The Shroud of Turin is the proposed linen burial cloth of Jesus Christ, currently located in Turin, Italy. Scientists who have studied it agree that it contains human blood, 3D information of a naked male body with many wounds, and pollen from Israel. There are many other details on the cloth that correspond to Jesus’ suffering and death as recorded in the Gospels.
In 1988 radio carbon testing dated the Shroud to the Middle Ages (1260-1390). However, the part of the cloth used for testing was a repaired patch and not original.
Why don’t scientists simply test another section? In the early 2000s, microscopic bugs were found in the Shroud’s case so the case was chemically treated. The treatment destroyed the bugs, but it also destroyed the carbon so further radio carbon testing cannot be done. However, in the early 1500s the cloth was burned causing prominent scorch marks. A radio carbon test could be performed on the burned section, but the Catholic Church would need to give permission.
To this day, no one can say how the image of the wounded man could have been formed. Believers say the image was imprinted on the cloth by radiation from the resurrection. I think the image along with the history of this cloth make it the most amazing artifact in the world.
Here’s a talk from a Catholic scientist.
Here’s a detailed talk from a Catholic priest.
After graduating from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, I served as a high school Bible teacher in Asia. I enjoy traveling, writing, and playing the drums. For a deep dive into church history and the character of God, see my book Surprised by Hell.