Shroud of Turin Update

The 1988 radiocarbon results that dated the Shroud of Turin to the Middle Ages have long been a thorn in the side to the True Believers. But they may get the chance to have new tests conducted, thanks to the efforts of John and Rebecca Jackson of Colorado. From the LA Times:

Jackson, 62, is getting his chance to challenge the radiocarbon dating. Oxford University, which participated in the original radiocarbon testing, has agreed to work with him in reconsidering the age of the shroud. If the challenge is successful, Jackson hopes to be allowed to reexamine the shroud, which is owned by the Vatican and stored in a protective chamber in the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Turin, Italy.

Some facts about the Jacksons: 1) They own a styrofoam model of Jesus's corpse which they call "Roger"; 2) John once suspended himself from a cross in order to learn how blood flows from a crucified body; 3) Rebecca, who used to be Jewish but converted to Catholicism, became interested in the Shroud "when it occurred to her that the image of the man's face looked like her grandfather's."

I'd like to have "Roger" as an exhibit in the someday-to-be-real Museum of Hoaxes. He'd fit in perfectly alongside the Cardiff Giant. (Thanks to Joe Littrell)

Religion

Posted on Mon Aug 18, 2008



Comments

The Shroud could be radio carbon dated to the Middle Ages a thousand times and true believers will not be convinced. It's the same with the Moon-landing hoax, Lifewave Energy Patches, the Loch Ness Monster and Bigfoot.
Posted by Captain Al  on  Mon Aug 18, 2008  at  10:32 PM
I doubt the age of the shroud is as old as claimed but not for one moment do I question it's authenticity.I'm certainly keeping an open mind because absolutely nothing is impossible.On a much more depressing note it is very sad that captain Al has to carry his constant unconditional,unmerciless skepticism everywhere.Let it be known that I am a firm believer in Bigfoot,The Loch Ness Monster,Spirits,And almost all other unexplained creatures.But I absolutely forgive all differences he has from my opinions,no matter how upsetting they are to a firm believer.(for more of this debate check out the Georgia Bigfoot article) Isaiah August 19,2008
Posted by Isaiah  on  Tue Aug 19, 2008  at  01:12 AM
I was thinking the same thing, Al. If THIS carbon dating doesn't come out the way they want, there'll be a rash of excuse-making, followed by a demand for a third carbon dating.
Posted by Cranky Media Guy  on  Tue Aug 19, 2008  at  01:13 AM
now I have two people to disagree with AGAIN.
Posted by Isaiah  on  Tue Aug 19, 2008  at  01:15 AM
not for one moment do I question it's authenticity.I'm certainly keeping an open mind because absolutely nothing is impossible

Um, forgive me Isiah but if you're 'keeping an open mind' then shouldn't you be open to the possibility that the shroud is a medieval fake?
Posted by outeast  on  Tue Aug 19, 2008  at  05:11 AM
Isaiah wrote: "I doubt the age of the shroud is as old as claimed but not for one moment do I question it's authenticity."

If the shroud is not as old as it is claimed, then it couldn't possibly of been on Jesus, and hence not authentic. Unless I'm reading it wrong, your comment is intrinsically contradictory.
Posted by Razela  on  Tue Aug 19, 2008  at  05:28 AM
The thing about the shroud (beyond the fact it's a hoax) is that the image of Christ's face is too narrow for something to have been wrapped. That, and the image of Christ seems to match all the old paintings of him. The hoaxer had all the museums and art collections in Europe to use as ideas. But Captain Al is correct.
Posted by Charles  on  Tue Aug 19, 2008  at  07:39 AM
This is very interesting and I disagree with those who instantly cry out "HOAX",we all should keep an open mind.This is very interesting although in all honesty I think that all testing performed on this will all be inconclusive because of the age and so much handling which will alter the results. still I think the Georgia Bigfoot is more interesting and will provide far more concrete proof. Isaiah August 19,2008
Posted by Isaiah  on  Tue Aug 19, 2008  at  08:46 AM
Isaiah,
I wish you would do a little bit of research before coming to your conclusions. If you had, you would realize the history of the Shroud of Turin is already known. There is no mystery beyond how it is possible anybody could believe it is Christ's burial cloth. Supporters of the Shroud's authenticity count on people like you to automatically believe their lies or delusions knowing full well you won't check out the facts first.

Radiocarbon dating by three independent labs confirms the documented evidence of history texts. From a report by a Dr. Walter McCrone and his colleagues:
<i>
...the 3+ by 14+ foot cloth depicting Christ
Posted by Captain Al  on  Tue Aug 19, 2008  at  08:53 AM
Anybody that believes this is the burial cloth of Jesus, doesn't know their Bible very well. The Gospel of John specifically tells you in Chapter 19, verse 40: "Then they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in strips of linen with spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury", and also in the gospel of John, Chapter 20, verses 5-7:"And he (Peter), stooping down and looking in, saw the linen cloths (plural) lying there: yet he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb: and he saw the linen cloths (plural) lying there, and the handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths (plural), but folded together in a place by itself." In other words, there was definitely more than on cloth. One just for his head alone, and then STRIPS of cloth to wrap his body. In the context of the Bible account, it is IMPOSSIBLE for this to have been the burial cloth of Jesus. And if the people claiming this to be his burial cloth base their claim on the Bible, then the Bible contradicts their claims, and vise versa...
Posted by Christopher  on  Tue Aug 19, 2008  at  09:46 AM
Dear Captain Al-I was quite aware of the "facts" but I don't believe the results!!If the whole world were to listen to scientists and skeptics then a new species might never be discovered. Similarly People will never discover evidence of long lost shrouds or Bigfoot both of which could be easily documented.There is no reason to question the shroud or the Georgia Bigfoot body,they are two of the greatest mysteries of our time the shroud was a wonderful discovery,but even more amazing we have the Georgia Bigfoot and the shroud at the same time!! I could not think of a more alluring combination of events!!(don't forget to keep up to date on Bigfoot,as I am eager to hear everyones constantly changing feelings) Isaiah August 19,2008
Posted by Isaiah  on  Tue Aug 19, 2008  at  09:51 AM
Why is anyone talking to this troll?
Posted by AussieBruce  on  Tue Aug 19, 2008  at  11:27 AM
AussieBruce feel free to insult me but I hope you know how hurtful you sound,insulting me because I have a different opinion than you??!!it amazes me. Isaiah August 19,2008
Posted by Isaiah  on  Tue Aug 19, 2008  at  02:05 PM
The "Georgia Gorilla" has been determined to be a rubber gorilla suit frozen in a block of ice.
You can stop using it as a proof of amazing and wonderful things now.
Posted by Emidawg  on  Tue Aug 19, 2008  at  10:29 PM
If the whole world were to listen to scientists and skeptics then a new species might never be discovered.

It's true that new species are almost never found by scientists.
Posted by outeast  on  Wed Aug 20, 2008  at  01:37 AM
"If the whole world were to listen to scientists and skeptics then a new species might never be discovered."

What an exceedingly stupid statement from a person who has no concept of how real discoveries are made.
Posted by Blondin  on  Wed Aug 20, 2008  at  09:43 AM
One of my favorite things about The Shroud that is never reported, is that the image on the front is 6 feet 10 inches tall! (On the back JC is close to 7')

It seems one of the Apostles would have mentioned JC being a foot and a half taller than everybody else.

Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, and he shall be a great big sucker - I mean we are talkin' NBA here.
Malachi 3:1
Posted by stephen525  on  Wed Aug 20, 2008  at  02:20 PM
the hoax claim of the Georgia Bigfoot is false.IT CANNOT AND IS NOT A HOAX.
Posted by Isaiah  on  Wed Aug 20, 2008  at  04:33 PM
Not really a question about the shroud but more about the crucifixion and the aftermath.

From what I have read it was more common of the Romans to leave a body on the cross until it rotted away.

Now they let JCs body be taken down very early...all well and good. But how?

I mean what were the actual mechanics of removing his body from the cross?
Did they use some type of big claw hammer?
Did they just pull the nails through his body and yank him off?
Or maybe they used a punch to drive the nails on through?
Or did they used axes to chop up the cross to get the nails loose?

Just a question I have had since my Sunday school days that has never been answered for me.
Posted by Kwai Noi  on  Wed Aug 27, 2008  at  08:29 AM
I would love an update on this most historic event,which will be proof of the Shroud's genuineness.I cannot wait!!History is being made every day,but this is the most significant,although I still believe very firmly in the existence of Bigfoot and more precisely.THE SHROUD IS GENUINE AND THE UNEXPLAINED IS REALITY!!! Isaiah September 02,2008.
Posted by Isaiah  on  Tue Sep 02, 2008  at  06:57 AM
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