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

Conspiracy Theory Erupted

There emerged as can be expected conspiracy theorists to explain that the sample had been switched.

1.      Blame it on the atheists. The scientists doing the tests switched the samples cut from the shroud with bits of medieval cloth. No sense in risking the damage to secular humanism that would happen if the shroud proved to be from the 1^st century.

2.      Or blame it on church officials. They switched the sample because they were afraid of the consequences if the shroud proved to be from the 1^st century since they believed that the shroud might somehow, by forensic examination, prove that Jesus survived crucifixion.

3.      There were those who thought that if the shroud proved to be from the 1^st century then the Catholic Church would need to return the stolen merchandise. To whom? Turkey? Israel? The Greek Orthodox Church? Saint Mary of Blachernae Church in Istanbul? It is a new church building on the site of the 5^th century building which was destroyed when Constantinople fell to the Turks. A descendent of the last dynasty of the Byzantine Empire who might be able to make a claim to the throne should the empire ever rise again? The modern nation of Turkey?