Radoslaw Nabrzyski Writing and Rhetoric Dr.

Dietel McLaughlin 10/29/13 The goal of my paper is to explore the ambiguous authenticity of the Shroud of Turin, in which Jesus was presumably wrapped after he was taken down from the cross. There is evidence for both sides (i.e. it was really Jesus or it wasnt), therefore I will argue the side that it is irrational to root a great amount of ones faith in the Shroud, presenting evidence supporting the fact that the Shroud did not belong to Jesus. My intended audience is anyone of the Christian denomination, as the Shroud presumably belonged to Christ. Even though my paper could cause the audience to question their faith, it wont argue that the Christian faith itself is unreasonable, but rather that rooting such faith in the Shroud is most likely a mistake. My goal is to persuade even the people who are strongly sold on the idea that the Shroud is real to not consider the Shroud a sure miracle. I have found multiple sources in the ND library, including online articles and a scientific study published in 1978 concerning the chemistry and physics of the Shroud of Turin. Of course, my audience will expect both a scientific opinion and the Vaticans view on the situation I will provide them with both. I did have trouble finding information much different from what I have listed in my 3 supporting points. However, there is so much evidence for these three points, that they could support my thesis. Once again, one of the problems I have encountered was finding the fourth supporting point. However, I do not see any other obstacles as of now, besides arranging the three supporting points and the evidence behind them.