The DNA of God?: Newly Discovered Secrets of the Shroud of Turin

By Leoncio A. Garza-Valdés

Book Overview

In 1988, radiocarbon dating showed that the Shroud of Turin--long regarded as the burial cloth of Jesus of Nazareth--could not be from the time of Jesus but was of a more recent origin. What... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0425176665
• ISBN13: 9780425176665
• Release Date: June 2001
• Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group
• Length: 206 Pages
• Weight: 0.63 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Shroud of Turn Authenticated by Scientific Examination!

One of the most talked about and yet least understood of the world's religious relics is the shroud of turin. In this book, the "DNA Of God", Dr. Leoncio Garza-Valdes draws upon his skill and knowledge as a medical doctor and as a professor of microbiology in order to present to us a fascinating scientific analysis of this Holy Shroud. He successfully refutes the common notion that the age of the burial cloth is of recent origin. Garza-Valdes rejects the carbon-14 dates as inaccurate due to microscopic bacteria and fungi which has formed on the cloth over the years. This contamination formed a "bioplastic" coating that spread as the bacteria used the blood on the shroud for food and energy to expand. He supplies us with eight color photographs of his indepth work. The image on the shroud is that of a male, approximately 5'11" tall and weighing around 175 pounds. He has shoulder length hair that is parted in the middle, with a moustache and forked beard. The documented wounds from the shroud are an exact replica of the gospel records account of the beatings, piercings, and crucifiction of Jesus of Nazarath. One thought that I found extremely interesting is the blood evidence. Although 95% of the blood on the shroud is bacteria laiden, the 5% that was able to be tested resulted in a concensus that the blood group was "AB". This is rare indeed. Less that 3% of the worlds population is presently AB, but it is 600% more common for Jews living in northern Palestine, according to the author. Is the shroud of turin the burial cloth of Jesus Christ? I for one am convinced! For more on this subject, please refer to the exellent DVD entitled: "The Fabric of Time".

Carbon-dating was flawed

This book was totally fascinating. It shows the history of the shroud and of what the body of Christ suffered during the crucifixion. However, the main focus of the book is that the carbon-dating results were flawed because of bacteria on the shroud. I have read several books about the shroud since this one and recent information has come to light supporting the fact that the carbon-dating was wrong. I highly recommend this book..

The Truth revealed by Science

I have known Dr. Garza for a number of years. He was my children's pediatrician. He is a wonderfully gifted doctor, and a lovely Christian man, one of the most peaceful individuals you will ever meet. He possesses a brilliant mind and truthful spirit. I was not surprised to hear he had written a book and was very pleased when I read it. I have always thought that the Shroud of Turin was legitimate, but it is a true fact, things can be faked. His scientific proof, in my opinion is indisputable. At least there will always be a question in most people's minds thanks to the research and genius of this man. The most fascinating chapter in the whole book, in my opinion, is the one where he reveals the pathology of the Shroud. The descriptions of the way in which Jesus died and the proof that the Shroud holds is amazing. Dr. Garza is a genius and associates with other genius's as intelligent and openminded as himself when it comes to scientific study. Everyone in the book who is used as a source is equally knowledgable and committed to presenting the scientific evidence , not in convincing people of the Shroud's authenticity. You must decide for yourself if it is real. This is a book that offers the evidence, you make the choice. This book is loaded with proof interpreted by one of the most intelligent and analytical of minds. It is an interesting read whether you are Christian or not. Concrete proof is hard to argue with, and to me this is one of the main things the book has to offer. Most of what the book tells you cannot be found in any other book about the Shroud. It is a must read for Christians, Scientists, and all thinkers alike.

Proof of this to all men

It was the exclamation point. That's what struck many people as out of place. Scribbled on the blackboard, behind the scientists announcing the results of the Carbon-14 dating of the Shroud of Turin, conducted in 1988, were the dates "1260-1390!" As they were triumphantly announcing their success, the exclamation point seemed to be their way of saying "See, we told you so!"Shroudies, devoted followers of the Shroud, were disheartened. Here were some of the most respected scientists in the world telling them their devotion was to a medieval forgery. Who would have guessed that a pediatrician with a love for Mayan artifacts would be the one to prove these scientists wrong. It was through his studies of two ancient Mayan artifacts that Dr. Leoncio A. Garza-Valdes, author of The DNA of God?, first came in contact with the Shroud. His journey began after buying two jade pieces in 1970. When two "experts" in pre-Columbian art informed him they believed the pieces were fake, Dr. Garza-Valdes decided to find out for himself.Dr. Garza-Valdes embarked on a series of tests to determine the true age of the artifacts. In his studies he discovered bacteria and fungus on the pieces which formed an organic "bioplastic" coating. This coating, it turns out, is the cause of an anomaly in the carbon dating process. Since the bacteria and fungus are alive and growing, the older the object gets, the newer it will seem to carbon dating tests. He found this same bioplastic coating on the Shroud of Turin - it's what gives it its "sheen" that so many speak of when they see the Shroud. To confirm his findings, Garza-Valdes tested other objects as well, including an ancient Egyptian Ibis mummy. Each time the results were the same: Carbon dating proved inaccurate on ancient linens that were contaminated with the bioplastic coating. In the case of the Ibis mummy, the difference was 550 years between the wrappings and the bones of the ancient bird. If the errors of earlier attempts to date the Shroud were the only findings presented that would be explosive enough. But we find out more. Further tests showed blood on the Shroud, determined to be that of a man, still contained human DNA. The blood, taken from the area behind the head of the Man on the Shroud, is type AB. Although only 3.2% of the human population have type AB, it is 600% more common in Jews from Northern Palestine. So is this, in fact, the DNA of God Himself? Valdes-Garza makes it very clear that there is no direct evidence that the blood on the Shroud comes from Jesus of Nazareth. Here, as throughout the book, he only presents conclusions that he can back up with scientific fact. But that does not prevent him from offering his personal opinion. He believes the blood on the Shroud comes from none other than Jesus of Nazareth. If it is true, as the Council of Chalcedon or Fourth Ecumenical Council stated, Jesus Christ was "truly God and truly man," and if the blood on the Shroud is that

Mind-boggling concept: Could this be the DNA of Jesus?

A truly fascinating book! Lots of new info for anyone interested in the Shroud, the origin of the blood, the suffering and burial of Jesus, archeology, biology, dating of artifacts, etc. The author explains new research showing why the Shroud and other ancient fabrics yield incorrect carbon-14 dates. He writes honestly, and risks speaking the truth despite politics and egos that get in the way. I found this book to be a riveting story of the author's discovery and problems encountered in understanding the Shroud's origin and history. It is intended for the non-specialist, although some of the 6 appendices are quite technical. The arrangement of the book is a little odd, and some terms and concepts are not adequately introduced. For those not familiar with the history of the Shroud, I recommend that Appendix A (part 1) and Appendix C be read before the main body of the book.