The DNA of God?

by Leoncio A. Garza-Valdés

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 scientists did not know at that time, but what author Dr. Leoncio Garza-Valdes came to discover, is that bacteria produce an organic coating (what he calls a "bioplastic coating") over time on ancient textiles, textiles including the Shroud itself. This coating, which the author first discovered on Mayan artifacts, so distorts the carbon dating process that objects on which it is found (such as the Shroud) are actually significantly older than the data show. The scientific community has hailed Dr. Garza-Valdes's findings since this new knowledge is of significance for archaeologists around the world. For those interested in the mysterious history of the Shroud, it is again possible to regard this artifact as originating in the first century--and consequently as being the burial cloth of Jesus.

But Dr. Garza-Valdes's amazing discoveries did not end with this breakthrough. His examination of pieces of the Shroud under a microscope has revealed incredible clues consistent with the Scriptural accounts of the death of Jesus. Bacteria that produce acetic acid (vinegar) were isolated from the Shroud. Do they belong to the vinegar offered to Jesus before his death on the cross? Could human blood remnants that contain a man's DNA be traces of the blood of Jesus? Does it contain the DNA of God?

The DNA of God? is the fascinating story of this microbiologist's journey of discovery and of the earthshaking secrets he has revealed about the Shroud of Turin.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Science

224 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Angela Tanjuakio · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

“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 · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.