Actually the bible is very clear about not to worship graven images, but many Christians especially the people of the catholic faith, where the cross with Jesus our Savior, still on the cross! It is sad, due to the fact they are into there, “traditions of man”. I learned this just by reading the bible, and inquiring about what different faith practice, and what the bible teaches us not to do.
I never could understand this when I was growing up catholic. Why did the protestants not have Jesus on their crosses they wore around their necks? I get it now that I am a born-again Christian (AMEN! Love saying that!) He is risen! He is alive!!!! That's the whole point! Anyone can die.
Think of it this way: think of someone you loved dearly who has passed away - mother, dear friend, child, spouse. You remember their death always. You cry and mourn and even after the passing of time, on certain days you remember and mourn again and maybe visit the grave and cry.
What if suddenly you discovered they were alive! Alive! They were whole and warm and beautiful and came back to you and held you in their arms and loved you even more than before.
As you continued your life, would you cry and mourn over the fact that they died? NO! You would remember it with awe and depth of feelings but you would shout and laugh and delight and rejoice!
I know its not a perfect analogy because we must always, always remember how and why Jesus died. But the cross is empty now! I believe and He is as alive and real as the person in the next cubicle.
Keep your ashes. Give me palm fronds to wave!