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Scientist Reproduces 'Fake' Turin Shroud

Nothing miraculous about his creation, says Italian researcher

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 6, 2009 3:30 AM CDT

(Newser) – The Shroud of Turin is definitely a medieval forgery, according to an Italian scientist who made one himself to prove the point. The chemistry professor made the reproduction of the shroud—believed by many to represent a miraculous image of Christ after crucifixion—using materials and techniques available during the Middle Ages. The scientist rubbed pigment on a volunteer who lay in the shroud then artificially aged it by baking it in an oven.

The reproduction defies claims that the Turin shroud "has unexplainable characteristics that cannot be reproduced by human means," said the scientist, who will present his findings at a paranormal conference this week. He added that he expects his work to be challenged. "If they don't want to believe carbon dating done by some of the world's best, they certainly won't believe me," he told the BBC.

The Museum of the Holy Shroud, Turin, Italy.
The Museum of the Holy Shroud, Turin, Italy.   (©Jim Linwood)
The Shroud of Turin, left, and a contrast-enhanced negative, right.
The Shroud of Turin, left, and a contrast-enhanced negative, right.   (Wikipedia)
Carbon-dating techniques dated the shroud to between 1260 and 1390, but the results have been widely challenged.
Carbon-dating techniques dated the shroud to between 1260 and 1390, but the results have been widely challenged.   (Wikipedia)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 7 comments
Rob
Oct 6, 2009 10:29 AM CDT
Oh damn! Now there's two of them!
Aelius28
Oct 6, 2009 9:32 AM CDT
...Kay? I missed the part where the Shroud of Turin represented a serious argument in favour of Jesus' crucifixion and burial, let alone his existence in the first place. But anyway, like the article says, these theistic Neanderthals won't be swayed by anything. I shit you not, you could build a time-machine, set it to Iron Age Palestine in 30 C.E. and even if you could get a Christian to hop on board and see for themselves that their Jesus fairy-tale is just that, they still wouldn't believe it. "He's testing my faith, must remain strong! Praise be to the Lord, my faith in him shan't waver! These men and their science and history are no match for you my Lord, I'll have faith that your son died on the cross, yes I will. Must have faith, must have faith, must ha......."
reasonator
Oct 6, 2009 7:32 AM CDT
So you don't care about what is actually true or not? Faith, even if is a made up fantasy, is OK in your book, just because people are happy in their fantasy? Maybe you need a new book. I want people to be at peace, and also believe the truth, because in the long run their made up fantasies will hinder our growth as a society if they continue in it. Here's a secret: You can interact peacefully with fellow mankind without the need for faith.
 

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