Robert Burns commented:
Not being able to recreate the Shroud, has no bearing on proving its authenticity. It is a fake. The earth was always round, but it had to be proved that it wasn’t flat before anyone believed.
That was me a few years ago. I was sure it was a fake. And I didn’t see anything wrong with thinking that while I sought evidence to support that position. Now, after much study, I say it is probably real. So I learned something about the value of having an open mind.
Regardless, my faith did not change as, very slowly, I became convinced that that the shroud was real. At least I don’t think it changed.
To me it makes “perfect” sense that God would allow at least a miraculous image behind for future hundreds of millions to see.For those generations to come after him and not have the good fortune to hear His Son speak or witness His countless miracles which were performed on a daily basis.
The preservation and survival of this sacred relic is a miracle in itself.And the fact that it now exist for millions to witness and study today convinces me that it was from all time…intended that way.
If Robert Burns is awaiting proof to show that the Shroud is a fake, he cannot assert that it is beforehand. The most he can do is to say he believes it is a fake, and that evidence will eventually vindicate his belief. It is obvious from his reasoning that he is letting his predetermined conclusions warp his view of the evidence.
We all have our biases, but for religious believers, belief in the Shroud’s authenticity is not necessary for their worldview. In contrast, unbelievers MUST view the shroud as a fake in order for their belief system to remain unchanged. Between the former and the latter, it is the latter, generally speaking, that has the chance for more blinding prejudice.