has been a pilgrimage site for centuries. This linen cloth, measuring over four meters long, bears a faint image of a man—many believe it to be the likeness of . The faithful are convinced that this is the very cloth that wrapped the Savior’s body after the crucifixion.
An Ancient Voice of Doubt
Recent research has uncovered a 14th-century manuscript in which the French theologian and philosopher Nicolas Oresme openly calls the shroud a forgery. He wrote that clergy fabricated miracles to elicit donations, and the example of the shroud in a church in Champagne was one such case. This document stands as the earliest known written testimony of skepticism regarding the relic.
The Journey of the Cloth Through the Centuries
The shroud first appeared in 1354 in the French town of Lirey. At that time, the Church condemned it as a forgery. It wasn’t until later that it made its way to Turin, where it has been housed in the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist since 1578. Attitudes toward it have shifted over the years, ranging from outright denial to recognition of its symbolic value.
Scholarly Debates
In recent decades, the shroud has been the subject of numerous studies. Some researchers argue that the cloth was wrapped around a sculpture and dates back to the Middle Ages. Others emphasize that all the marks on the fabric strikingly align with the Gospel accounts of Christ’s Passion. Despite countless attempts, science has yet to provide a definitive answer regarding the origin of this image.
A Mystery That Endures
The story of the discovery of Oresme’s manuscript illustrates that doubts about the shroud’s authenticity arose as early as the Middle Ages. For some, this merely confirms its forgery; for others, it serves as evidence that the relic has withstood the harshest trials and has not lost its power of faith.
Debates continue to this day, notes Daily Mail. Regardless of the answer, the Shroud of Turin remains a symbol that continues to inspire some while prompting others to seek the truth.
Photo: “The Lamentation of Christ”. Petrus Christus, 1460, wikipedia.org
