THE SHROUD OF TURIN

The Shroud of Turin is a piece of linen nearly four feet wide and over 14 feet long which bears the image of someone who apparently was subjected to a punishment and crucifixion much like that to which Jesus was subjected.

I can remember seeing reports on the shroud in the 1950's when we first got TV. However, just a few years ago the newspapers were once again full of reports to the effect that the shroud provided evidence to the crucifixion and the historical validity of Christ.

The shroud has been kept in the cathedral of Turin, Italy since 1578, and (according to scholars) its history can be traced back to 1354 by documentation. First photographed in 1898, the negative revealed the image of a man, adding to the mysticism.

Perhaps the greatest plea for its authenticity is that a forger would have put the nailprints in the hand, while the shroud indicates that they are in the wrists. This, despite the fact that the bible states that it was his hands that were pierced (Jn. 20: 27).

Those who understand biblical teaching regarding faith recognize that such attempts to "help God out" are destined to be counterproductive. The bible clearly teaches that "faith comes through hearing and hearing by the word of God" (Rom. 10: 17). I know of no other verse that teaches us how faith is generated in any other way; and certainly there is nothing about relics, whether they be a shroud or the "holy grail."

Thus, it came as no surprise when recent scientific analyses discovered that the red substance on the shroud was not blood at all, but paint which can be traced to the 15th century. Also, carbon-14 tests confirmed that its age is closer to 500 than 2000 years.

I would imagine that this might be quite devastating to those who put their faith in such things. However, many will just ignore the scientific evidence and continue to use the shroud to bolster their faith. Sad.

[Historical details for the article above were obtained from the Software Toolworks Multimedia Encyclopedia; Grolier Electronic Publishing, Inc., 1992.]