page_title: Relics associated with Jesus
section_title: Shroud of Turin
hierarchical_section_title: Relics associated with Jesus / Acheiropoieta / Shroud of Turin
caption_attribution_description: English: Shroud of Turin
context_page_description: A number of claimed relics associated with Jesus have been displayed throughout the history of Christianity. While some individuals believe in the authenticity of Jesus relics, others doubt their validity. For instance, the sixteenth-century philosopher Erasmus wrote about the proliferation of relics, and the number of buildings that could be constructed from wooden relics claimed to be from the crucifixion cross of Jesus. Similarly, at least thirty Holy Nails were venerated as relics across Europe in the early 20th century. Part of the relics are included in the so-called Arma Christi, or the Instruments of the Passion.
  Some relics, such as remnants of the crown of thorns, receive only a modest number of pilgrims, while others, such as the Shroud of Turin, receive millions of pilgrims, including Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI.
  As Christian teaching generally states that Christ was assumed into heaven corporeally, there are few bodily relics. A notable exception is the Holy Foreskin of Jesus.
context_section_description: The Shroud of Turin is the best-known and most intensively studied relic of Jesus.
  The validity of scientific testing for the authenticity of the Shroud is disputed. Radiocarbon dating in 1988 suggests the shroud was made during the Middle Ages. Arguments against the 1988 carbon dating results include conflicts in the interpretation of the evidence, samples being from a non-representative corner, and the presence of additional carbon content because of fire damage.
  Pollen residues on the Shroud provide evidence for an origin in the Jerusalem area before the 8th century.
  Both skeptics and proponents have entrenched positions on the Shroud's authenticity, often pitting science against divine formation preventing a dialogue to resolve the issue to the satisfaction of all.
caption: A recent photo of the Shroud of Turin face, positive left, negative on the right having been contrast enhanced
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