benefit other people, surely, God will support that.

Does Whole-body Donation Hinder You From Being a Part of the Afterlife?
This is what most Christians are concerned about. They believe that the body needs to be intact and is necessary to take part in the resurrection of the dead. They think that body donation might cause them not being able to live the afterlife.
However, even the Bible said that our bodies would return to the dust from which they were initially made.
“By the sweat of your brow, you will eat your food until you return to the ground since from it you were taken; for dust you are, and to dust, you will return.” Genesis 3:19
Whether you donate your body to science or not, our bodies will wholly and typically decompose itself once we die.
Also, in the Bible, it clearly says that God is capable of resurrecting us whatever happens to our bodies.
“I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord.” Ezekiel 37:6
So there, whether our bodies have been used for research or not, even if our bodies decompose once we die and turn to dust as how it was, our God, the Creator, will be the one to give us new bodies once we go to heaven and happily live the eternal life.
Thinking of Donating Your Body to Science?
If you are considering donating your body to science, there are lots of options available to you to make it possible. You can go directly to a Medical University or a research facility that offers a whole-body donation program, or you can also donate your body to science through a non-transplant tissue bank like DonorCure. If you want to leave a lasting legacy, register now and help us build a better future for the generations to come.
DonorCure is a company that connects body donors with the researchers who will use their contribution to further science and make the world a better place. Learn more about how to donate your body to science on our website.

About The Author
As a nurse, Franchette Agatha Jardin firmly believes in the importance of understanding the human body and the advancement of science. She writes about what people can do for the betterment of the world and how everyone can be part of something great.