Why an Atheist Thinks the Shroud of Turin is the Real Deal

Looking Stronger

Starting in 2003, new evidence began to appear in secular, peer-reviewed scientific journals that supported the Shroud of Turin's authenticity. From these journals we learn that the outermost fibers of the cloth are coated with a fine layer of starch fractions and various saccharides. In places, the coating has turned into a yellowish caramel-like substance. It is the change to this substance which forms the faint yellow images.

In the media and on the internet we are accustomed to seeing stark, contrast-rich photographs of shroud. But that is not what the images on the cloth are like. These have been enhanced. In reality, the yellow images are very faint. So faint are that some people report that they cannot discern them if they stand very close to the cloth.

The yellowish, caramel like substance suggests that a chemical reaction took place. Exactly what type of reaction, no one knows for sure. Perhaps fluids or gases emitted from a body reacted with saccharides. This can produce the color we see. But can it produce the distinct, highly-detailed images we see. If so, no one has figured out how.

We learn, also, of a faint second image of the face on the backside of the cloth. The second face supports the idea of a chemical reaction and adds more evidence that the image is not a work of art or a photograph.

The case for authenticity was looking stronger, as I saw it. Unfortunately some of the most intriguing evidence seemed dubious.