Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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80 of 80 people found the following review helpful:
Micro-revelation, June 18, 2000
This excellent 1997 documentary attempts to review and update evidential findings in recent Shroud research. The Shroud of Turin is described as "the most studied artifact in human history". The film focuses on three types of physical markings on the Shroud, which is now permanently sealed in argon gas to prevent further fading deterioration of the image. The three types are: the blood stains, the front and back image of a man, and the scorching. The editors show the blood stains consistent with 1st C. Roman flagrum(sp), the spear wound, and numerous puncture points consistent with Bible descriptions of Christ's passion. The filmakers use the 1978 STURP findings to show how the bloodstains soaked through while the image did not. Experts conclude that the image could not be a painting. Ultra violet (UV) tests showed that scorching is found on the entire cloth but the image does not show concluding that scorching could not have caused the image. Chemical analysis shows 'allover' iron oxide while VP8 image analysis demonstrates 3D characteristics inconsistent with forgery theories. Images of flowers blooming only during March and April (Passover), which are found on the Shroud, are identified by renowned Israeli Botanist, Avinonn Danin. Uri Baruch, Israeli pollen expert, confirms that 28 of the 58 pollens on the Shroud are found only in the Middle East. Artistic comparison of the Shroud image indicates that the Shroud was the prototype for all subsequent Christian representations of Christ. This is reinforced by comparison of coins known to be struck in 65AD, which reflect the same congruent points. 1st C. Jewish burial expert, Mika Halpern confirms the Shroud as being consistent with ancient Jewish burial practices. The Shroud's historic existence is then traced to Edessa and to Constantinople, where in 1204, during the sack of Constantinople by European crusaders, it disappeared. Comparative dating cites John 20: 6-7, which speaks of two cloths. The second known as the Sudarium is traced from Jerusalem in 614 to Alexandria, Toledo, and eventually Oviedo, Spain. While there is no image on the Sudarium, AB type bloodstains match exactly with the blood on the Shroud at points on the head, hair and nose. Manuscripts record and date the Sudarium to the 1st C. 1988 Carbon 14 testing of the Shroud fixed its age as no more than 600 years old implying a forgery. Then, in 1996, Spanish doctor, Garza Valdez, discovered and proved that bacterial coatings, later found on the Shroud, significantly distort carbon test dating. In an interview with Harry Gove, father of modern carbon 14 testing, Gove acknowledges that bacterial contamination, which was unknown during the 1988 testing, would render the tests inaccurate. As the evolution of Shroud research continues, this film bears out a major Christian theological doctrine that human knowledge of God is propelled by ever-broadening revelation.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
A Top Shroud Information Source, April 14, 2007
I used this tape in an adult Sunday School class, and the response from the group was tremendous. We all sat in rapt attention, as the Shroud of Turin Research Group (STURP) investigated the shroud and brought forth its detailed findings. The evidence is strong (although not certain), that the Shroud of Turin is the burial cloth of a man who was crucified in the area around Jerusalem (all this is ascertainable through pollen studies, image studies, and fiber analysis of the shroud). Whether it is THE burial cloth of Jesus of Nazareth can not be proven, although there is strong evidence that it just may be.
There is a great debate as to whether the Shroud is real or a clever forgery. This is a pro-shroud program, presenting strong evidence that it could be the burial cloth of Christ.
The image on the Shroud cannot be fully explained today, even with advanced technologies. The one damaging piece of evidence against the shroud being the burial cloth of Christ is the carbon dating, which dates the cloth to around 1250 AD - 1300 AD. If this data is true, then this cannot be the shroud of Christ. Most scientists hold to this view. However, this program presents evidence that puts the carbon dating method in question.
There are many other resources available on the shroud, both books and films, and many take pro or con positions. Although this is obviously a pro-shroud program, I thought it answered the common objections and criticisms of the Shroud of Turin quite well.
The film is well-done and a quality presentation. It is certainly thought-provoking and it will generate much discussion. It may change your faith as well. I highly recommend this program as a starting point for your study on the Shroud of Turin.
Jim "Konedog" Koenig
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
Highly Recommended!, April 4, 2002
This video is an excellent documentary of the Shroud's history and scientific investigation. It is easy to understand and quite entertaining as it was filmed in many international settings. It far surpassed all my expectations. The Shroud is not a "dead" issue. Do yourself a favor and purchase this video. I am buying an extra tape since I expect mine to be frequently barrowed.
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