Product Description
The Shroud of Turin has been the object of awe and controversy for many centuries. Popes, princes and peasants have traveled far and wide to pray before this mysterious image of a crucified man, believed by many to be Jesus of Nazareth. Although the Roman Catholic Church (the owner of the Shroud) has never officially declared the cloth to be the authentic burial linen of Jesus Christ, she had permitted its veneration by the Faithful. In 1988, when scientists using radiocarbon testing announced that the Shroud had a medieval origin, the media quickly embraced this dating as conclusive. Many scientists however maintained that years of scientific studies pointing to its authenticity—conducted by experts in medicine, optical physics, radiography, chemistry, photography and other disciplines—could not be so easily dismissed. Moreover, they pointed out the scientific irregularities of the 1988 test and the highly fallible nature of radiocarbon dating itself. Today, interest in the Shroud is stronger than ever. Here Fr. Guerrera puts before the reader both the historical background and the most current scientific findings on the Shroud, showing the great preponderance of evidence that the Shroud of Turin is indeed the burial cloth of Jesus Christ. “If I were asked in a court of law to stake my professional reputation on the validity of the Shroud of Turin, I would answer very positively and firmly that it’s the burial cloth of Christ—ant that it is Jesus whose figure appears on the Shroud.” –Dr. Robert Bucklin, Pathologist“I am forced to conclude that the image was formed by a burst of radiant energy—light, if you like.” –Ray Rogers, Thermal Chemist, Los Alamos National Scientific Laboratory“It is difficult to remain indifferent before the Holy Shroud. Indeed, the face speaks to the intelligence and heart. It speaks to the believer, the seeker, and the nonbeliever.” –Pope John Paul II
