Exploring the origins of Christianity, this book delves into the life of a first-century Jewish figure who became a pivotal religious leader. It examines the historical and cultural context of his time, shedding light on how his teachings and actions resonated with diverse communities. The narrative uncovers the transformative impact of his message, the challenges he faced, and the eventual establishment of a new faith that would spread across the globe, reshaping spiritual beliefs and practices.
Exploring a pivotal mystery within Christianity, this book delves into the historical and theological implications surrounding the resurrection of Jesus. The author presents a compelling argument that intertwines art, archaeology, and religious history, offering fresh insights that challenge conventional beliefs. Through meticulous research, the narrative unveils how a significant artifact could hold the key to understanding the origins and evolution of Christian faith, making it a thought-provoking read for both skeptics and believers.
"The birth of Christianity, nearly 2000 years ago, has shaped the whole course of human history. Yet historians still cannot explain how it all really began. What made Jesus's followers claim to have seen him alive again, three days after his crucifixion? Why did Christianity take off so quickly? This extraordinary book, based on seven years of secret research, finally provides the answer. And it lies with an enigmatic relic long assumed to be a fake: the Shroud of Turin. With historical detective work and cutting-edge scientific research, art historian Thomas de Wesselow has discovered that Jesus's followers did see something at the tomb. They saw something real but out of the ordinary - something that seemed like a miracle. It was the burial cloth of Jesus, stained with his body image. This ancient marvel was hailed as a sign of the Resurrection, and kick-started the Christian faith. The Sign details conclusive evidence that the Shroud of Turin is authentic, showing that the faint image on the cloth was formed naturally through a rare chemical reaction. It then explains how this revelation solves multiple puzzles of religious history: for example, the Gospel reports of the appearances of the Risen Christ are clearly based on early viewings of the Shroud"--Publisher description
