[landryraccoon]

> It is difficult for modern readers to conceive of the desecration of human remains as comparable with the act of burning someone alive.

To this modern reader, it seems perfectly understandable. After all a man may wish another man dead for rational self interest. As evil as he may be, it’s at least comprehensible. On the other hand, someone who avenges himself on the bones of the dead is clearly unhinged. How could you expect to reason with such a person?

[duxup]

It should also be noted that the Catholic teaching is that the physical body will eventually be resurrected to its perfect form on the last day, not just in a spiritual sense, but physically too. To desecrate it further would seem to risk the possibility of that happening, effectively ending eternal life.