[humblegunner]

So what about all that saving teeth and toenails from dead people?
What the hell is up with that?

[If You Want It Fixed - Fix It]

I could tell you but it would be better to google it from an authentic Catholic source and know the Full truth.

There is actually reasoned logic and biblical stuff behind it!

[Claud]

It goes back to Roman times when the martyrs would die glorious deaths for Christ and they would gather up the remains. The remains of St. Ignatius when he was killed in the arena around 100 A.D., “were conveyed to Antioch and wrapped in linen, an inestimable treasure left to the holy Church by the grace which was in the martyr.” 

http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0123.htm

Sorry if it offends your sensibilities, but frankly I think those Christians living under threat of the lions ought to be granted a bit of leeway by we who are too “sophisticated” for such things.

[Mrs. Don-o]

I'm not saving yours, humblegunner.

So (not unkindly, my charmer) why don't you take your teeth and toenails someplace where they'll really appreciate them?

[edwinland]

So what about all that saving teeth and toenails from dead people?

What the [] is up with that?

I don't think Ross Douthat is purporting to make a complete defense of the Catholic Church and all of its practices in one blog post, but since you asked, I googled up your question and found this very helpful explanation of the Christian practice of saving the bones of saints and martyrs:

http://www.catholiceducation.org/en/culture/catholic-contributions/keeping-relics-in-perspective.html

A few quotes fromt he article that I found interesting:

"but when the man came into contact with the bones of Elisha, he came back to life and rose to his feet." (II Kgs 13:20-21),

"Meanwhile, God worked extraordinary miracles at the hands of Paul. When handkerchiefs or cloths which had touched his skin were applied to the sick, their diseases were cured and evil spirits departed from them" (Acts 19:11-12)

"We took up the 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." (A letter by the faithful of the Church in Smyrna concerning the death of St. Polycarp, A.D. 156)

[Talisker]

So what about all that saving teeth and toenails from dead people? What the hell is up with that?

What did Christ say? Take the log out of your own eye before you criticize the speck in someone else's eye?

Answer these, and then we can talk about teeth and toenails: Biblical Absurdities