Skull and crossbones

[simontompkins]

Hi,
While on an English literature course I seem to remember my English tutor saying that one of the interpretations of the skull and crossbones comes from a theological discussion on how much of a human body needs to exist for it to be taken up to heaven at the end of days. If memory serves the result of the theological discussion was that at a minimum the femur and skull had to be intact. Also, destroying the skull and femur would obviate someone being taken up to heaven at the end of days.
What I'm looking for is an academic reference for where this theological discussion originated. It may of course be a myth but if anyone knows of a (for example) early discussion of this I'd be grateful for any references that anyone knows of.
Thank you for your time and consideration.

 

[Wandering Monk]

So God made humans from the dust of the earth but somehow He can't resurrect them without skull and femur?

 

[simontompkins]

So God made humans from the dust of the earth but somehow He can't resurrect them without skull and femur?

Sorry if I'm not clarifying, I'm not looking for a discussion about the logic of this but simply a reference (if anyone knows of one).
That being said bravo for linking reason to theology - good luck with that

 

[Jayhawker Soule]

Hi,
While on an English literature course I seem to remember my English tutor saying that one of the interpretations of the skull and crossbones comes from a theological discussion on how much of a human body needs to exist for it to be taken up to heaven at the end of days. If memory serves the result of the theological discussion was that at a minimum the femur and skull had to be intact. Also, destroying the skull and femur would obviate someone being taken up to heaven at the end of days.
What I'm looking for is an academic reference for where this theological discussion originated. It may of course be a myth but if anyone knows of a (for example) early discussion of this I'd be grateful for any references that anyone knows of.
Thank you for your time and consideration.

I vote myth.

 

[SalixIncendium]

So God made humans from the dust of the earth but somehow He can't resurrect them without skull and femur?

That's humerus!