The topic of Christian relics is one that has been debated throughout church history. At its core, a relic is defined as an object esteemed and venerated because of association with a saint or martyr. Some common relics that have been revered include bones, articles of clothing, or other personal effects of saints and martyrs. The veneration of relics has been a longstanding tradition and practice within the Catholic and Orthodox churches. However, many Protestant reformers came to view relics as superstitious and idolatrous practices that distracted from the true worship of God. So what does the Bible have to say about relics and their proper place in the life of a Christian?
Idolatry and Improper Veneration
One of the main biblical concerns regarding relics is that their veneration could lead to idolatry. The second of the Ten Commandments clearly prohibits idolatry: “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God” (Exodus 20:4-5). In this commandment, God makes it clear that He alone is to be worshipped. Venerating or revering physical objects could easily turn into idolatry if those relics become the main focus of one’s worship rather than God Himself.
In a similar vein, improper veneration of relics could also violate the commandment prohibiting graven images if the relic itself starts being revered above and beyond what it represents. While a relic may be a physical reminder of a saint, the object itself has no power or spiritual benefit. Veneration should be for the saint, not the relic. As John Calvin warned, “to go from Christ to the saints, as if Christ alone were not sufficient, is diabolical preposterousness.”
No Real Spiritual Benefit from Relics
The Bible emphasizes that spiritual growth comes through godly living and the work of the Holy Spirit – not through physical objects or locations. For example, as the apostle Paul instructed Timothy, “train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1 Timothy 4:7–8). Paul highlights the importance of spiritual discipline over physical objects for training in godliness.
Additionally, Jesus rebuked the supposed spiritual benefit gained from holy sites and objects when speaking to the woman at the well. She remarked that her Samaritan ancestors worshipped at Mount Gerizim while the Jews worshipped in Jerusalem. But Jesus responded, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father…But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth” (John 4:21–23). Under the new covenant, the key is worshipping God through the Spirit rather than through locations or relics.
Veneration vs. Worship
Some defend the use of relics by distinguishing between worship and veneration. The argument goes that relics should not be worshipped, but venerating them simply shows devotion to God through honoring His saints. However, this distinction is difficult to maintain in practice. As Calvin again warned, “relics so easily seduce men’s minds to idolatry.” Even if the intent is simply veneration, it can easily morph into a form of worship focused on the object rather than God.
The Bible also does not draw such a clear distinction between veneration and worship. For example, when Cornelius fell at Peter’s feet “to worship him,” Peter commanded, “Stand up; I too am a man” (Acts 10:25–26). Even well-intentioned veneration of a godly man was improper. And the concern with improper worship is a theme throughout Scripture (Luke 4:8; Romans 1:25; Revelation 22:8-9). Caution is warranted when venerating physical objects given humanity’s natural tendency toward idolatry.
Pagan Parallels
Another area of biblical concern is the striking similarity between the veneration of Christian relics and pagan practices. Relics such as bones and effects of the dead were regularly used in pagan magic and rituals. The account of the seven sons of Sceva in Acts 19 is one such example of pagans attempting to access spiritual power through relics. The biblical authors strongly warned against following pagan practices (Deuteronomy 12:29-31; Jeremiah 10:2-3). While intending to venerate saints, Christians who utilize relics could be accused of mimicking pagan rituals.
Emphasis on Outward Form Over Inner Devotion
The New Testament regularly warns against emphasizing the outward form of religion over internal heart transformation. For instance, Paul wrote, “For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter” (Romans 2:28-29). An undue emphasis on relics could promote relying on the external object rather than personal spirituality.
Jesus also rebuked those who emphasized religious rituals over inward change: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence…First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean” (Matthew 23:25-26). While revering the relics of saints, Christians should be wary of outward displays of piety that do not reflect inward renewal.
Potential to Become a Distraction
As Christians, the Bible exhorts us to become like Christ and keep our eyes fixed on Him (Romans 8:29; Hebrews 12:2). Reliance on physical objects like relics can serve as a distraction from the goal of knowing Christ more deeply. As the apostle Paul said, “But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ” (Philippians 3:7). While relics may have meant much to Paul before Christ, he came to view them as loss compared to the surpassing worth of Jesus.
Additionally, Paul told Timothy to avoid distractions from useless disputes and focus on Christ: “Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth” (2 Timothy 2:23-25). An overemphasis on relics can serve as a foolish controversy distracting from Christ.
Miraculous Healings and Visions
Some relic proponents point to miraculous healings or visions associated with certain relics as evidence of their spiritual power and validity. However, the Bible warns that miracles or spiritual manifestations can come from deceptive sources as well. For instance, Matthew 7:22-23 records Jesus saying, “On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’”
Paul similarly warns that Satan can disguise himself as an angel of light and that false prophets will come performing signs and wonders in order to deceive (2 Corinthians 11:14; Matthew 24:24). Christians should not assume relic-related miracles are automatically from God but test them carefully against Scripture.
Potential for Greed and Exploitation
As with many religious practices, relic veneration also carries with it the potential for greed, exploitation, and corruption. Relics became big business in the Middle Ages, with various churches and monasteries competing to collect prestigious relics and profit from pilgrims coming to see them. The abuse and exploitation of the Crusades in part to pillage relics is one of many shameful examples.
The sale of illegitimate or forged relics also became commonplace. While most proponents do not condone such abuses, the Bible urges caution that human sinfulness can twist even well-intended practices (Romans 3:23). Guarding against potential corruption is a wise safeguard.
Conclusion
In summary, the Protestant reformers generally came to view relics as an unbiblical practice that undermined sola scriptura and sola fide. The veneration of objects seems difficult to fully defend from Scripture. However, more moderate views would not completely reject judicious use of relics as long as they do not contradict Scripture or become idolatrous. As in many areas of the faith, wisdom, maturity, and seeking God’s truth on the matter through Scripture is essential.