It may be old news to us, now, but it’s a story that needs to be improved upon. Abe Levy, a religion reporter for the San Antonio Express-News does just that. He has written an excellent news piece that is both objective and comprehensive. It’s a good example for others:
Does the ancient linen wrapped around Jesus’ entombed body still exist?
And does it bear miraculous images of his face and wounds from the Crucifixion — enduring evidence of his divinity?
An exhibit that opened earlier this month in San Antonio chronicles the saga of this disputed cloth, the Shroud of Turin.
San Antonio is the second of 70 U.S. cities on this tour designed by Immersive Planet, a for-profit company founded two years ago and based in Brighton, Michigan, that designs theme parks and other venues and bought the rights to put on the exhibit.
It opened here Nov. 14 and continues through Jan. 25.
Whether the shroud is a hoax or genuine has been a matter of longstanding debate among historians, anthropologists, scientists and religious leaders.
The presentation takes an informative tone, posing questions and gently implying validity but avoiding direct conclusions to this end.
“Everyone has their path in life and perception of things,” said José Juan Garrigó, CEO of Immersive Planet. “If I can plant a little seed in your mind, I did something right. . . . Anything that could have a connection or be a part of the history of Jesus, it will be controversial.”
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The Archdiocese of San Antonio is not affiliated with the display but will send an official to view it, said its spokesman, Deacon Pat Rodgers.
“Anytime someone speaks of the shroud, it piques people’s interest,” he said.