Geron,
Ruffian’s objections come from the same-old, same-old thinking that accuse Roman Catholics (and others) of “worshipping “ saints and relics. Because of his horror at this type of thing, he feels forced to take a stand against the Shroud of Turin, regardless of the evidence.
Yes, and I’m sure Ruffian’s house is totally disinfected of any and all reminders of his or her past—no letters, locks of hair, photographs, tools, watches, toys, keepsakes of any sort from his or her childhood or parents’ or grandparents’ lives. I’m sure he or she receives no meaning from something that some well-loved friend or relative once held or touched.
The powerful meaning held by things held by those we care about but who are no longer with us is pretty widespread and transcends religious beliefs. Animals don’t seem to value relics, so perhaps this is one of the fundamental human chacteristics.
So Ruffian can spit on it, but s/he’s spitting into the wind.
All we need is 3 or more believers to come together in the name of Jesus. We don’t need relics, ceremonies or any of the pomp and circumstance of modern churches.
“Ruffian’s objections come from the same-old, same-old thinking that accuse Roman Catholics (and others) of “worshipping “ saints and relics.”
Nonsense. It has to do with common sense and good Christian people being taken for fools by a 800 year old con.
But I guess you are of the belief one cannot be a Christian and have the common sense to suspect that there are con men who steal from good Christians and have done so for a long time.