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

by Leoncio A. Garza-Valdés

In a story that made headlines around the globe, an American microbiologist tells how he reestablished the case that the Shroud of Turin belonged to Jesus Christ and revealed astonishing evidence consistent with the Bible's account of the Crucifixion. Reprint.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Science

206 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Angela Tanjuakio]

While browsing my local library, The DNA of God? immediately caught my eye. As someone fascinated by the overlap between science and religion, I was excited to dive into a book exploring just that. However, my initial excitement was quickly dampened as I read the book.

This book really suffered from the writing style. Many sections felt so unnecessarily heavy and complex that I had to reread them several times, which made reading feel like work rather than leisure. To the book's credit, there were still moments when the connections between science and faith shone through, offering meaningful insights to reflect on.

In the end, I appreciate what the book tried to do—the topic was compelling, but the style just didn’t work for me. I’m still eager to learn more about the Shroud of Turin. However, I just hope my next read on the subject is more accessible and enjoyable.

[Melanie]

“In Christian legend, all the trees of the forest rebelled, at giving their wood for Jesus’ cross, except the holm oak. Yet Jesus forgave it because it was willing to die with him.”

[Eric]

Science, politics, and religion - do they mix or not. Dr. Garza-Valdes makes a strong case for the 1988 carbon dating of the Shroud of Turin being invalid because of a bio-plastic coating which seems pretty evident on the flax fibers

[Nathan]

The book said a lot of interesting things about the Shroud, but most of it is a touchy defense of the author's scientific research.