Catholic Scientist Champions the Shroud of Turin

Sophia Institute Press

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Summary

The Shroud of Turin has become a very controversial issue during the past few decades. Opinions about this linen cloth vary over a wide range. For some, on one end of the spectrum, it is merely a piece of cloth that was perhaps painted by a very talented artist - an icon of a crucified person, at best. For others, at the other end, it is a relic they venerate dearly as the authentic burial cloth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of humanity.

Who is right? Who is to decide who is right? Nowadays, most people will declare science as the best referee. Do they have a point? In this book, we will carefully weigh the claims that science makes pro and con the authenticity of the Shroud of Turin. We will assess what those claims are worth, so we may develop a more reliable and accurate perception of the Shroud of Turin.


Table of Contents



1.	BIBLICAL ANALYSIS
2.	HISTORICAL ANALYSIS
3.	COMPUTER ANALYSIS
4.	ANATOMICAL ANALYSIS
5.	TEXTILE ANALYSIS
6.	POLLEN ANALYSIS
7.	CARBON ANALYSIS
8.	BLOOD ANALYSIS
9.	DNA ANALYSIS
10.	CONCLUSION


Endorsements
 



"As you would expect from Verschuuren, what you get in this book is an extremely well-organized and well-argued assessment of the authenticity of the Shroud as the burial cloth in which Christ's body was wrapped before he was laid in the tomb. As readers may know, the Shroud has been extensively studied by scientists, extensively discussed as an artifact throughout history, and even more extensively reflected on in Faith. Verschuuren is in an excellent position to evaluate the competing claims, and does so here."

Dr. Jeff Mirus, on Catholic Culture, April 19, 2021

"It's fair to say that, despite the seemingly definitive tests in 1988, the status of the Shroud of Turin is murkier than ever. Not least, the nature of the image and how it was fixed on the cloth remain deeply puzzling."

Philip Ball, former editor of the science journal Nature
"Shrouded in mystery," Nature Materials, 2008, volume 7, 349.

"This is all very clearly and simply discussed in layman's terms, but signifying a deep knowledge of the material. "

John Paul Meenan on Catholic Insight

"This book is a terrific introduction to the use and limits of science to verify the Shroud of Turin."

Fr. Jeffrey Langan, PhD, PhD
Senior Fellow of the Principium Institute
Priest of the Prelature of Opus Dei


"Dr. Gerard Verschuuren lays out how the Shroud has been studied throughout the years and clearly describes all of the ways it has been studied and never clearly disproved to not be Jesus’ burial cloth."

Laura Hensley on EpicPew, August 4, 2021


"In this study Verschuuren remains faithful to his twin vocations, both as a Catholic and as a scientist,
achieving an admirable balance in a highly controversial area."

Francis Phillips on MercatorNet, May 4, 2021


"In this fascinating yet easy-to-read book, Verschuuren walks us through not just the history of the Shroud, but through the battery of tests done over the centuries."

Susan Ciancio on Catholic Mom, June 28, 2021


Interview with Johnette Bencowicz on EWTN, Women of Grace, July 9, 2021


Interview with Joe McClane on Catholic Drive Time Show, August 23, 2021


Interview with Thomas L. McDonald in National Catholic Register


Radio Interview with Teresa Tomeo on Ave Maria Radio (3/31/2021)


Radio Interview with Michael O'Neil on EWTN, the Miracle Hunter (4/5/2021)


Radio Interview on Wake Up show from Louisiana (4/15/2021)


Interview with Carolyn Dean on Divine Mercy Radio (April 26, 2021)

Click here to listen


Video Interview with Colleen Mcvey on Catholic Faith Network (4/15/2021)

Click here to watch the video


Radio interview with Mike Beauvais on RED-C Catholic Radio (May 5, 2021)

Click here to listen


Radio interview with Joe & Joe on Frontline Radio (June 27, 2021)

Click here to listen


YouTube Interview with Ali-Marie Ingram (April 2, 2021)

Click here to watch the video


Video: The Shroud of Turin

Video: The Catholic Roots of Science