In the interest of
contributing to the discussion on Science World’s controversial
Body Worlds exhibit featuring “plastinated” bodies, the
Archdiocese of Vancouver wishes to share some of the
reservations it has regarding this attraction.
The primary concern is that the concept of the exhibit runs
counter to Roman Catholic theology and our belief in the dignity
of the human body, which we hold to be created in God’s image.
This is more than simply a principle, but is a core belief,
which permeates Catholic theology and teaching. The bodies of
the unidentified persons posed and on display are as precious
and as worthy of respect as the body of any person, priest, or
Pope.
This respect for God’s greatest creation is not only Catholic or
Christian theology, but is held by Jewish, Muslim and other
believers as well. The reverence shown by First Nations people
for the remains of their ancestors is also instructive.
Because we hold the body to be sacred, it must be treated with
respect at all times. If it is to be used posthumously, the
purpose must be worthy of the sacred vessel it is being
permitted to use.
For instance, when human remains are used for medical research
purposes, a priority that is warranted by the need to educate
medical students in their service to mankind, stringent
protocols are in place to ensure the donor fully consented to
such use. Students are also aware of the great dignity of the
person whose remains are before them, and those remains are
properly and respectfully disposed of.
This is a far cry from what we see with the Body Worlds exhibit,
which includes bodies and parts that were questionably obtained,
for use in a popular attraction being widely advertised in the
hope of drawing large admission-paying crowds.
Past Body Worlds exhibits have included truly horrific displays,
including a woman suggestively positioned with her womb exposed
to display her fully developed infant within. We are assured
that this display will not be included in this exhibit, for
which we are grateful. If only such prudence were being applied
to the entire concept.
Whatever educational benefits there might be from this show
cannot compensate for the lurid and morbid exploitation that is
possible, exploitation that is ripe for misuse by individuals
who – regardless of Science World’s efforts to make the exhibit
as “solemn” and educational as possible – do not always respond
the way we might wish them to.
Science World defends this exhibit as an opportunity to educate
the public. Science World is encouraged to demonstrate its own
willingness to learn from the beliefs and sensitivities of
others and do what it can to reduce or eliminate the disrespect
toward the human body that Body Worlds risks promoting.
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September 14, 2006
Relevant Links/Info:
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Theology
of the Body Institute
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From the Catechism of the
Catholic Church:
Respect for the dead
2300 The bodies of the dead must
be treated with respect and charity, in faith
and hope of the Resurrection. The burial of the
dead is a corporal work of mercy; it honors the
children of God, who are temples of the Holy
Spirit.
2301 Autopsies can be morally
permitted for legal inquests or scientific
research. The free gift of organs after death is
legitimate and can be meritorious.
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