As a former catholic when I was younger I was always interested in reading about people bearing the stigmata.  Im sure most if not all of you have heard about Padre Pio, probably the most well known stigmatic in history.  Now as an atheist I am wanting to know of any serious articles or books that have been written debunking stigmata.  My whole take on it is people that are self mutilating themselves and passing it off as the wounds of christ from the crucifixion.  But I dont believe that Jesus ever existed so there wasnt a crucifixion.  Anyone can put holes in their hands and say "Im so close to christ that I share his wounds and suffering". I say bullshit!