Republished from Go Articles (published yesterday, Dec 7, 2011) in accordance with their guidelines. It is a good article. I agree with much of it.
The Shroud of Turin – The Sign of Jonah?
by Dr Christopher Peppler in Spirituality / Religion (submitted 2011-12-07)
Over the years I have been keeping reasonably up to date on the findings and theories concerning the shroud of Turin. Every year something new emerges as various scientists seek to understand this enigmatic burial shroud.
The shroud put in its first recorded appearance in 1356 at a time when religious relics and superstitions were rife in medieval Europe. Some researchers claim to be able to trace it back to the sixth century and one even claims that there is reasonable evidence for it coming out of the first century. Whatever its recorded history, many religious people think it is the authentic burial cloth of the Lord Jesus Christ. Recently the Pope went to pray before the shroud, so clearly he believes it has significance.
No matter what one thinks of the shroud, it certainly is a mystery. In 1898 it was photographed for the first time and this led to an intriguing discovery: the image in the shroud is a negative. Up to this time most sceptics thought that the image was simply the work of a skilled medieval artist trying to cash in on the relics market. However, the discovery that the image was actually a negative put this idea under a lot of pressure. Recently artists and scientists have attempted to reproduce such an image using pigments, dyes, rubs, heat treatments and so on. Their results are interesting but far from compelling. Besides, current microscopic examination of the fabric shows no evidence at all of any pigments.
In 1988 carbon 14 dating indicated that the shroud originated in the middle ages. More recently, however, facts have immerged which prove that the process was seriously flawed and that the cloth could well date back to the first century.
Since 2003 a number of articles have appeared in reputable scientific journals seeking to make sense of the shroud and its image. A popular hypothesis is that the image was formed by ammonia derivatives from a human body interacting with carbohydrate residue in the fabric (the Maillard reaction). But this doesn’t fully explain the remarkable image. It seems that the image in the shroud is a sort of 3D terrain map of the body it covered. Because of this quality, researchers have been able to use modern computer techniques to develop a full reproduction of the body. In 2010 the History channel aired a documentary showing the results of this process. The resultant 3D image shows a man with abrasions in his face, shoulder, and knees. The scourge marks of a cat-o-nine tails are visible and the wound in the side, wrists and feet are unmistakable.
The consensus opinion at this time is that the shroud of Turin is genuine in that it carries within its fibres the image of a man who died by crucifixion and that in all probability the material can be dated back far earlier than the medieval era. Is it the burial shroud of Jesus? No one can be sure of this, but it is true that the wounds shown in the image conform to the Gospel record of the crucifixion.
Some scientists are still not satisfied with the chemical interaction theory of how the image was formed. They claim that a catalytic event must have caused such a reaction. They theorise that some form of energy must have passed through the fabric to trigger a chemical reaction. One hypothesis is that the units of matter called nuceons must have decoupled causing a dematerialisation of the body. Simply put, the body passed through the fabric of the shroud.
All this is interesting but far from conclusive, so why am I interested in it, and why should you be? Luke 11 and Matthew 16 record Jesus’ words concerning the only sign He was prepared to give an unbelieving generation. Matthew 12:38-41 records, ‘Then some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law said to him, "Teacher, we want to see a miraculous sign from you." He answered, "A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a miraculous sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth."’ Whether or not scientific evidence of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is the sign for our age is debateable. What is certain however is that research continues, TV channels continue to produce documentaries, people write books, but the mystery remains. The crucifixion and resurrection remain in the public’s eye.
Every Easter the Christian church remembers the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am grateful that scientists and sceptics, although they may not believe, continue to wrestle with the possibility that this pivotal event in biblical history may well be historically and scientifically verified. If it was verifiable, would this effect my faith in any way? No, but it sure would make an unbelieving world sit up and take notice.
About the Author
- Dr Christopher Peppler has authored a number of Christian books and academic articles, as well as papers and keynote addresses for conferences in the field of education. Among his most successful books are "Revelation in the Stars", "Truth is The Word" and "Prayer, Power and Proclamation".
- This blog forms a central part of Peppler’s entry to the web, bringing important Christian truths to the online community and providing a platform to extend his unique ministry beyond South Africa to the world. http://truthisthewordblog.blogspot.com
I read somewhere that there is more interest in the Shroud of Turin in modern times than throughout history. It is only since 1898 that the negative image of the shroud was discovered, so it’s almost as if the amazing qualities of the Shroud were hidden and SAVED for us. Just for us. I like that. It’s also interesting to note that the Jews were beginning to move back into Palestine in the late 1800’s. God’s prophetic pieces falling into place…
God knew that this generation would deny even the very existence of God, so He’s thrown the Shroud in their faces and they cannot explain it. Even better, the Shroud is the sign of Christ’s death and miraculous resurrection SO: the very core of the Gospel message is imprinted on that cloth.
The Bible verse that Dr. Peppler quotes is a perfect description of society now, “A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a miraculous sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.”
How many times have I seen atheists demand proof. Not that they really want proof of God or the things of God. It is only an insolent challenge. The Doubters do throw all their doubts, conspiracy theories and skepticism at the Shroud, but it is a tangible item so it cannot be dismissed as easily as God who is invisible.
The fact that the shroud cannot be explained gnaws at them. The Shroud’s mute resistance could very well be God’s way of mocking the mockers. While at the same time, God in His mercy is also trying to convince them.
The Resurrection of Jesus is an historical event that can’t be explained in terms of any other historical event. The followers of Jesus swore up and down that Jesus appeared to them after he died. They had a religious experience called the Easter experience. Historians like Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan, who think that it is irrational to believe Jesus is alive in a new life with God, trace the tradition of the Resurrection to within a few years of His death.
I believe in Jesus for two reasons: 1) the large number of people who believe in life-after-death, and 2) the historical Jesus.
Concerning # 1, people like Marcus Borg tend to be unintelligent about the mind-body problem, ignorant of the proof of God’s existence, and irrational about the meaning of life.
Concerning # 2, the historical Jesus was a Jewish prophet who preached the coming of the Kingdom of God. He was an exorcist and healer, rose from the dead, and saved mankind for meaning.
I am deeply inspired by the scientific approach to the Holy Shroud by Dr.Christopher Peppler.
It is wonderful to see such an observation made by a renowned man of science regarding a
topic which in the eyes of the world is considered a controversy. After going through the article I have understood that he is inspired by no one else, but of the Holy Spirit.
I wish Dr. Christopher continues writing books and articles on Religion, and shares his insight on
such matters and illuminates our Faith (which is at times weak and confused ) by doing so.
Guy Joseph
I want to react on one statement of this interesting point of view. Quote : “What is certain however is that research continues, TV channels continue to produce documentaries, people write books, but the mystery remains. The crucifixion and resurrection remain in the public’s eye.”
My opinion on this topic is this : With the Shroud, it’s true that the mystery remains and that it has the effect of making more talks (in the media) about crucifixion and resurrection. But the question I ask is this : Is it done the right way ? Do the public get interested in the Shroud and in the resurrection of Christ for the good reason ? From my perspective, very often I think the answer is no. All the media are lookin for is some spectacular thing to sell to their audience. They don’t care one bit the profound meaning of the resurrection (That God is Love – 1st letter of St-John). They just want to make a show with the Shroud (and with the resurrection too) ! And it’s the same for 95% of the writers who write a book on the Shroud ! Don’t you see that ??? They just want to stretch the spectacular, mysterious, paranormal, supernatural (call it what you want) aspect of it. I really don’t think God wanted the death and resurrection of his Son to be understand that way… If people see God as a tooth fairy or a SuperMan who can act like a magician or something like that, they will only see the Shroud as a “mysterious” object and pass by the profound message of love that is hidden in the bloody and body images that are there.
The Shroud contribute to the fact that more people talk and reflect on the death and resurrection of Christ… Right. But is it done the good way ? Not so sure about that…
Yannick, probably not. That’s where you come in: to steer the conversations in better direction. To try to infuse wisdom where there is foolishness. I suppose this is how Christians become “Salt” in our world.
When, as a “Man from the Outside”, you come in the Turin Shroud debate with an “archaeologically/archaeocryprologically” coherent explanation, those very same Christian people either just stick to “THEIR” supernatural pseudo-explanation or to “THEIR” pseudo-exegetical theories AT ALL COST… They even are very close to congratulate each other as if they were both the Salt in the world… a salt that just doesn’t salt the Truth.
The truth is call “Love” in my religion… Not supernatural or paranormal…
More than that, the truth is a person who love : Jesus !
Geez Max, I know your intensions are good but when are you going to stop the rederic, explain to us your ‘coherent explanation’ CLEARLY!, once and for all I beg of you. Also and please; Whats with the gazillion single line posts? ;-)
R.
If you think you are the salt in the world, then I am the pepper…
God bless you…
Rabbi Yeshua’s Consciousness should not be mistaken with the appearance of the Man Yeshua. His Consciousness was more than the eyes could meet… His Consciousness was “the Way of Truth and Life”.
His loving Consciouness…
…which can be shared by any human beings of Good WIll.. even by non-Christians!
Mentioning the Sign of Jonah, via a Greco-Hebraic pun, the Greek “othonia” (pieces of linen cloth) plays with the Hebrew “Oth Yonah”, “Sign of Jonah… to be ALSO read in conjunction with “the Empty Tomb scene” (my personal exegis).
Rabbi Yeshua was also teaching educated Judeans from Greek origins.
…not just “ignorant” Galileans.
This pun might well account for John’s belief in Rabbi Yeshua’s raising from the dead.The educated Judean youngman of Greek origin might well have then remembered his master’s crypto-prophetic words. This would account for Kêpha-Peter’s unability to understand what he sees on that early Sunday morning.
By the way, if John is the new name of Lazarus (according to a Judean custom, he might welle have been given a new name after his coming back to life ), then John-Lazarus is the best placed to unsterdand in depth the sign of the “othonia”/the Sign of Yonah.
Sorry Ron, I do like tweeting…
…and so does the dove (“yonah” in Hebrew).