Is the Shroud of Turin Real?

In this episode of The Backstory on the Shroud of Turin, host Guy R. Powell welcomes Russ Breault, long-time Shroud of Turin researcher and speaker, to share his deep insights into the cloth known as the burial shroud of Jesus Christ.Russ introduces “Seven Secrets of the Sacred Shroud”—mysteries that are often glossed over in typical presentations. These include hidden Gospel allusions, the visual parable nature of the Shroud, and overlooked historical clues like the water stains that may point to its true origin. He addresses common Protestant objections and the idea that faith doesn’t require a relic—while asserting that some may be reached precisely through it.The conversation also touches on how the Shroud confronts us with the brutal reality of crucifixion, and thus with the immense price paid for humanity’s sins. Russ reminds us: “There’s not a sin He can’t forgive.”If you've ever wondered whether relics matter, or what the Shroud of Turin truly says about the life and death of Jesus Christ, this episode is for you.🎥 Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/7gAhEpKT9tg

In this episode of The Backstory on the Shroud of Turin, host Guy Powell interviews retired Protestant pastor and researcher Larry Stalley. Together, they explore a lesser-known angle of Shroud studies: its potential biblical references.Larry believes that multiple authors of the New Testament—including Matthew, John, Paul, and the author of Hebrews—offer cryptic yet intentional clues about the Shroud of Turin. These clues, Larry suggests, were veiled deliberately due to the early Church’s need for secrecy amidst persecution.Highlights of this episode include:·      Why John Calvin rejected the Shroud—and why that view may fall short·      The significance of the “Sign of Jonah” and how it may point to the Shroud·      A theological response to “blind faith” vs. evidence-based belief·      How the Shroud helped convert a young atheist into a believer·      How visualizing Christ’s wounds through the Shroud deepens faith and devotionWhether you’re deeply familiar with the Shroud or just beginning to explore it, Larry’s unique biblical perspective opens a fascinating new dimension in this ongoing mystery.🎥 Click here to view the video: https://youtu.be/gH8BpTTpq7I

In this episode of The Backstory on the Shroud of Turin, host Guy Powell speaks with veteran Shroud researcher and blogger Stephen Jones, who shares a powerful and controversial theory: that the Shroud’s infamous 1988 carbon dating may have been hacked.Jones proposes that Cold War actors, possibly the KGB, altered the data via manipulation of the computer systems controlling the dating process. Drawing from his background in hospital IT and biblical science, Jones explains how the machines used were identical and vulnerable, how the date of 1325 AD was too “perfect,” and why this deserves a serious scientific reconsideration.He also reflects on how his Christian journey intersected with this remarkable artifact and discusses early depictions of Christ that mirror the face on the Shroud. Finally, he discusses how dating the pollen on the Shroud may offer future breakthroughs.Whether you're a believer, skeptic, or somewhere in between, this episode delivers a fascinating blend of science, faith, and digital forensics.Click here to view the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJHkMIsNBR0

In this episode of The Backstory on the Shroud of Turin, Guy Powell interviews conference organizers Joe Marino and Cindy Sheltmire to preview the Shroud of Turin 2025 International Conference and Symposium, set for July 30–August 3, 2025, in St. Louis, Missouri.Topics covered include:·      Why now is the moment for renewed global interest in the Shroud of Turin.·      The evolution of non-destructive testing methods and what they could reveal.·      A spotlight on key speakers including Robert Rucker, Dr. Gilbert LaVoy, and Dr. Cheryl White.·      The public tracks and special exhibits—including the same one featured at the National Eucharistic Congress.·      The importance of the conference as a tribute to Barry Schwartz, one of the shroud’s greatest champions.You’ll also learn how the Resurrection of Jesus Christ connects to the ongoing mystery and scientific intrigue surrounding the Shroud, making this event a once-in-a-generation opportunity to engage both faith and reason.Whether you’re a scholar, skeptic, or spiritual seeker, this is your invitation to become part of the story.🎥 Click here to view the video: https://youtu.be/lrP-ZQRPK6c

In this episode of The Backstory on the Shroud of Turin, host Guy Powell interviews evangelical apologist and theologian Tom Dallis. The two dive deep into Jewish burial customs from the first century and how these practices offer compelling support for the authenticity of the Shroud of Turin. Dallis details how key figures like Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea honored Jesus Christ with kingly burial rites—including 75 pounds of burial spices and fine linen, exactly what we’d expect for a royal entombment.But the discussion doesn’t stop at tradition. Dallis explores how modern science can further bolster the case for the Shroud, applying odds calculus and Bayesian probability. By combining over 30 lines of evidence—from forensic blood analysis to image formation science—Dallis concludes that the probability of forgery is so low it borders on the impossible.You’ll also learn how the Shroud reflects not only the physical suffering of Jesus but also echoes the symbolic role of Christ as the High Priest in the Holy of Holies.Whether you're grounded in faith or grounded in data, this episode challenges you to think deeper about the most famous burial cloth in history.🎥 Click here to view the video: https://youtu.be/B_p9x4izRKI

In this Easter edition of The Backstory on the Shroud of Turin, host Guy Powell sits down with Pastor Matt Cason of Saint James United Methodist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, for a deep and heartfelt conversation on the meaning of Easter, the Resurrection, and the power of Jesus Christ’s love.The interview explores:Pastor Matt's personal calling into ministry and spiritual influencesHow Lent shapes our understanding of the ResurrectionWhy the Resurrection is essential to the Christian faithHow to share the Easter story with childrenThe Shroud of Turin and its historical and spiritual relevancePastor Cason breaks down the Easter journey into three transformative stages: preparation, remembrance, and celebration. He also shares powerful insights about the first Easter celebration after Jesus’ death and how early Christians may have lived out their faith in secret, grounded in hope and awe at the Resurrection.Whether you are a seasoned believer or new to the Christian faith, this episode offers wisdom, clarity, and encouragement for the Easter season.Keywords: Shroud of Turin, Resurrection, Jesus Christ, The Only Witness, Easter, Christian Faith🎥 Click here to view the video: https://youtu.be/eQI_ERsjCkg

In this powerful episode of The Backstory on the Shroud of Turin, author and host Guy R. Powell speaks with Sean Fitzgerald—a Catholic theologian, ministry leader, and seasoned Shroud researcher. Sean shares how the Shroud of Turin has become more than a relic; it's a vital tool for evangelization, especially among youth and parish communities.Sean delves into his early exposure to the Shroud, how it sparked a lifelong study, and why the cloth continues to fascinate scholars and believers alike. He breaks down the physical and spiritual impact of the Crucifixion and Resurrection, using the Shroud as a bridge between history, science, and faith.Topics include:·      The Shroud's scientific anomalies and why skeptics often affirm its authenticity·      The emotional and physical trauma revealed in the image·      How the Shroud reflects key Gospel moments like the Garden of Gethsemane and the crucifixion·      The power of resurrection in shaping the early Church·      Catholic theology and the role of Mary and the EucharistWhether you’re a devout believer or curious skeptic, this episode offers a compelling case for the Shroud as The Only Witness to the Resurrection.Click here to view the video: https://youtu.be/0xENr97DCiw

In this riveting episode of The Backstory on the Shroud of Turin, host Guy Powell interviews veteran journalist and editor William West, author of Riddles of the Shroud and The Shroud Rises as the Carbon Date is Buried. William shares his decades-long journey investigating what he believes is the most profound mystery of all time: the Shroud of Turin.William takes us back to 1980 when he was first intrigued by David Rolfe’s award-winning documentary, The Silent Witness, and brings us through to the recent revelations that the 1988 carbon dating test was not only flawed but deliberately mishandled. He discusses how original data was kept secret for 28 years, and how peer-reviewed studies now reveal that the dating results failed basic statistical validity.West walks listeners through the scientific and forensic evidence—from Jerusalem soil and springtime pollen to the 3D qualities and absence of pigment—proving this could not have been a medieval forgery. He also discusses the Sudarium of Oviedo and how its bloodstains match those on the Shroud.Whether you're a believer, skeptic, or just curious, this episode offers rich insight into the most debated relic in Christianity and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Discover how scientific inquiry and faith converge in this historical mystery.👉 Click here to view the video: https://youtu.be/2iZ-31VpiDE

In this episode of The Backstory on the Shroud of Turin, host Guy R. Powell interviews theologian and longtime Shroud researcher Alessandro Malantrucco. Alessandro shares his incredible story of following in the footsteps of his father, Dr. Luigi Malantrucco, a prominent radiologist who proposed that Jesus Christ died from hemopericardium—a rupture in the heart—visible through forensic evidence on the Shroud of Turin.Alessandro discusses the scientific, theological, and historical dimensions of the Shroud, including:How medical evidence supports Gospel narrativesThe theory of a Tuesday Last Supper based on Essene calendarsFacial emotion analysis of the Shroud using modern psychological toolsThe absence of fear and anger on Jesus’ face at the moment of deathHow the Shroud helps students connect scientific method with biblical faithThe development of a digital app to access Shroud research globallyThis conversation explores how faith and science converge on one of Christianity’s greatest mysteries—the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Alessandro’s scholarly work brings new meaning to the Gospel and reaffirms the power of The Only Witness, Guy Powell’s book on the Shroud.Whether you are a skeptic or a believer, this interview will challenge your perspective on history, scripture, and science.👉 Click here to view the video: https://youtu.be/zNX_JcR6Hz4

Join Guy Powell as he interviews Pam McCue, a leading Shroud of Turin researcher, in this compelling discussion about the Shroud’s authenticity, scientific mysteries, and historical connections to Jesus Christ’s resurrection. Pam shares her personal journey, insights into the supernatural nature of the Shroud, and why modern science has struggled to explain its origins.In this episode, we cover:✔️ The mystery behind the Shroud’s image formation✔️ The flaws in the 1988 carbon dating results✔️ How the Shroud matches Gospel accounts of Christ’s crucifixion✔️ The impact of the Shroud on Christian faith and evangelism📢 Learn more about Guy Powell and his book The Only Witness: A History of the Shroud of Turin. GuyPowell.com📢 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yYTvYvQ9Gsk