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This page includes articles that deal with the religious and philosophical issues raised by the Shroud of Turin. Listed below, alphabetically by title, is each paper, along with a brief description of its content and a brief bio of the author (where available). (NOTE: Some of these are links to different websites. After viewing those articles you will need to use your browser's "back" button to return to this website).
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Meditation on the Holy Shroud given on 2 May 2010 by Pope Benedict XVI
Pope Benedict XVI visited the Shroud of Turin during the public exhibition on 02 May 2010 and delivered this address in the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, providing his personal insights into the relic.
A Brief Comparison between the Study of the Shroud and the Philosophical Inquiry on God by Br. Luis Eduardo Rodríguez Alger, LC, June 15, 2016 (Student essay) [23 November 2016]Brother Luis is a seminarian currently serving in El Salvador who recently took my Shroud course at the Ateneo Pontificio Regina Apostolorum (Pontifical seminary) in Rome. His final essay was so well done that I thought I would share it with everyone. Here is an excerpt:
"This year, we had the opportunity to participate in a series of lectures given by the Official Documenting Photographer of the team, Barrie M. Schwortz. Simultaneously, we were attending a course on Natural Theology. While studying both subjects at the same time, we happened to stumble on an interesting similarity between them. Evincing our findings will be the main object of this brief paper."
"BRING THE CLOAK THAT I LEFT AT TROAS WITH CARPUS!" Did the Apostle Paul Make Use of a Cryptonym for the Holy Shroud? (2 Timothy 4.13) by Larry Stalley - Academia.edu - April 22, 2021. [30 June 2021]Here is the abstract: "The question asked in the title of this paper is speculative but justified on the basis of two logical conclusions: (1) the Shroud of Turin with its remarkable image is the authentic burial cloth of Jesus (a conclusion based on the forensic and historical evidence that has surfaced in recent years), and (2) the rational inference that - due to persecution and the desire to protect the Shroud from harm by enemies of the Faith - any reference to the Holy Shroud by the canonical writers would have been cryptic or veiled. In that regard, stronger candidates exist within the New Testament than this statement made by the Apostle Paul to his co-worker, Timothy. Nonetheless, there are sufficient textual, historical, and typological reasons for considering this statement as possibly being a cryptonym for the Holy Shroud."
Can a Plausible Link be Made Between the Shroud of Turin and the Resurrection of Jesus? - Joe Marino - Academia.edu - August 25, 2021. [30 Sept 2021] Here is an excerpt from the introduction:"One of the reasons that many Christians get excited about the Shroud of Turin, believed by numerous people to be the actual burial cloth of the historical Jesus of Nazareth, is that they believe that the Shroud provides physical evidence - some might even go so far as to say "proof" -- that the Resurrection of Jesus, the linchpin to the establishment of Christianity. Of course, there are myriad hurdles that have to be navigated before getting to that point. First of all, not everyone even accepts the notion that the Resurrection of Jesus happened. In fact, some people deny that Jesus even existed…"
Carl Hempel's Concept of Scientific Truth: a Philosophical Study of the Shroud of Turin by Onyekachi Uzoma - Academia.edu, 2016 [21 January 2020]Here is an excerpt from the abstract: "The regal science of philosophy has always battled with one enigma, “What is truth?” The urge to subject religious truths to scientific method of verification motivated a team of forty scientists in 1978, to experimentally investigate the most venerated icon of the Christian religion, and one of the most studied artifacts in human history- the Shroud of Turin – believed to be the burial cloth of Jesus..."
Design in the Shroud of Turin by Phillip H. Wiebe (.pdf format) [43k]The author is a Professor of Philosophy at Trinity Western University in Langley, British Columbia. This paper was originally presented at the Worldwide Congress "Sindone 2000" in Orvieto, Italy, in August 2000.
Did the Galatians See the Image on the Holy Shroud? by Larry Stalley - Academia.edu - July 12, 2023 - Here is an excerpt from the introduction:"'You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified?' (Gal 3:1). This verse has puzzled commentators. How could the pagan converts of St. Paul have seen the crucifixion of Jesus-a death that had taken place hundreds of miles away in Jerusalem and nearly twenty years earlier? Such seems highly unlikely! Therefore, it is understandable why this verse is usually understood in a figurative or metaphorical sense. Recently this verse has been discussed by members of an esteemed group of Shroud researchers, the "Shroud Science Group" or SSG for short. Might the Galatians have seen the image of "the man of the cloth"? This paper is the product of one of those researchers."
Disciples On The Road To Turin, The by Joseph Marino
Los Discípulos en el Camino hacia Turín - En EspañolAn interesting Biblical perspective on the Shroud and its study. Joseph is a noted Shroud historian and archivist whose contributions to Shroud research (and this website) are extensive. This presentation was originally delivered at the 1996 Esopus Conference.
Disappearance of Jesus' Body, Part 1: Biblical and Theological Considerations, The by Robert A. Rucker, Academia.edu - June 28, 2016. [19 Sept 2016] - UPDATED VERSION: The Disappearance of Jesus' Body, Part 1: Biblical and Theological Considerations, Shroud Research Net, Rev. 0 on Oct. 8, 2016 [21 January 2019]See Part 2 of this article on the Scientific Papers & Articles page. Use the UPDATED VERSION link for the latest version of this article. List of Papers by Robert Rucker
Does the Bible Disprove the Turin Shroud? by Joseph G. Marino – Academia.edu – February 20, 2022 [8 May 2022] – Here is an excerpt from the introduction:“One of the most common arguments used by those who believe the Turin Shroud, believed by many to be the burial cloth of Jesus, is that the Shroud cannot be harmonized with the Gospels. It is used by people who, frankly, don’t know much about the Shroud, but who produce short videos, as well as skeptics who have done a reasonable amount of research. In this study, I wanted to first emphasize some important points: *The Gospel accounts themselves are difficult, but not impossible, to harmonize. *One simply can’t make judgments based solely on Bible English translations, which can vary widely. *One needs to look at the original Greek words used in the Gospel account…”
Does the Shroud Body Image Show Any Physical Evidence of Resurrection? by Kevin E. Moran and Giulio Fanti (.pdf format) (From the IV Symposium Scientifique International du CIELT, Paris, France 2002)An interesting article that looks at the Shroud from both a scientific and religious point of view.
Ecumenical Implications of the Shroud of Turin, The by the Rev. Albert R. Dreisbach, Jr. (.pdf format) [263k] [May 2006] (From the 1st International Shroud Conferences in Terracina and Perugia, Italy)Sadly, this is the final paper written by Fr. Dreisbach. He was on his way to deliver the paper at two conferences in Italy when he died. According to many, this is his finest work, completing a theme he had written about frequently.
The Empty Tomb of Jesus Debate and the Shroud of Turin by Joe Marino - Academia.edu - November 22, 2021. [21 JAN 2022] Here is an excerpt from the introduction:"I recently wrote an article titled Can a Plausible Link be Made Between the Shroud of Turin and the Resurrection of Jesus? The Resurrection, in most peoples' minds, presupposes an empty tomb. Still, must acknowledge that there is a body of scholarship that discusses the empty tomb without reference to the Resurrection. There is a considerable amount of current scholarship, distasteful as it may be to some Christians, that addresses whether Jesus existed. For those who believe Jesus did exist, there is a critical question: Does the Resurrection fall in the realm of history, or faith - or both?…"
Evidence for a Resurrection by Phillip H. Wiebe – Journal for Christian Theological Research – Vol. 6 Article 2 – 2001 [8 May 2022] – Here is an excerpt from the introduction:“Christianity has been universally understood by its critics, and widely interpreted by its defenders, as having placed at its center the bold claim that Jesus of Nazareth was raised from death to live an indestructible life. Peter Carnley sums up the significance of the Resurrection for incarnational theology in the words: 'It is the resurrection which is the foundation of the Church, its worship and its theology, for the Church gathers not just around the rehearsal of the story of the incarnation of God, but around the perceived presence of the raised Christ himself'…”
Evidence of “Resurrection of Jesus” in the Shroud of Turin by Joseph Amalraj [Sept 2010]In this paper the author provides his perspective on the evidence for the Resurrection as depicted on the Shroud.
Feast of the Holy Shroud Solemnly Celebrated in Fátima, Portugal by Dr. Paulo Falcão TavaresThe official Feast of the Holy Shroud occurs on May 4th every year. Although not celebrated widely in the U.S., it is a very important date in parts of Europe. This article provides a detailed description of the events that took place in Fátima, Portugal on May 4, 2013. Dr. Tavares is the Delegate and President of the Dynastic Orders of the Royal House of Savoy and Spokesperson for the Oureana Foundation. Carlos Evaristo was kind enough to send us several photographs of the event, which I have included in the article itself.
Four Veiled References to the Shroud of Turin in the New Testament by Larry Stalley - Academia.edu - February 15, 2021. [30 June 2021]Here is the abstract: "Although both forensic science and historical research has brought to light a plethora of evidence in support of the Turin Shroud being the actual burial cloth of Jesus, skeptics and critics make a strong argument against the shroud's authenticity with this simple observation: The Biblical writers failed to mention such a marvelous treasure with its remarkable image! Even so, due to persecution and the real threat of confiscation and harm to the Shroud by enemies, a plausible inference can be made that early Church leaders would have wanted to keep the Shroud's existence a secret from outsiders. This paper provides brief analyses of four puzzling statements found in the New Testament that are likely "veiled" or "cryptic" references to what we know today as the Shroud of Turin. Elsewhere the author has written an extensive exegesis on each of these four passages. Here the reader will find a short summary of his findings."
Further Ruminations on the Shroud of Turin by Richard Lanser - Academia.edu - June 2022 [31 August 2022]Here is the online description: "The Shroud of Turin remains an object of controversy despite many years of intensive study. Most published material focuses on its mysterious image and how it might have been made. An unsophisticated reading of the pertinent Gospel texts in English translations gives an impression that the Shroud image cannot be reconciled with them, partly driving the search for naturalistic explanations. When the original Greek texts are looked at and the distinct words for linen cloths are examined, however, it is found that three different linens are discussed: a single large sindon (body shroud), a smaller sudarion (head cloth), and at least two keiriai (tie strips). When these distinctions are understood - the account of the raising of Lazarus contributes to clearing up the seeming conflicts - the difficulties in connecting the Shroud of Turin with the Gospel accounts can be resolved."
Greek Words Used in the Gospel Accounts of Jesus' Burial, The - Can They be Reconciled with the Turin Shroud? by Joe Marino - Academia.edu - September 16, 2021. [30 Sept 2021]. Here is an excerpt from the introduction:"One of the biggest controversies regarding the Turin Shroud, the reputed burial cloth of Jesus, is whether what can be discerned on the cloth can be reconciled with the gospel accounts of his burial. At first glance, the Synoptic gospels, Matthew, Mark and Luke, seem to differ fairly significantly from John. The Synoptic gospels, with one exception/addition, basically use the word sindon, which is defined as "linen cloth, esp. that which was fine and costly, in which the bodies of the dead were wrapped" (NAS New Testament Greek Lexicon). John uses the word othonia, which can have multiple meanings…"
"He Saw and Believed!" Is the Shroud of Turin in the Background of John's Resurrection Narrative? (John 20:1-10) by Larry Stalley - Academia.edu - 2020 [5 DEC 2022]Here is the introduction: "The author of the Fourth Gospel spends ten verses telling the opening story about what the disciples first discovered on the morning of the Resurrection. Much of that narrative focuses on the funeral linens left behind in the empty tomb. Concerning those linens, we are told that the apostle John "saw and believed." This paper will analyze this passage and strive to discern what exactly the writer intended for his readers to understand. Since this author believes the scientific 2 and historical 3 evidence for the Shroud of Turin is more than enough to conclude it is the authentic burial cloth of Jesus, he will explore the possibility of this text being a veiled reference to that Shroud."
Historical Epistemology, Jesus's Resurrection, and the Shroud of Turin. by Gary R. Habermas (.pdf format) [45k] (From the June 1999 Richmond Conference)Gary is a distinguished Professor of Philosophy at Liberty University and co-author of Verdict on the Shroud and The Shroud and the Controversy, and numerous other books.
'Holy Image, Holy Blood' by Deacon Stephen Muse (link to online video and transcript). (Also available in a stand alone PDF version) [10 October 2017]This talk has a great deal to recommend it for its insights into the Eastern Orthodox Church. The video is unfortunately just done from a stationary video camera, so it is hard to make out most of the images he talks about, but one could find them through online searching.
Holy Mandylion (Napkin) of Christ (Not-made-by-hands) The, from the Orthodox blog, 'Full of Grace and Truth'. (Also available in a stand-alone PDF version). [10 October 2017]An excellent gathering of articles, icons and Orthodox hymns that combines hymnography and history of the Holy Mandylion - the 'Image Not Made by Human Hands' - which is, of course, very likely the Shroud in its Tetradiplon folded status as it was venerated in the Christian Church from the sixth century through the sack of Constantinople in 1204. There is much Orthodox material in this profusely illustrated collection, plus many embedded links.
The Holy Shroud by Peter M. Rinaldi - The Sign, June 1934, Vol. 13, pp. 685-688 Courtesy University of Scranton Library - Special Collections [21 January 2013]We are grateful to John Klotz, New York attorney who is currently researching and writing a new book about the Shroud, for finding this rare and important article by Fr. Rinaldi and obtaining permission for us to publish it on our website.
The House of Savoy and Roman Catholic Devotion to the Shroud of Turin by Joe Marino - Academia.edu - September 2, 2021. Here is an excerpt from the introduction:"Most people tend to think of the Shroud of Turin as a "Catholic" relic. While the Church does have a long history with the Shroud, many people don't know that the Holy See only took ownership of the cloth in 1985, after the last King of Italy, Umberto II, of the House of Savoy, bequeathed it after his death in 1983. The House of Savoy has always had close ties to the Catholic Church. (It was founded in 1033, long before the Protestant Reformation)…"
Icons, Science, and Faith: Comparative Examination of the Shroud of Turin and the Sudarium of Oviedo by Kelly Kearse - Theology and Science, Volume 11, Issue 1, 2013, pages 52-61. [June 2013](Abstract): The Shroud of Turin is a well-studied linen cloth bearing the image of a naked man that has been beaten, scourged, and crucified. A lesser-known, smaller cloth exists, the Sudarium of Oviedo, which contains bloodstains corresponding to the head wounds, both front and back, found on the Shroud. The Sudarium bears no facial imprint and has been proposed to represent the face-cloth (napkin) mentioned in the gospel of John (20:6–7). Here, the markings on the Shroud of Turin and the Sudarium of Oviedo are reviewed, and the possible relationship between the two cloths and their impact on faith is discussed.
The Importance of Faith to Science by Claudio Bonito - Student Essay [18 July 2011]This is one of three student essays written as the final examination for the course on the STURP team and their science taught by Barrie Schwortz in April 2011 in Rome (see related article). Some of the reviewers on the STERA, Inc. Editorial Review Committee believed the papers did not quite come up to the high standards they would like to see on this website, while several others really liked them just as they were! Unfortunately, since the course I taught is over and the students have moved on, there was no practical way to return the articles to them for further revisions anyway. Consequently, I have made the minor corrections recommended by the reviewers but am basically publishing them "as is" and clearly marked as student papers. Please consider that as you read them and decide for yourself. Editor's Note - This paper was originally written in Italian and we were provided with this English version, so some of the issues noted by the reviewers may be due to the quality of the translation and not the fault of the author.
The Importance of Shroud Science for Faith by Mariusz Kielbasa, LC - Student Essay [August 2012]This is a Student Essay written as a Final Examination for the course taught by Barrie Schwortz every year at the Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum in Rome. The class provides an overview of the STURP examination and science. The final exam question was "What is the importance of Shroud Science for Faith" and this was one of the best papers written during the 2012 course so we thought we would share it with you.
Is the Image on the Shroud of Turin “The Father’s Witness”? (1 John 5:5-13) by Larry Stalley – Academia.edu – October 28, 2020.Here is the abstract: “What exactly did the Biblical writer mean when he spoke of “the testimony (orwitness) that God testified concerning His Son” (1 Jn 5.10)? Could the Shroud of Turin be the answer to this puzzling passage with its perplexing questions? If the Shroud of Turin is authentic then it is the most significant and the most incredible object on the planet, for it would be the miraculous testimony of the Father down through the ages to the truth of the Gospel story!”
It's the Message that Matters by Russ BreaultRussell Breault is the founder of the Shroud of Turin Education Project, Inc. (STEP) and has been researching and lecturing on the Shroud for nearly 20 years. In this article, he reminds the reader that the message of the Shroud is more important than the image itself. He explores the different points of view amongst Christians as they relate to the Shroud and concludes, "If Christian educators, Protestant and Catholic, can get beyond their bias and fears and focus on the message, the Shroud could be used in the way God may have intended, as a visual Gospel to a video and information age."
Lazarus & Jesus: How The Fourth Gospel Cleverly Reveals The Survival And Significance Of Both The Shroud (Sindon) And The Oviedo Cloth (Aka The Soudarion) While “Secretly” Maintaining Their Respective Messages by the Rev. Albert R. Dreisbach, Jr. – The Atlanta International Center For Continuing Study Of The Shroud Of Turin, Inc. – 2005 [8 May 2022] – Here is an excerpt from the introduction:”Exegesis of John 11 & 12 reveals a superbly ingenious way of affirming the survival and significance of both the Shroud and the Oviedo Cloth to "insiders in the know" while cleverly denying that knowledge to "outsiders" who could seize and destroy them. John 20:12 is a masterpiece wherein both the evangelist* and redactor* deflect drawing attention to the Shroud by avoiding the Synoptics' use of the word sindon while simultaneously affirming its image(s).”
Liturgical Clues to the Shroud's History by the Rev. Albert R. Dreisbach, Jr.
A study of possible references to the Shroud in the liturgy and the Bible. The Rev. Albert "Kim" R. Dreisbach, Jr., is an Episcopal Priest and the founder and Executive Director of the Atlanta International Center for the Continuing Study of the Shroud of Turin, Inc., (AICCSST). Author of numerous papers and a frequent Shroud lecturer, Fr. Dreisbach has often appeared on national radio and TV. In recent years he has served as a commentator and technical advisor on a number of Shroud related TV productions.
A Month Dedicated to the Shroud (in English) [3 June 2013]The official Feast of the Holy Shroud occurs on May 4th every year. Although not celebrated widely in the U.S., it is a very important date in parts of Europe. This article is from the Vatican Insider website (in Italian) and provides a detailed description of the events that took place in Turin, Italy, on May 4, 2013 and what is planned afterwards. The above link is to an English translation of the article.
Mysteries of the Shroud by Rafael de la Piedra SeminarioThe author is a theologian and student of the Holy Shroud. Included here is a brief quote from the article: "The Shroud of Turin represents both Darkness and Light. The shroud is enigmatic; representing both the finalities of life, and faith and hope in eternal life. It is proof of He that is victorious in life over death."
1 John 5:6-8: The Shroud of Turin in the New Testament by William Mayor - Academia.edu, 2017 [21 January 2020]Here is an excerpt from the abstract: "It is generally accepted that if the Shroud of Turin is the burial cloth of Jesus that it is only mentioned in passing in the New Testament, and those few references are all in the gospel accounts and provide no real details. Many, if not most New Testament scholars seem to doubt that the Shroud is even authentic. However, in a difficult to understand passage, 1 John 5:6-8, there might be a record of the Shroud. This paper will thus examine the dating of this epistle..."
On the Possible Whereabouts of the Shroud in Post-Resurrection Times by Vlad Protopopescu - Academia.edu - 2020 [5 DEC 2022]Here is an excerpt from the introduction: "From the very beginning the linen wrappings in which the Christ has been laid down in the tomb have been viewed as material evidence of the Resurrection. The Gospel of Saint John (20, 3-9) tells us that "the other disciple, whom Jesus loved" reached the empty tomb ahead of Peter, "bent over and saw the linen wrappings, but he did not go in". Peter saw that the linen wrappings lying there and the cloth which had been round Jesus' head lying apart rolled up by itself. "Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in; he saw and believed…"
Probing the Shroud for Reasons to Believe by Br. Andrew Dalton, L.C. - Student Essay [18 July 2011]This is one of three student essays written as the final examination for the course on the STURP team and their science taught by Barrie Schwortz in April 2011 in Rome (see related article). Some of the reviewers on the STERA, Inc. Editorial Review Committee believed the papers did not quite come up to the high standards they would like to see on this website, while several others really liked them just as they were! Unfortunately, since the course I taught is over and the students have moved on, there was no practical way to return the articles to them for further revisions anyway. Consequently, I have made the minor corrections recommended by the reviewers but am basically publishing them "as is" and clearly marked as student papers. Please consider that as you read them and decide for yourself.
Prophecy and the Shroud of Turin by Sean Anderson - Academia.edu - April 28, 2021. [30 June 2021]Here is the introduction: "If as it is purported to be, the burial linen in which the body of Jesus was wrapped, the Shroud of Turin is not only an enigma today but was so in the Gospels as well. The Gospels record that Mary mother of James, Joanna, Salome and Mary Magdalene, possibly others, were upset when they discovered the body of Jesus missing from the tomb. Simon Peter was confused as he gazed at the empty linens. The Apostle John saw the linens and came away convinced that Jesus had risen from the dead. The enigma is why John reached that conclusion so quickly while the others did not, and the Gospels provide no explanation. Perhaps John saw that the stripes of linen that bound the shroud around the body were still wrapped yet without the body within it. But we don't know. What we do know is of the thousands of Roman crucifixions in 1st Century Judea; all but one was soon forgotten."
Prophecy and the Shroud of Turin by Sean Anderson - Academia.edu - March 2023. [6 JULY 2023]] (Updated version of earlier paper)Here is an excerpt from the introduction: "If as it is purported to be, the burial linen in which the body of Yeshua, Jesus, was wrapped, the Shroud of Turin is not only an enigma today but was so in the Gospels as well. The Gospels record that Miryam mother of Jacob (aka Mary, James), Joanna, Salome and Mary Magdalene among others, were upset when they discovered the body of Jesus missing from the tomb. Symeon (St. Peter) was confused as he gazed at the empty linens. The Apostle Yohanan (St. John) saw the linens and came away convinced that Jesus had risen from the dead…"
Reexamination of the Pigment-Reinforcement Hypothesis of the Turin Shroud’s Bloodstains, A by Giulio Fanti. WSN (World Scientific News) 163 (2022) 99-114 – November 6, 2021.Here is the abstract: “New studies based on X-Ray photographs of the Turin Shroud (TS) from 1978 and new quantitative tests induced the author to reexamine the viability of a hypothesis he had discussed in a prior work [1] where he stated that “A possible explanation for the presence of blood and pigments in the samples studied is that the bloodstains were originally produced by human blood which faded with time ... (and) have been reinforced by artists in the past centuries.” In fact, the new quantitative results exclude red ochre/iron oxide and vermillion/mercuric sulfide as being responsible for the redness of the stains of blood that are visible with the naked eye on the TS. Having ascertained this result, two problems now arise. First, the origin of the additional reddish material found in correspondence with the TS bloodstains needs an explanation. A hypothesis to be confirmed is that the over 50 documented painted copies of the Relic made in past centuries may have deposited some pigment when they were pressed onto the TS, to be sanctified into higher order relics. The second problem concerns the explanation of the continued redness of the TS bloodstains. In addition to the hypothesis regarding the effects of ultraviolet rays on the high bilirubin content in the bloodstains on the TS and of the presence of carboxyhemoglobin, the author considers the redness of blood coming from an alleged Eucharistic Miracle.” [Editor’s Note: Although this paper deals in part with Shroud science, the author’s conclusions are far more from a religious perspective, so I am archiving this paper in the Religion and Philosophy section of this website.]
The Shroud and Healing by the Rev. Albert R. Dreisbach, Jr. (.pdf format) [81k]This is the paper Rev. Dreisbach presented at the June 1999 Richmond Conference. During his presentation Rev. Dreisbach projected 18 slides which are not currently included with the article due to size considerations. However, since I plan to include these illustrations in the future, the references to them remain in the text.
The Shroud and the "Historical Jesus": Challenging the Disciplinary Divide by Simon Joseph, Ph.D. [August 2012] [Updated with additional content and references 21 January 2013]Simon Joseph is an Adjunct Professor of Religion at California Lutheran University. Included here is a brief quote from his paper that provides a good overview of the contents: "The Shroud of Turin is virtually ignored in “Historical Jesus” research. Why? In this paper, I will seek to provide an explanation for this curious lack of interest and examine ways in which “Historical Jesus” research and Sindonology might complement each other. Since the 1988 radiocarbon dating test, there has been a general assumption, particularly within the scientific community, that the Shroud is of medieval origin. The 1988 test results have largely been regarded as “decisive proof that the Turin Shroud is a forgery.” Recent studies, however, indicate that those results are in need of reevaluation. This paper will identify a number of distinctive features of the Shroud that have yet to be explained and will correlate these features with Historical Jesus research."
The Shroud and the Stone: The Turin Shroud and the Medieval Paschal Mystery by James Day - Academia.edu - 2020. [39 June 2021]Here is the introduction: "The Shroud and the Stone proposes a new way of looking at the Shroud of Turin: as a way to deepen understanding of the Paschal Mystery, the mystery of suffering, the dignity of the Redemption, by rediscovering the beauty of medieval Paschal devotions and how these rich expressions of Christ's Passion, Death and Resurrection can be reintroduced to today's faithful."
The Shroud of Turin - A Believers Presentation by Alan Reed. From his website, King Edgar: A Life of Regret. Published online: Jan 2016. Here is a brief excerpt from the article:"In June of 2015, my wife Barbara and myself were able travel to Italy and see the Shroud of Turin. It was an unforgettable experience. In viewing the shroud, I did find a moment of worship. So what is the Shroud?"
The Shroud of Turin: a Matter of Clear Evidence or a Subtle Sign? by Joseph G. Marino - Academia.edu - April 24, 2023 [6 JULY 2023]Here is the introduction: "Some people believe the Shroud of Turin, the putative burial cloth of Jesus, is literal proof of Jesus' Resurrection. However, based on Jesus' use of parables and the Johannine concept of "signs," (generally defined as "an object, quality, event, or entity whose presence or occurrence indicates the probable presence or occurrence of something else"), it is more intelligible to analyze the Shroud in terms of faith and signs rather than science and proof."
The Shroud of Turin: A Mystery Across the Ages (link to online version no longer available) by Fr. Alexey Young. Still available in a stand alone PDF version. One of the only serious studies of the Shroud by an Orthodox writer.Somewhat dated in terms of the science, but some deep, serious reflections on the meaning of the Shroud, including why it might have been providentially preserved to our day, when science itself has to struggle with the mystery of how the Image was created. This article also draws out references to the Shroud embedded in Orthodox hymnography and worship, especially in the Holy Week services. [10 October 2017]
Shroud of Turin and Isabel Piczek by Bettina Morello - Academia.edu - December 9, 2021 [21 JAN 22] - Here is an excerpt from the introduction:"In our search for absolute Reality, we cannot afford to leave any stone or atom unturned, there is no doubt that the Æther pervades every aspect of the universe and humanity, the animals, plants and minerals all owe their development to the vibrations of light radiating through the Ætherial flow of the Torus. This paper contains the bare necessities, but there is so much more the material world cannot contain, just as John wrote that the world could not contain all the books that could be written of the actions and events surrounding the life of Yahshua Messiah…" Here is a link to a longer version titled, The Shroud of Turin and Dame Isabel Piczek.
The Shroud of Turin and the Resurrection Problem - An Anglican/Episcopal Perspective by Daniel R. PorterI am pleased to include the first paper on this website by Daniel R. Porter, known to many Internet viewers as the founder of the excellent Shroud website ShroudForum.com.
The Shroud of Turin: Bridge Between Heaven and Earth? by Joseph G. Marino and M. Sue Benford, R.N., M.A. (.pdf format) [137k]This article was originally published in the April 1999 (Volume 22, no. 2) issue of The Journal of Religion and Psychical Research. It has been amended slightly for the website and three photographs have been added to the end of the paper. Joseph Marino has been involved in Shroud research for many years and Ms. Benford is relatively new to sindonology.
The Shroud of Turin From the Viewpoint of the Physical Sciences by Fr. Manny Carriera, S.J. [18 July 2011]Fr. Carriera is a respected physicist and sindonologist and member of the Centro Español de Sindonologia (C.E.S.) in Spain and the online Shroud Science Group. This article begins with a very good assessment of the current state of Shroud science. Of course, Fr. Carriera is also a priest and theologian, so the article then shifts into other, more spiritual and theologic themes
The Shroud of Turin: the Fifth Gospel? Or the First Gospel? Or Neither? by Joe Marino - Academia.edu - September 8, 2021. Here is an excerpt from the introduction:"Debate continues to rage regarding whether the Shroud of Turin, the reputed burial cloth of Jesus, is authentic or not. Extreme passion can often be found from those who believe it is a forgery and from those who believe it is authentic. There are some people who aren't sure, and certainly, by the very nature of their stance, their passion does not come close to the other two camps. At first glance, the case against authenticity seems fairly strong…"
Shroud Of Turin - The Hypothesis of the Non-Unwrapping by Félix Ferrà - Academia.edu, 2015 [21 January 2020] Here is an excerpt from the abstract:"An article presenting biblical evidence from the New Testament for the hypothesis of the non-unwrapping of the shroud that covered the body of Jesus Christ at the time of his resurrection, according to which the body would have disappeared from inside the cloth without undoing the folds and bonds that held him..."
Shroud of Turin Image of Death or Image of Resurrection from Earthly to Supernatural Explanations by Edwin Stok – Academia.edu – January 2023 – Here is the online description:“Imagine that there is a theoretical and simple down-to-earth explanation for the Shroud of Turin that was not tested. Does that make it impossible? This document offers a view on a down-to-earth explanation and on supernatural explanations.”
The Shroud of Turin: Is it or Isn't it? A Lutheran/Evangelical Perspective on Shroud Studies by Arnold E. Lemke [Dec 2013]Rev. Lemke wrote this essay in 2000, while the Shroud was on public display. In it he provides his own thoughtful perspective on the Shroud.
The Shroud of Turin: Its Ecumenical Implications by the Rev. Albert R. Dreisbach, Jr.This article is the full version of the paper Rev. Dreisbach presented at the 1998 Turin Symposium. A long time sindonologist, Rev. Dreisbach provides us with his unique, articulate and well-qualified perspective on the ecumenical aspects of the Shroud and its significance today.
The Shroud of Turin: A Parable for Modern Times? by Thaddeus J. Trenn - Portuguese Translation by Artur Weber [21 June 2018]In this article, Mr. Trenn provides us with his interesting perspective on the study of the Shroud of Turin. He defines the unique position it holds for both science and religion as he searches for an even deeper meaning to its significance. The late Mr. Trenn taught in the science and religion program at Victoria College, University of Toronto.
"Shroud Presentations and News within the Eastern Orthodox Church." Compiled by Ralph Sidway [10 October 2017]A compilation of Eastern Orthodox related articles, links and notes.
Some Reflections on the Shroud of Turin Vis-à-vis Biblical Verses - Academia.edu - January 31, 2023 [6 JULY 2023]Here is an excerpt from the introduction: "I've heard some skeptics claim that the Shroud cannot be authentic because the Bible does not mention an image in any accounts of the burial. There may have been a very practical reason that the gospel writers didn't mention it. Both the Romans and the Jews would have likely destroyed the cloth if they had gotten their hands on it. If the first Christians were keeping the existence of the cloth hidden, it would make sense that they would not have emphasized or mentioned the image in their main writings. Christians behind the scenes likely would have been kept in the loop orally about the whereabouts of the cloth. The late Episcopal priest, Rev. Kim Dreisbach, went even further and believed that the early Christians used coded language ("spy clues") in their writings to impart information to the faithful about the Shroud while keeping the enemies of Christianity in the dark…"
The Soudarion: What the Fourth Gospel Reveals about the Shroud and the Oviedo Cloth by the Rev. Albert R. Dreisbach, Jr. (.pdf format) [September 2005] (From the 3rd International Dallas Conference)In this thoughtful paper, Fr. Dreisbach presents the Fourth Gospel clues to the Shroud of Turin.
Symbolism and blood flow on the forehead of the Man of the Shroud of Turin by Pam Moon - Academia.edu - June 7, 2021. [30 June 2021]Here is the abstract: "The blood flow on the forehead of the Man of the Shroud of Turin is highly noticeable. This paper examines subjective symbolic and theological interpretations of meaning in the shape of the blood flow. Biblical arguments for Jesus as the third Person of the Trinity are central to these meditations on meaning. It starts with the hypothesis that the Shroud wrapped Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus was steeped in his Jewish heritage and yet he claimed to be God. The paper suggests that it is possible the Man of the Shroud has the Hebrew name of God (ש; shin) written in blood on his forehead. Similarly, the shape of the blood flow hints at the Shekhinah Glory of God, the words of the Shema Yisrael and the sacrificial blood of the Jesus on the cross, seen in the light of the story of the Passover. The paper also looks at Karen Jacks and Russ Breault's hypotheses about the Golden Gate in Jerusalem and the eschatological promises at the end of time, and at the nature of Jesus as the 'King of Righteousness.' Finally it examines the prophecy of Revelation where the servants of God will 'see his Face and his Name will be on their foreheads' and challenges Christian readers to seek the Face of God."
A Theological Support, From Chalcedon, To the Shroud Image Natural Formation by Prof. PhD. Giovanni Fazio - International Journal of Theology, Philosophy and Science, No. 8, Year 5/2021 - May 30, 2021. [30 June 2021]Here is the abstract: "The fourth Ecumenical Council of Chalcedon (451 AD) sanctions, for the Holy Church very important conclusions regarding the nature of Christ. The above results do not contrast, but rather open to a natural formation of the Shroud body image. This occurs because it was affirmed in Chalcedon that Jesus Christ, the Nazarene, has two natures, one human and one divine, "inconfusedly, unchangeably, indivisibly, inseparably", which coexist in one person (hypostasis). Consequently, the monophysitism of Eutiche and of the Egyptian, Syrian and Armenian Churches, was rejected. Now, the Resurrection of the Nazarene is a Transcendental event that, according to those like us who support the natural formation of the Shroud body image, acted only on the corpse leaving the burial linen in the Immanent, under the dominion of the natural sciences. So, the Miracle of the Resurrection shows the divine nature of Christ, while the Shroud body image formation, the human one." Also available at this link: https://doi.org/10.26520/ijtps.201.5.8.42-48.
Theology, Philosophy and Religion Revisit the Shroud Image Formation by Radiative Processes by Prof. Ph.D Giovanni Fazio and Prof. Rosanna Callipar – IFIJSR Icoana Credintei – February 2022 [8 May 2022] – Here is an excerpt from the abstract:“For some decades several scientists have claimed the formation of the Shroud body image by the radiative hypotheses. These proposals have as a start the emission, by the corpse wrapped in the burial linen, of proton or electromagnetic radiation with the wavelengths of the far ultraviolet. From a theological point of view, these hypotheses must be discarded. In fact, the above proposal foresees a transcendental beginning, followed in compliance with the natural laws, hoping to find a result that justifies their initial hypothesis. The Miracles are done only by God, the Omnipotent…”
Thomas & the Cenacle Reconsidered by the Rev. Albert "Kim" Dreisbach (.pdf format) [232k] (From the International Conference on the Shroud of Turin - Dallas 2001)In this in-depth paper, Fr. Dreisbach discusses in detail the account of Thomas in the Upper Room or Cenacle [John 20:24-29] as he continues his ongoing Biblical research into clues about the Shroud in the Gospels.
Thomas & the Hymn of the Pearl by the Rev. Albert "Kim" Dreisbach (.pdf format) [181k] (From the Sindone 2000 Shroud Conference in Orvieto, Italy)In this paper Fr. Dreisbach discusses The Acts of Thomas, which contain the Hymn of the Pearl and may well be an adaptation of an older work, redesigned to provide "spy clues" pointing to the Shroud and its image(s). The Hymn of the Pearl is one of the earliest documents in existence on Edessan Christianity.
The True Holy Grail by Richard B. Sorensen - Academia.edu - April 27, 2011, Updated July 2, 2022 [31 August 2022]Here is an excerpt from the abstract: "The Holy Grail was said to be the chalice used by Jesus Christ at the Last Supper and also supposedly employed by Joseph of Arimathea to catch the blood of Christ during his crucifixion. However, the concept of the Holy Grail as we know it is entirely a literary invention by a number of medieval authors starting in the 12th century. As it was combined with the tales of King Arthur, the stories became extremely popular with their popularity lasting down to the present. What took place at the time to inspire this outpouring of literary works? This paper proposes that the object that inspired the medieval Grail authors was actually the Shroud of Turin, the alleged burial shroud of Christ which was stained with blood…"
Turin Shroud, Resurrection and Science: One View of the Cathedral by Tristan Casabianca. New Blackfriars, 97 (1071), 16 August 2016, The Dominican Council/John Wiley & Sons Ltd. (Abstract only - behind pay wall). [19 September 2016] - Here is the abstract:In a topic as controversial as the Turin Shroud, it is always surprising to note that there remains a large area of consensus among scholars who hold opposite opinions on the origin of this piece of fabric. According to the consensus view, neither science nor history can prove that the Turin Shroud shows signs of the Resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. However, the reasons provided for this important claim are not convincing, especially in light of recent developments in historiography and analytic philosophy.
What Does the Shroud of Turin Mean? by Robert Perry (.pdf format) [80k]This thoughtful and well written article is by Robert Perry, a writer and teacher on the modern spiritual path ("A Course In Miracles"). He is President and Founder of The Circle of Atonement, a non-profit spiritual teaching organization which serves students of "A Course In Miracles," and lives in Sedona, Arizona. In this article he shares his personal point of view on the significance of the Shroud and the meaning it has for him, but his conclusions should strike a chord with many viewers. Robert can be reached via e-mail at circleofa@sedona.net or by snail mail at The Circle of Atonement, P.O. Box 4238, W. Sedona, AZ 86340.
What is the Importance of Science to Faith? by Br. Joseph A'Hearn, L.C. - Student Essay - Ateneo Pontificio Regina Apostolorum, Istituto Scienza e Fede [18 July 2011]This is one of three student essays written as the final examination for the course on the STURP team and their science taught by Barrie Schwortz in April 2011 in Rome (see related article). Some of the reviewers on the STERA, Inc. Editorial Review Committee believed the papers did not quite come up to the high standards they would like to see on this website, while several others really liked them just as they were! Unfortunately, since the course I taught is over and the students have moved on, there was no practical way to return the articles to them for further revisions anyway. Consequently, I have made the minor corrections recommended by the reviewers but am basically publishing them "as is" and clearly marked as student papers. Please consider that as you read them and decide for yourself.
What is the importance of Shroud Science to Faith? by Dr. Paola Conti Puorger (In English) - Student Essay - Ateneo Pontificio Regina Apostolorum, Istituto Scienza e Fede – June 19, 2020. Dr. Puorger also kindly provided us with versions In italiano and En Español.This is another final exam essay by one of the students in the graduate course on "Science and the Shroud," in the Science and Faith Institute at the Pontifical University in Rome. The final exam is an essay answering the question: "What is the importance of Shroud Science to Faith?" On some occasions, the students' papers far exceed my expectations, so, I am sharing another one of them with you here.
What would be the Most Compelling Physical Evidence of the Resurrection of Jesus? by Joe Marino - Academia.edu - January 17, 2022 - [21 JAN 2022] Here is an excerpt from the introduction:"The Resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth is one of the most disputed and controversial events in all of history. The New Testament claims throughout its books that Jesus was crucified, after three days rose from the dead, and was seen by many disciples. Oceans of ink and countless keystrokes have been used trying to both defend and refute the Resurrection. In the 21st century, there has also been an upsurge in the assertion that Jesus never even existed. Most mainline scholars do not question Jesus' existence. He is, after all, mentioned in both Roman and Jewish sources. But the question of the Resurrection continues to get a lot of attention in mainstream scholarship…" [Editor's Note: Joe has also created an online discussion for this paper]
Where Do We Go From Here? by Tom D'MuhalaTom discusses his personal involvement in Shroud research, provides some much needed perspective on the carbon dating and suggests various courses of action for current and future Shroud studies in this insightful and often philosophic article. Tom was a founding member of STURP and was its president from 1978 to 1996. This presentation was originally delivered at the 1996 Esopus Conference.