Sharon Hill in Skeptic (Michael Shermer’s Skeptics Society):
So, trying to finagle a better, more impressive story about how the shroud was created does not mean that it was created that way. We can’t always figure out exactly how some artifact was made, but that is no reason to resort to supernatural explanations.
I agree.
To be fair to the ENEA folks aren’t saying so. Many in Catholic and even secular media think ENEA scientists are saying so and reporting it that way. The problem may stem from the fact that the report was written in Italian and nobody from the media in the UK or the US read it.
But I don’t agree with what followed that quote. So read Skeptic » Doubtful News » New whiz-bang test regarding the Shroud of Turin aims to prompt debate on authenticity. Sorry, case closed.
“but that is no reason to resort to supernatural explanations.”
Ohhh… why not? Loosen up a little. “And so because those dewy-eyed dopes keep building up impossible hopes, IMPOSSIBLE!! Things are happening every day!”
That song quote is from Rogers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella and yes, it’s a fairytale, but I like it because it accurately describes the phenomenon of Faith. Supernatural things happened all the time around Jesus Christ. It’s more LIKELY that the Shroud has a supernatural explanation, than not.
Jesus could not do many miracles in Galilee because the people had little faith. Lack of faith is disappointing to Jesus and to God the Father. The more faith, the more likely that prayers will be answered and supernatural things might happen. Supernatural or Divine assistance is far more common than people realize.
So… I think the scoffers and the skeptics and the doubters can continue to drive themselves crazy looking for a “natural” explanation, but considering that the Shroud of Christ (if it’s real) was and is directly connected to the supernatural event known as the Resurrection, I highly doubt there will EVER be a natural explanation for that Shroud.
Assuming it’s real, which I think it probably is because of the way the Shroud has got so many people all annoyed and irritated with it. :D
Watch what you say about people looking for a “Natural explanation”, you might get Yannick all riled up.
;-)