Shroud of Turin truly authentic

From John Lee, Johannesburg

The Shroud of Turin, even with modern scientific technology, continues to baffle researchers. There is a wealth of evidence supporting the Shroud’s authenticity. For example, the weaving technique of the fabric is consistent with that of first century Palestine. The fabric contains cotton, and not wool, which was forbidden by Jewish law.

The Shroud of Turin is seen on display in the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Turin, Italy, in this 2010 file photo. (CNS photo/Paul Haring) Haring)

Greek Orthodox icons have a “frown” in the area between the eyes, and the nose is clearly broken (see Mt 26:67). The “frown” could very well have been a phylactery worn by rabbis and others.

The outline of a coin of the period with the name of Emperor Tiberius partially visible can even be seen covering one of the eyes, a custom prevalent for keeping the eyes of a corpse closed.

The Shroud also seems to have a kind of X-ray quality, for teeth can partially be seen showing through the slightly open lips.

Less delicately, below the joined hands, the penis tip of one who had been circumcised is visible.

In the foot area a dirt sample contains a rare form of calcium carbonate, which closely matches that found in Jerusalem.

It also contains pollen grains from plants found in Palestine in soils with high salt content, such as the Dead Sea region.

Imprints seen under magnification on the Shroud reveal those of flowers and spices used in the Jewish burial procedure.

If the Shroud is a forgery, its forger went against tradition, showing the nails through the wrists instead of the palms, and a cap instead of a circlet of thorns.

The Shroud is a document that precisely coincides with the Gospel accounts of what our Saviour, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, underwent for our salvation.