Backstory on the Shroud of Turin

123 episodes

Jesus' Trial Explained
14/07/2026 | 55 mins.
What really happened during the trial of Jesus Christ? Could the Shroud of Turin provide important clues?
In this episode of The Backstory on the Shroud of Turin, Guy R. Powell welcomes Christian scholar and Psalm Log founder Preston Zeller for an in-depth discussion about history, biblical scholarship, and scientific research surrounding the Shroud.
Topics include:
Scientific evidence supporting the Shroud of Turin
Carbon dating and modern testing methods
DNA and historical research
The mystery of the Shroud's image formation
The suffering of Jesus Christ
Jewish legal procedures during the trial
Why many scholars believe the trial violated established law
The relationship between faith, history, and science
How the Resurrection continues to shape Christian belief
Insights connected to Guy Powell's book The Only Witness

Whether you are exploring Christianity, biblical history, or scientific evidence, this conversation offers thoughtful perspectives on one of history's most discussed artifacts.
Evidence That Inspires Faith
10/07/2026 | 56 mins.
Can physical evidence strengthen belief in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ?
In this episode of The Backstory on the Shroud of Turin, Guy Powell welcomes longtime Shroud researcher Lee Sweeney, Director of the Shroud Center at the Santiago Retreat Center in California. Together they explore why the Shroud of Turin continues to inspire believers, challenge skeptics, and engage young people searching for authentic answers.
Lee shares how more than two decades of teaching have shaped his approach to presenting the Shroud. Rather than asking people to accept faith without evidence, he introduces them to the historical, scientific, and biblical facts surrounding one of Christianity's most studied artifacts.
The conversation explores:
Why today's generation wants tangible evidence.
How the Shroud opens conversations about faith.
The relationship between science and Christianity.
Research into the mysterious image formation.
Why many researchers believe the image was produced by light.
How the Shroud helps people understand the Passion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The growing importance of the Holy Face devotion.
Why faith and science complement one another.

Lee also discusses his experience presenting the Shroud to thousands of students and church groups. He explains how many begin with doubts but leave asking deeper spiritual questions.
Whether you are exploring Christianity, researching the Shroud of Turin, or reading The Only Witness, this episode offers thoughtful insights into history, science, and faith.
Biblical Shroud Answers
06/07/2026 | 59 mins.
Can the Bible answer the questions that many Christians ask about the Shroud of Turin? In this episode of The Backstory on the Shroud of Turin, Guy Powell is joined by theologian and Christian apologist Tom Dallis for an in-depth discussion of twelve biblical objections that are frequently raised against the Shroud. Rather than dismissing these questions, Tom examines each one through the lens of Scripture, history, and first-century Jewish culture, offering thoughtful explanations that encourage listeners to explore the biblical evidence for themselves.
The conversation covers the Gospel accounts of the burial of Jesus Christ, the meaning of the Greek words used to describe His burial cloths, Isaiah's prophecies, Jewish burial customs, Joseph of Arimathea's role, and the relationship between the Day of Atonement and the Resurrection. Tom also explains why understanding the historical and cultural context of Scripture is essential when evaluating claims about the Shroud. One of the episode's most compelling sections explores how the High Priest's linen garments described in the Old Testament may provide a remarkable theological parallel to the burial cloths found in Christ's empty tomb.
Whether you are approaching the Shroud of Turin from the perspective of faith, biblical scholarship, or historical curiosity, this episode offers an engaging and balanced examination of some of the most frequently misunderstood passages in Scripture. It also expands on many of the themes found in Guy Powell's book, The Only Witness: A History of the Shroud of Turin, providing listeners with a deeper appreciation of how theology, history, and the Gospel accounts intersect.
Shroud Legal Evidence
03/07/2026 | 1h 2 mins.
In this episode of The Backstory on the Shroud of Turin, host Guy Powell interviews Judge David Belz, a former trial lawyer and superior court judge.
Belz brings a legal perspective to one of history’s most debated artifacts. He explains how courtroom evidence standards can be applied to the Shroud of Turin.
He breaks down direct, circumstantial, and corroborating evidence. He argues that corroborating evidence is key to understanding complex truth claims.
Instead of relying on a single scientific test, Belz emphasizes the total body of evidence. This includes historical records, forensic findings, and biblical references to Jesus Christ.
He discusses STURP findings and limitations of isolated interpretations. He also addresses carbon dating controversy and scientific disagreement.
Belz suggests that when all evidence is combined, the case becomes stronger. He frames the discussion around legal reasoning rather than emotional belief.
The conversation explores themes connected to the Resurrection and The Only Witness narrative. It challenges listeners to evaluate evidence like jurors in a courtroom.Whether believer or skeptic, this episode invites deeper reflection on truth
Calvin and the Shroud
09/06/2026 | 1h 1 mins.
In this episode of The Backstory on the Shroud of Turin, Guy Powell interviews author, apologist, and Shroud researcher Doug Powell.
The discussion focuses on John Calvin’s famous objections to the Shroud of Turin and how modern discoveries may challenge those conclusions.
Topics include:
• Calvin’s 1543 Treatise on Relics
• Why Calvin rejected the Shroud of Turin
• The history of relics during the Reformation
• Jewish burial customs and archaeological evidence
• The Sudarium of Oviedo
• The role of icons in Christian tradition
• Veneration versus worship
• Scientific and historical perspectives on the Resurrection
• The significance of Jesus Christ and the Shroud today
Doug also shares details about his doctoral research, which examines the historical and theological evidence surrounding Calvin’s critique of the Shroud.
This episode offers a balanced exploration of faith, history, and evidence while examining one of Christianity’s most debated artifacts.

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About Backstory on the Shroud of Turin

Are you fascinated by the intersection of biblical archaeology and modern science? Step into a world where history and cutting-edge research converge in our podcast, focusing on the Shroud of Turin, one of the most important Christian relics. I'm Guy R. Powell, author of "The Only Witness, a Christian Historical Fiction on the Shroud of Turin" and I invite you to join me and top experts from around the world including researchers, scientists, historians, and believers, (sindonologists – those that study the Shroud), as we explore the Shroud of Turin from every angle. We’ll try to uncover the truth about the Shroud of Turin. Special topics include: • Carbon dating of the Shroud. • How Jesus’s burial cloth, aka, The Shroud of Turin, or the Holy Shroud is mentioned in the Gospels Past interviews include top Sindonologists, such as: • Barrie Schwortz • Russ Breault • Joe Marino • Giulio Fanti • And many others Top questions discussed: • What is a biblical scholar as it relates to the Shroud of Turin? • What is the Shroud of Turin? • What is radio-carbon dating? • Is the Shroud of Turin real of fake? • What is the history of the Shroud of Turin? • When will the Shroud of Turin be exhibited? • What was the Shroud of Turin used for? • What blood and DNA was found on the Shroud of Turin? • What is the mystery of the Shroud of Turin? • Was the Shroud of Turin burned in a fire? • Was the Shroud of Turin found in Jesus’s tomb? • Is the Shroud of Turin the burial cloth of Jesus Christ? • Was it Mary Magdalene that found the Shroud of Turin? • Was it Peter and John that found the Shroud of Turin? • Is the Shroud of Turin the Holy Grail? Guy’s podcast and book has generated a world of comments: Guy Powell’s The Only Witness masterfully weaves a myriad of true historical and scientific details regarding the Shroud of Turin into a fascinating novel about this treasured relic and the people who were involved with it. His storytelling breathes life into history and is a joy to read! —Theodora (“Teddi”) A. Pappas, sindonologist and criminal defense attorney Kudos to Guy Powell who, in The Only Witness, has skillfully presented a most intriguing work of historical fiction regarding the putative burial cloth of Jesus Christ. —Jack Markwardt, historian and author of The Hidden History of the Shroud of Turin” “The missing element in Shroud studies has been a book like this." —David Rolfe, BAFTA-winning producer of The Silent Witness and Who Can He Be? Discussion topics covered in the Shroud include: • What future research is planned to further investigate the Shroud of Turin? • How does the study of the Shroud of Turin contribute to our understanding of Jesus’s life and times? • What controversies surround the carbon dating of the Shroud, and how are they addressed? • In what ways have new archaeological methods and discoveries provided insights into the authenticity of the Shroud? • How do experts differentiate between authentic relics and medieval forgeries? • What are the major historical events linked to the Shroud of Turin? • What are the latest scientific findings of the Shroud of Turin? • How does religious faith impact the study of the Shroud of Turin? Subscribe to Spotify or Apple Podcasts to listen each week. New episodes are uploaded every Thursday-Friday. Want to learn more about author Guy R. Powell? Check out my socials below: Website: www.guypowell.com Youtube: @Guy.R.Powell.ShroudofTurin Instagram: @guy.r.powell Facebook: @AHistoryOfTheShroudOfTurin Email List: https://guypowell.us6.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=27f4c87d37aa36fffdca695f3&id=6857bf7051 Connect today to unlock the mysteries of the Shroud of Turin.

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