Relics of the Christ.
Title:
Relics of the Christ.
Author:
Nickell, Joe.
ISBN:
9780813172125
Personal Author:
Physical Description:
1 online resource (230 pages)
Contents:
Cover -- RELICS OF THE CHRIST -- Title -- Copyright -- Contents -- List Illustrations -- Acknowledgments -- INTRODUCTION:The Life of Jesus -- The Christ -- The Nazarene -- The Mythologized Jesus -- The Physical Evidence -- 1. The Cult of Relics -- The Origin of Relics -- The Veneration of Relics -- The Dispensation of Relics -- Authentication -- 2. Christian Relics -- Nativity and Infancy -- Life and Ministry -- Disciples -- Later Saints -- 3. The Holy Grail -- Grail Legends -- Historical Evidence -- The Grail as Relic -- The Da Vinci Hoax -- 4. Self-Portraits of Jesus -- The Likeness of Jesus -- The Image of Edessa -- Veronica's Veil -- 5. The True Cross -- Visions of Constantine and Helena -- The Holy Cross -- The Titulus -- Fragments and Nails -- 6. Other Crucifixion Relics -- Relics of the Trial and Scourging -- The Crown of Thorns -- The Holy Garments -- The Lance of Longinus -- 7. Holy Shrouds -- Jesus' Jewish Burial -- Holy Winding Sheets -- Shroud of Constantinople -- Shrouds in Art and Liturgy -- 8. The Shroud of Turin -- The Affair at Lirey -- A Confessed Forger -- Journey of the Holy Shroud -- A Linen Cloth -- 9. "Photograph" of Christ -- Image on the Shroud -- The Imprinting -- Medical Evidence -- A Work of Art -- 10. The Sudarium of Oviedo -- Companion Relic -- Historical Record -- Bogus Science -- Carbon Dating -- 11. Blood of Jesus -- Holy Blood -- "Blood" on the Shroud -- "Blood" on the Sudarium -- 12. The James Ossuary -- Background -- Provenance -- Further Suspicions -- The Verdict -- Conclusion -- References -- Index.
Abstract:
The Holy Grail, the Lance of Longinus, and the True Cross are some of the most revered artifacts in the world today. These Christian relics are also a source of limitless controversy. They have incited bloodshed and, some say, are a source of miracles. They inspire fear and hope among the faithful, and yet are a perennial target for skeptics, both Christian and secular. To research the authenticity of numerous Christian relics, Joe Nickell employs a scientific approach, using such techniques as radiocarbon dating, polarized-light microscopy, and forensic serology. Examined here are such significant relics as the Shroud of Turin, the multiple heads of John the Baptist, and the "incorruptible" corpses of saints. For each relic, Nickell examines evidence indicating that the item is legitimate, evidence suggesting that it is not, and whether or not the relic and the miracles attributed to it can be recreated. In addition to his own experiments, Nickell presents findings from the world's top scientists and historians regarding these controversial objects of reverence and ire. But he is ultimately guided by the maxim, "extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof." In treating each relic as a mystery to be solved, Nickell seeks only to find the truth.
Local Note:
Electronic reproduction. Ann Arbor, Michigan : ProQuest Ebook Central, 2017. Available via World Wide Web. Access may be limited to ProQuest Ebook Central affiliated libraries.
Genre:
Electronic Access:
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