Cult of the Dead: A Brief History of Christianity.

"Cult of the Dead: A Brief History of Christianity" by Kyle Smith explores the devotion to martyrs throughout history and its impact on Christian art, literature, and spirituality. The book discusses the preservation and honoring of relics from martyrs' bodies, as well as the connection between tomb and shrine. It also examines the development of historical accounts of martyrs and the use of relics for healing and protection. The author acknowledges the reservations and criticisms of the relic cult, but emphasizes the enduring significance of martyrdom in the communion of saints. [Extracted from the article]