What do you think about some churches keeping body parts as relics in their altars?

Question

I know this used to be done. I'm not sure if it's still done..or would even be allowed legally. Anyone know?

Answer 1

You mean stuff like this of course.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Prepuc...

http://atheism.about.com/od/aboutjesus/a...

http://www.slate.com/id/2155745/

They seem to have misplaced Jesus's f******n recently (1983) and one Church in Italy claims that the Pope stole theirs.

Yes the Church still keeps bones and body parts as well as complete cadavers as relics.

Answer 2

ew... thats sick- i neva knew

Answer 3

Keeping body parts as relics is an old practice and a thriving business. Please don't let anyone know that I'm secretly a saint. I still use all my body parts. I was also hoping to be buried with them.

(Last Voice)

Answer 4

woow.. i find that quite scary.. honestly. i usually go to god for comfort when i am afraid.. and thinking that where i pray is where what i fear rests scares me..

Answer 5

Oh yeah they still do that, Catholics have little bits of saints in churches everywhere.  I always wondered why they don't stink!?

Answer 6

I've come across this as well, it is a bit macabre I must day.

Answer 7

well I don't know they may like keeping them.

Answer 8

When I saw relics in Italian churches, they weren't on the alter.  They were bones you could look at  in a special display area.

If the intent was to inspire reverence, that was not the result.  I thought it was macabre.  

And I did not sense anything supernatural.   I don't think the saints hang around their preserved bodies or bones scattered throughout numerous churches.