A reader of Stephen Jones’ blog writes to him (this is not the beginning of the letter so read the entire posting):
I have reason to believe the Shroud is authentic. These reasons are more spiritual in nature than scientific. However I do believe the science for proof is right around the corner. My belief more comes out of the book. I believe we are in a time where God is revealing more and more spiritual truths from the book.
Jones replies:
What is already known about the Shroud complements the Gospels’ account of the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus. But I doubt if there will be any more evidence from the Bible that will support the authenticity of the Shroud and vice-versa. What we already have is more than enough.
I agree with Jones and I don’t think proof is around the corner. In fact, I doubt we will ever prove that the Shroud is in fact the burial cloth of Christ. I think that we can infer it.
Jones is clear and comprehensive in answering questions: The Shroud of Turin: Re: Shroud: I had a quick question regarding blood evidence
Dan
Thanks again for the plug. But that I don’t believe there will be any more evidence found IN THE BIBLE that supports the Shroud being authentic does not mean that I believe the Shroud has not been proved to be authentic.
I DO believe the Shroud has been PROVED to be authentic. Not in an absolute mathematical or philosophical sense, but in the SCIENTIFIC sense of the preponderance of the balance of the evidence for and against.
Every day criminals are jailed and even executed, having been convicted by courts on far less forensic and circumstantial evidence than there is that points to the Shroud to be authentic.
Stephen E. Jones