Relatively Reliquary

A relic is a venerated object that belonged to a saint or martyr. The process of exhumation is relevant to the study of relics that originated as the body parts of these saints. According to the New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia, the veneration of relics is a part of the belief structure of several religions. 

Religious relics have been extremely prolific throughout Christian history. According to the Council of Trent, relics were to be venerated because it was argued that saints and martyrs had been raised up by Christ, who could bestow blessings through the relics of these saints. This rested in the argument that the bodies of saints were “Temples of the Holy Ghost”, and therefore eternally sanctified (New Advent). 

The Council went on to prohibit superstitious practices and debauchery that may have resulted from the veneration of these relics. To prevent the abuse of this system, it was specified that a local bishop would be needed to verify any new miracles or approve any new relics.

Many people shy away from the Catholic use of relics in the Church, but these items of holiness, do serve a purpose. According to the official Catholic website, the “mixing of spirit and matter” is necessary to complete spiritual sacraments (Brom 2004). The use of relics is similar to the use of other material things that the Catholic Church uses, such as “water, wine, bread, oil, and even the imposition of hands” (Brom 2004). The use of other holy items such as “medals, blessed palms, holy water, and ashes can lead people to receive or respond to grace” (Brom 2004). 

 Relics in the Catholic Church have been regarded as items that can heal sickness and lead people to believe in the Church (Brom 2004). 

Scriptures of the Bible have described the use of relics, “So Elisha died, and they buried him. Now bands of Moabites used to invade the land in the spring of the year. And as a man was being buried, lo, a marauding band was seen and the man was cast into the grave of Elisha; and as soon as the man touched the bones of Elisha, he revived, and stood on his feet” (2 Kings. 13:20-21).

 

 Depiction of 2 Kings. 13:20-21

Catholics have used relics as early as A.D. 156 when Saint Polycarp was burned at the stake (Brom 2004). The events that took place after his death were described, “We took up his bones, which are more valuable than precious stones and finer than refined gold, and laid them in a suitable place, where the Lord will permit us to gather ourselves together, as we are able, in gladness and joy and to celebrate the birthday of his martyrdom” (Brom 2004).

As the fourth century biblical scholar, Jerome described it, “We do not worship, we do not adore, for fear that we should bow down to the creature rather than the creator, but we venerate the relics of the martyrs in order to better adore him whose martyrs they are” (Brom 2004).

Intense debate surrounds the topic of displaying human remains. But, what about relics, human remains that are holy? Relics are even exempt from laws on the display of remains.

U.K. Human Tissue Act of 2004

While the Catholic Church has rules in place for the display of human remains, including the repatriating of relics taken from overseas (Stumpe 2011), by in large religious institutions are granted permission to display remains without the consent required by modern law. While these remains seem to be legally untouchable it seems that science is not so restrained. 

Recently scientists have carried out DNA and forensic analysis on relics that are claimed to be John the Baptists Bones (Telegraph 2015). 

These remains are still under investigation but so far DNA evidence shows that the bones belonged to a middle eastern man, and have some of the same trauma you would expect from the true bones of John The Baptist. As more evidence is discovered many religious institutions may have the authenticity of their relics challenged with DNA evidence. Which may challenge many beliefs and cause the display and possession of relics to come under ethical scrutiny.  

Works Cited
Brom, Robert H. "Catholic Relics." Official Catholic Website. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Mar. 2015.

Human Tissue Act 2004, § 2 (2004). Print.

"Scientists Find New Evidence Supporting John the Baptist Bones Theory." The Telegraph [UK] 30 Mar. 2015: n. pag. Print.

Stumpe, Lynne Heidi. "DISPLAY AND VENERATION OF HOLY RELICS AT ST WINEFRIDE'S WELL AND STONYHURST." Journal of Museum Ethnography No. 22.Museum Ethnography at Home (2009): 63-81. JSTOR. Web. 30 Mar. 2015.

Thurston, Herbert. "Relics." The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 12. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1911. 30 Mar. 2015 <http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12734a.htm>.