Fine Linen

I was intrigued by The Shroud of Turin from the time I learned of it in 1988. The ancient, fine linen cloth measuring 14.5 feet by 3.5 feet is named after the city where it resides: Turin, Italy. This relic has been examined and scrutinized by scientists, journalists, photographers and religious leaders alike for centuries. All agree that it bears a photo negative image of a victim of crucifixion. The question is who is this individual and how did it get there? The full length shroud was first photographed in 1898 and it was then that it was seen reversed from a negative impression to positive one, revealing amazing detail.

Of course, as science and technology become more sophisticated, many discoveries are either debunked or authenticated.

Much research has been conducted regarding the Shroud. Forensic DNA testing, for instance, is recently responsible for solving cold case homicides. When stains on the cloth were tested, it was confirmed to be of human origin. In fact, it is the rarest blood type: AB - which less than 1% of the population has. According to Carter Blood Care, it is the most desirable type for platelet and plasma donations.

The flow of blood stains also follow the natural direction of having been suspended vertically. The wounds tell a horrific story of an individual who was severely scourged, speared in one side, pierced in both hands and feet, and depicts wounds around the head. 

Mark 15:42-46 reads "Now when evening had come, because it was the Preparation Day, that is, the day before the Sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent council member, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, coming and taking courage, went in to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Pilate marveled that He was already dead, and summoning the centurion, he asked him if He had been dead for some time. So when he found out from the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph. Then he bought fine linen, took Him down, and wrapped Him in the linen. And he laid Him in a tomb which had been hewn out of the rock, and rolled a stone against the door of the tomb."

The image on the Shroud reveals a blueprint which could be captured by cameras used to create 3D topographic maps and show the textures of the moon. From there, what is seen can only be made possible by draping it over a 3 dimensional human form. 

Although the Shroud of Turin remains a mystery, it is worthy of consideration as to whether or not it once covered the crucified body of Jesus Christ. Perhaps the image was created by an explosion of unimaginable brilliance - a light likened to the transfiguration (Mark 9, Luke 9, Matthew 17) ... "and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became white as the light". 

Because it was possible to extract the image digitally using more recent technology, both a realistic CGI Animation and a 1:1 cast sculpture have since been produced.

To learn more about this amazing cloth, check out these links:
https://dai.ly/x5luydh https://youtu.be/w4RBXVs70_g
https://www.nationalreview.com/2016/04/shroud-turin-jesus-christ-blood-relic-sudarium-oviedo/

"Then you will know the Truth, and the Truth will make you free." John 8:32



Comments

  1. I have been blessed to stand in the Cathedral of John the Baptist where The Shroud of Turin is displayed. I don't know all of the science behind it, which you, Robin, describe so well here. I only know the feeling that was sparked within. Emotions that I can only attibute to truth.

    I have been privileged, for example, to tour both Auschwitz & Dachau, Nazi concentration camps. Though I was at these locations in the month of July, despite the heat of the day, there was a physical chill in the air.

    Perhaps it is how I not only embrace history, but history that involves human suffering. My heart leads me into emotional involvement.

    The beauty of the cross of Jesus Christ is given to us only by the sacrifice of every inch of His flesh, every drop of His blood. Perhaps it is the knowledge, acceptance and belief of what my Messiah has done for me that caused me to tremble and become tearful in the presence of the The Shroud of Turin.

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  2. You should write more often. Your words have such tremendous grace and power.

    I check here often in anticipation of reading what you have to say.

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