In this episode of The Backstory on the Shroud of Turin, host Guy R. Powell speaks with Finnish researcher Teemu Hartikainen, founder and president of the Finnish Sindonology Society.

Hartikainen dives into one of the most debated documents in Shroud history: the 1389 memorandum by Bishop Pierre d’Arcis. Long cited as proof that the Shroud of Turin was a medieval forgery, Hartikainen explains why this claim doesn’t hold up.

Through detailed archival research, he reveals that the so-called “letter” is not a letter at all. Instead, it consists of two unfinished drafts dictated by the bishop. These drafts lack essential elements such as a date, signature, and polished Latin. Far from being official correspondence, they were likely internal notes, never intended for the Pope.

The episode also explores how later historians manipulated these drafts—adding a date stamp and altering translations—to make them appear as damning evidence against the Shroud. By mixing historical context with linguistic analysis, Hartikainen shows that these edits reshaped the meaning and fueled skepticism.

Beyond documents, the discussion uncovers the political and economic struggles of the time. With the Black Death devastating Europe and churches competing for pilgrims, the motivation behind d’Arcis’ complaints may have been financial survival rather than truth.

This thought-provoking conversation challenges long-standing assumptions and raises new questions about authenticity, faith, and history. Whether you approach the Shroud as evidence of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ or as a historical puzzle, Hartikainen’s insights provide clarity.

In this episode of The Backstory on the Shroud of Turin, host Guy R. Powell speaks with Jim Bertrand—renowned Shroud evangelist, researcher, and speaker. Together, they unpack key highlights from the 2025 Shroud Conference in St. Louis, where leading international scholars gathered to present new findings.

Jim shares the blessings of meeting experts, hearing powerful talks, and seeing fibers from the Shroud under microscopes. Among the most fascinating discoveries:

• Possible coins on the eyes indicated by metal alloy traces.
• Theories on the three hours of darkness explained by Sahara dust storms.
• Forensic blood evidence suggesting supernatural preservation.
• The Sudarium of Oviedo and new perspectives on its link to the Shroud.
• Microscopic evidence of neutron trails that may confirm the Resurrection event.

Bertrand explains how these findings connect science, history, and faith, offering believers and skeptics alike a deeper look into the mystery of the Shroud of Turin. He also reflects on the camaraderie among researchers, the role of the Shroud in evangelization, and the timeless truth that “the image on the Shroud is the natural consequence of a supernatural event.”

Don’t miss this conversation that bridges theology, research, and the enduring mystery of the Resurrection.

🎥 Click here to view the video: https://youtu.be/GVqFnI1ggLU

In this episode of The Backstory on the Shroud of Turin, Guy R. Powell interviews lawyer and Shroud researcher William Red, who applies legal reasoning to the centuries-old mystery of the Shroud.

William explains how courtroom standards reasonable suspicion, balance of probabilities, and beyond reasonable doubt can be applied to Shroud evidence. He demonstrates why the 1988 Carbon 14 dating, flawed by breaches in protocol and limited sampling, would be inadmissible in court. Instead, he highlights stronger evidence:

• Pollen unique to Jerusalem
• Dust samples from crucifixion-related areas
• Blood serum halos around wounds
• Forensic details confirming crucifixion practices

He contrasts absurd theories, like a Da Vinci forgery, against overwhelming corroborative science. Through a legal lens, the evidence tips the scales toward authenticity, pointing to a first-century origin.

This discussion bridges law, science, and faith, asking: what verdict would you render if you were the juror?

Whether you’re a believer, skeptic, or curious investigator, William’s perspective reframes the Shroud as more than an artifact—it becomes a witness to the Resurrection.

Click here to view the video: https://youtu.be/t-YWL2ZmWl0