[MEGoody]

Can anyone explain to me why in the world these bodies should be put on display? To me, this is a sickening as that ‘educational’ display of human bodies that have been stripped of their skin and posed.

[NYer]

Can anyone explain to me why in the world these bodies should be put on display? To me, this is a sickening as that ‘educational’ display of human bodies that have been stripped of their skin and posed.

First of all, it's biblical! 1 Cor. 11:1 - again, Paul says, "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ." The ultimate objective of veneration is imitation.

Second of all, it's tradition. Throughout early Christianity, Christians customarily met in the places where the martyrs had died, to build churches in their honor, and venerate their relics.

[Antoninus]

Can anyone explain to me why in the world these bodies should be put on display? To me, this is a sickening as that ‘educational’ display of human bodies that have been stripped of their skin and posed.

For those of you protestants who don't understand this, check your Scripture--the bodies of saints and prophets are often conduits for the miraculous power of God.

[steve-b]

Can anyone explain to me why in the world these bodies should be put on display? To me, this is a sickening as that ‘educational’ display of human bodies that have been stripped of their skin and posed.

It has the same creepy vibe as the display of Lenin's body in Red Square. A reasonable period of lying in state for people to pay their respects is one thing, but this is just ghoulish.