The Historical Shroud
The Shroud of Turin is an ancient burial cloth measuring approximately 14 feet in length and 3 feet in width. Its frontal and dorsal sides are imaged with detail of a male corpse, an apparent victim of crucifixion. Its history can be verifiably traced to the medieval centuries and, according to some accounts, may even be traceable to the first century. History declares that for centuries, many have believed that this singular piece of linen once wrapped the dead body of Jesus Christ. Currently, it resides in St. John's Basilica in Turin under great security.
The Shroud and Science
Negative / Positive.
On the left, is a photographic negative image, as it appears
on the cloth itself. This phenomenon is unique to the Shroud.
When photographed, a positive image emerges as the film is
being developed. This can be seen on the right side of the photo.
Though the Shroud has been studied through the ages, it was not until the beginning of the 20th century that some of its unique properties were discovered. In 1898, the first photograph of the Shroud was commissioned. This photographic process revealed that the linen cloth itself was actually beholding a negative image. Simply stated, the Shroud is a snapshot of a male human body who had suffered an extremely tortuous death by crucifixion. In 1978, over a six day period and led by a team of American scientists, the Shroud was subjected to a battery of nondestructive tests using some of the most highly sophisticated equipment available to man. These experiments rendered startling results. Among them are:
An interdisciplinary team of scientists participated in the experimentation. They include but are not limited to specialists from forensic pathology to botany. To many, the Shroud of Turin is considered an enigma. Scientific research, however, continues to seek clues in unraveling its mysteries.
- Physical characteristics of the body
- Ethnicity
- Presence of human blood
- Three-dimensional data
- Middle Eastern pollens.
The Presentation
The presentation of David Onysko itself seeks to offer various perspectives for this ancient linen burial garment. Traced are its possible origin, as well as its historical, scientific and theological aspects. Comparisons are drawn regarding its unique properties as demonstrated by science and their relationship(s) with the gospel narrative regarding the passion, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. The presentation, through larger-than-life photographs, slides and music, strives to examine a possible link between the discoveries of scientific inquiry and the known historical personage of Jesus. Was the man in the Shroud Christ, "the anointed one?" Did the cloth once wrap His dead, naked body? Is the blood really human? Could the image have been formed by the Resurrection? These questions and others present a forum for discussion. Ultimately, answers for them may not be readily discerned. On the contrary, perhaps they can be gleaned by the evidence wrapped in a strip of cloth called the Shroud of Turin.
The Roman Flagrum Tipped with barbell-shaped balls of lead.
The circle shows scourge wounds from the back of the
Man in the Shroud which fit the barbell shape.
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Last Updated March 10, 2008
