Controversial Clicks: The Sacred Relics Auctioned on eBay
You won’t believe what’s up for sale on eBay these days! The online marketplace, known for its wide array of products, has seen a surge in the trade of holy relics. These sacred artifacts, often associated with saints, religious figures, or important events, have become quite the sensation. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what relics actually are, eBay’s rules for selling them, some jaw-dropping examples from the past, and the controversies that surround this unusual trade.
So, what exactly are these relics people are buying and selling? Well, they’re objects that hold religious or historical significance. We’re talking about stuff like body parts or personal belongings of saints (first-class relics), objects that have been in contact with holy folks (second-class relics), or even items blessed by a first or second-class relic (third-class relics). It’s like a spiritual treasure hunt!
Now, eBay has some ground rules when it comes to religious items, including relics. They’ve put their foot down on selling human remains and body parts because, well, that’s just creepy. However, you can still find listings for second and third-class relics, as long as sellers follow the rules . Sellers doneed to dish out the deets on the item’s history, origin, and authenticity. And if they make any claims, they better back ’em up with solid evidence!
Hold onto your hats because eBay has seen its fair share of wild relic auctions! Remember back in 2010 when someone tried to sell a vial of Pope John Paul II’s blood? Yeah, that caused quite a stir. Although it was against eBay’s rules to sell human remains, that listing got major media attention before it got the boot and occassionally body parts such as hair, teeth and bone do still slip through the net.
Then there was that time when a piece of the True Cross supposedly went up for sale. This relic was said to be a fragment from the actual cross Jesus was crucified on. Now, authenticity is always up for debate with these kinds of relics, but it didn’t stop folks from bidding and trading in this online spiritual marketplace.
Holy Sepulcher church Jerusalem (Christ’s Tomb) — Just US$389
Believe it or not, you can still find a treasure trove of religious artifacts on eBay today. We’re talking relics tied to saints, fragments from holy sites, and relics connected to famous historical figures. Many of these listings come with all the bells and whistles, including detailed descriptions, certificates of authenticity, and historical background. It’s like a crash course in spiritual antiquities!
It’s not all sunshine and rainbows when it comes to selling holy relics on eBay. Some folks ain’t too happy about it. Critics argue that it’s turning the sacred into a money-making venture, reducing these revered artifacts to mere commercial goods. Plus, verifying their authenticity can be as tricky as finding the Holy Grail itself. Ethical concerns also arise regarding how these sacred objects should be treated and handled.
Religious organizations and scholars jump in, too, claiming that eBay’s relic trade undermines the traditional reverence and respect associated with these artifacts. They argue that relics should be used for religious purposes, not bought and sold like baseball cards. It’s a clash of values and beliefs in the digital age.
eBay’s holy relics auction is like stepping into a surreal world where saints rub shoulders with shoppers. While eBay has laid down some rules to keep things in check, controversies still swirl around the authenticity, commodification, and appropriate treatment of these sacred objects. As online marketplaces continue to evolve, striking a balance between commerce and cultural/religious heritage becomes more important than ever. So, keep your eyes peeled, fellow internet explorers, as the world of holy relics on eBay continues to unfold.
Would you buy a relic? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
