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Non-Crucifixion Wounds
At some time, the man of the Shroud may have been forced to wear a crown of
thorns. That seems to be a logical explanation for the numerous puncture wounds
about the top of his head. But from the wounds and drops of blood, it seems to
have been more like a rough bunch of thorns, or a cap of thorns, and not like
the wreath-shaped crown of thorns so common in artistic depictions.
There are details on the shroud that suggest falling and non-whip beating: a
severally bruised left kneecap, a dislocated or possibly broken nasal cartilage,
a large swelling around the right eye socket and cheekbone.
There is, also, the puzzling fact that there are significant abrasions on both
shoulders. On the shoulders, welts from the apparent scourging are abraded as
though rubbed over. Might this be from carrying the patibulum, the crossbeam of
the cross, across both shoulders?
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The
scientific study of the Turin shroud is like a microcosm of the
scientific search for God: it does more to inflame any debate than
settle it.”
And yet, the shroud is a remarkable artefact, one of the few religious
relics to have a justifiably mythical status.
It is
simply not known how the ghostly image of a serene, bearded man was
made.”
Scientist-Journalist Philip Ball
Nature, January 2005
Nature, that most prestigious of scientific journals, that once had
bragging rights to claim that the Shroud was fake, responding to new,
peer-reviewed studies that discredit the carbon 14 dating and show that
the Shroud could be authentic.
WHAT WE KNOW IN 2005
- The Shroud of Turin is certainly
much older than the now discredited radiocarbon date of 1260-1390.
It is at least twice as old and it could be 2000
years old.
FACTS
- Though no one knows how
it was made, the image is a selective caramel-like darkening of an otherwise
clear coating of starch fractions and various saccharides.
FACTS
- The blood is real blood.
FACTS
- Much of what we think we see in the
image is an optical illusion.
FACTS
Shroud of Turin Facts Check:
2005 Facts |
