Jabba said:
2. I think that everyone here -- besides me -- believes that
a. While we can never be totally sure about essentially any conclusion,
I believe certainty is possible. The inclusion of "totaly" is merely an out many leave themselves.
there is not enough doubt about the carbon dating results to warrant serious weighing of any other evidence. (IOW, this case was effectively closed by the carbon dating.)
A backwards and back-handed way to put it, but yes: the carbon dating was conclusive.
3. Since I do want the shroud to be authentic, I can’t fully trust my own current conclusions about this
Gods be praised, a moment of honesty from Jabba!
5. Mostly, I’m really surprised that you two are so confident about the carbon dating
We have discussed the carbon dating to death. There is NO rational reason to dismiss it. ALL of the errors that could have happened
are in your favor and still failed to produce your desired result.
Your surprise is merely because you want the shroud to be old, not because of any facts about the issue.
6. Unfortunately, it will take me awhile to dig up the real evidence for my claims in that regard.
We will never see it, in other words.
7. Consequently, I’ll present a lot of my claims before I can (even in my own opinion) adequately support them – figuring that you guys can fill in most of the blanks yourself, and then confront me about the rest.
You don't like it when we do that. We tend to use facts and logic, which tend to oppose your conclusions.
8. I’ve previously listed my different areas of concern re the dating, but here’s an updated list:
Oh, let's do!
9. The emotionality in the 10 years of negotiation leading up to the test.
No impact on the C14 results whatever.
10. Significant protocols determined, but not followed.
Typical in all field work, due to field conditions. Also, the alterations were agreed to.
11. The size and location of the sample.
The size was more than adequate and hte location was chosen by experts who determined it to be consistent with the rest of the cloth. Also, all invisibile patch techniques would make it BETTER, as the area would represent a composite sample of the whole cloth.
12. Potential of repair, contamination and “new" linen.
This argument is substantiated by absolutely nothing, and therefore isn't even an argument but rather a wish.
13. Church (rather than scientists) selects sample.
Typical in sampling, particularly with artifacts. Unless the sample area is significantly different (meaning an actual patch), it's irrelevant who selects it. Seriously, most sample points are some guy putting a dot on the map and going "I dunno, how about here-ish?"
14. Sample selected at the last moment, after two hours of “ecumenical” debate.
Typical in field work, and would have no affect on the C14 dating.
15. Final step in procedure seen by only 2 people, and not videotaped.
NO sample has EVER been subjected to the level of control that these were. Complaining about one step not being videotaped is insane, pure and simple.
I'm going to ignore all other "this is typical of sampling events" points, because the above are sufficient to demonstrate your complete lack of understanding of sampling procedures and therefore your inability to evaluate them.
20. A clear age gradient within the sample.
A very minor one, and a very likely outcome from the random variations expected in extremely young C14 samples. Think about it: you can either have an age gradient or a middle sample being weird.
Nothing new, nothing valid.