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

William Meacham Summarizes

Knowing all too well about such problems, archeologist William Meacham wrote in an essay entitled, Radiocarbon Measurement and the Age of the Turin shroud: Possibilities and Uncertainties:

No responsible field archaeologist would trust a single date, or a series of dates on a single feature, to settle a major historical issue, establish a site or cultural chronology, etc. No responsible radiocarbon scientist would claim that it was proven that all contaminants had been removed and that the dating range produced for a sample was without doubt its actual calendar age. The public and many non-specialist academics do seem to share the misconception that C-14 dates are absolute.

If we are to consider the authenticity of the shroud, we must be willing to stretch the envelope of our worldview and we must be careful not to be selective with evidence on the basis of what fits our worldview.