In chapter 7, Mary Roach explored the realm of crucifixion experiments on cadavers. Two scientists in specific were Dr. Barbet and Frederick Zugibe, who both devoted their lives to finding the cause of the famed double flow marks on the Shroud of Turin. Roach goes into detail on how Barbet experimented with cadavers, nailing them and sometimes just parts of cadavers (he used anything he could get) to a homemade wooden cross in various positions. He did this in order to find the exact spot where Jesus was nailed to the cross. After years of experimenting though, it was Frederick Zugibe who disproved Barbet's theories, one by one. Zugibe constructed a cross in his garage, and began experimenting, although not quite like Dr. Barbet. Instead, Zugibe strapped live human beings to his cross, all willing and wanting to feel how they believe their savior had felt on the day he had been crucified. After spending time in his lab and at home "crucifying" religious followers, Zugibe finally came to a conclusion that the double flow marks on the shroud had come from the angle in which Jesus' Palm was nailed. Roach ends the chapter with her explanation that alleviation should not cater to enlightenment, but rather to pain, unlike Dr. Barbert's beliefs.
Posted with Blogsy
thanks
ReplyDelete