stigmata.

[inacoma]

how can it be explained?

[boxtops]

Do you mean, explained as in what is it? in which case, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stigmata

or, how do you explain the phenomenon?

[jackthehat]

Staggering into prickly bushes on your way back from the pub......;o)

[inacoma]

lol jack. youd know more about prickly bushes than me

sorry :)

[inacoma]

if there is no god how is it explained?

[jackthehat]

:o)

[starone]

It's the power of the mind, which I reckon is pretty powerful at times. The person is so fanatical about religion that it produces stigmata on their hands and feet.

[inacoma]

i want to have a word with you !! :)

[cazzz1975]

with the exception of saints have there been any modern instances of stigmata?

[ummmm]

He's given the computer back to J.....thank goodness.

Very good question Cazzzzz.

[ummmm]

He built a fence, got a blister, and now thinks he's Jesus......

He suddenly has an interest in sheep ;-)

[hc4361]

I'm fanatical about ZZTop but haven't woke up with a beard. :(

[hc4361]

:|

[Huderon]

Cazzz, look up Padre Pio sometime ... he died in 1968, so that may not be quite modern enough for you, but he's the only one I can think of

[ummmm]

I will also look that up Hederon...

Give inacoma some bedtime reading.....

[Old_Geezer]

Assuming it is a genuine phenomenon, I don't see why one would need to bring God into it. The human mind is capable of many things. Ultimately it controls all that happens in your body, and much of it is not under conscious control.

A bit like an iceberg, you are aware of one part (in this case the part that is sentient) but the majority is hidden from sight. You may think all is under your conscious control but take a while to think about it, much carries on automatically without "you" (the conscious bit) having to concentrate and control.

[birdie1971]

It can be explained by one simple word – fraud.

It simply doesn't exist. What's amusing about such claims is that they routinely portray the stigmata locations incorrectly. More often than not, the miraculous injuries are in the wrong place, often appearing in the centre of the palms and in the middle of the feet, when they should be elsewhere.