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

Words of the Hymn of the Pearl

As a matter of first person literary style, the risen Christ is describing his burial garment:

Suddenly, I saw my image on my garment like in a mirror

Myself and myself through myself [or myself facing outward and inward]

As though divided, yet one likeness

Two images: but one likeness of the King [of kings in some translations]

If you look at a photograph of the shroud you see two full size images of a man, one in which the image is facing outward and one inward. In more modern terms we describe these as front-side and back-side images, or ventral and dorsal images. They are, indeed, as in a mirror as they are full size and seemingly perpendicular to the surface. Those words, “as though divided, yet one likeness,” resonate with the two separate image that meet at the top of the head.