One thing does puzzle me. Considering the 3-d form the shroud was wrapped around, why isn’t the face markings especially broad from side to side when the cloth is laid flat? IMO it looks like a painting of someone, the result of putting an image on a flat surface while looking at a 3-d one.
Regardless of it’s authenticity, if people will get into the Word because of it, then that’s a good start.
Maybe it’s been in RC hands for centuries, but maybe it’s been sort of a ‘traveling trophy’, latched onto by whoever managed to control the regions through the centuries. Look at the mooslimbs; they have laid claim to and/or occupy parts of Jerusalem considered holy by Jews/Christians. (yeah, kinda wicked comparison though)
the possibility of it's being a painting has long been proved false - and it's provenance also goes back before daVinci ;o)
The History Channel documentary does show a heretofore new theory of the method that produced the image in the Shroud - which is NOT a burned or scorched image. The image has qualities - the 3-D one, for example - that no one has been able to reproduce before.
these scientists were able to get the 3-D effect by using a laser scan! - which irradiates.
That might be the tip of the spear. God's laser may be a bit stronger than ours? ;o)
My links in post # 52 are a good place to start for anyone who is just getting started in Shroud research. there is not one question anyone can come up with that has not been speculated on and thoroughly investigated and tested six ways to Sunday.
Questioning is the first step and I wonder if it shouldn't be that way - that each of us should question and then set about to find the answers.
We're fortunate. there are decades of research that we can dip into. Ultimately, each of us must come to our own conclusions. It's a great quest. If you decide to venture into it with a open spirit, I guarantee you an exciting ride.
(You may have noticed I said "spirit" rather than "mind?" There IS a big difference. One is the cross Jesus spoke of when He said to pick up our cross and follow him. He was referring the the "X" cross that signifies and blocking, a hindrance, to our passage. That"X" sign was used, even in His day, as it is today, to signify NOT THIS WAY. For most things 'GOD', we need to set aside our ego self - mind - and operate using our 'Spirit' self, which will testify of the truth of a thing, if we 'listen.'