The Shroud of Turin, revered by many as proof positive of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, is a fake, according to non-profit group The Skeptics Society. “It’s like Big Foot. Every time someone comes up with a new theory or whatnot, it’s gets a big flurry of attention.” said co-founder Pat Linse. The Shroud received a surge of media attention over the Easter weekend, as can be expected.

The Shroud, a piece of linen cloth bearing the visage of a man’s face (if you squint a little), supposedly received this imprinting when Jesus Christ was resurrected. There have been many new observations and presentations regarding the Shroud, however there are no recent scientific breakthroughs to support any new theories.

New analysis of the Shroud of Turin shows someone who was crucified in a Y-shape http://t.co/XVAFX39nyU pic.twitter.com/rjUi2MBBcM

— New Scientist (@newscientist) April 2, 2014

According to the Skeptics Society, which boasts famous scientists Bill Nye and Neil deGrasse Tyson as members, the Shroud fails basic scientific tests, including the widely-accepted carbon-dating test. In 1988, the Shroud was tested and results suggest the Shroud dates back to 1260-1390 CE. Linse said the Shroud is a “highly-stylized, amature rubbing.” Though there has been much debate regarding the validity of this particular test, it has been confirmed that the results are accurate.

Despite overwhelming scientific evidence debunking the myth of the Shroud, believers are expected to flock to visit when it goes on display in 2015 in Turin, Italy. The Shroud has been on display to the public only five times in the last century, the last exhibition being in 2010. The Pope is scheduled to visit the Shroud May 24, 2015.

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