AI reveals 'real' face of Jesus Christ based on the Shroud of Turin
Artificial intelligence has demonstrated its capability to perform remarkable feats, including unveiling what Jesus might have truly resembled. While AI can accomplish extraordinary things, it brings its share of disputes. For instance, when AI was requested to generate the so-called 'perfect' man and woman (if such a concept exists), many viewers found the results disappointing. In another case, AI produced supposed images of typical residents from each US state, yielding bizarrely unconvincing results. Recently, AI tackled the task of reconstructing Jesus' authentic appearance following continuous arguments about the religious icon's physical traits. The image creation, executed through Midjourney, utilized the Shroud of Turin as reference material.
The Shroud of Turin consists of a linen cloth believed to have served as the burial wrap for Jesus when he died on April 3, AD 33. Since 1578, it has been safeguarded in the royal chapel of San Giovanni Battista Cathedral in Turin, Italy, according to Britannica. Many believe this fabric contains a faint impression showing both front and back views of a man (presumed to be Jesus). One section specifically appears to show a facial imprint, which has been digitally enhanced to reveal clearer details.
The Daily Express asked an AI platform called Midjourney to create a realistic depiction of Jesus Christ based on the faint image visible on the cloth. The resulting picture shows a man with shoulder-length hair plus a beard and mustache—essentially matching the conventional portrayal of Jesus throughout historical depictions. The figure also displays apparent wounds on his face and body, possibly representing injuries from Christ's crucifixion.
Several historians have claimed that AI representations of Jesus like the Midjourney creation contain inaccuracies. One major point of contention involves his skin color, which scholars believe would have been darker. Addressing this issue, Dr. Meredith Warren, senior lecturer in Biblical and religious studies at Sheffield University, told MailOnline: "Jesus would have had brown skin, brown eyes, like the local population. He died before reaching 40. He wasn't wealthy and would have spent significant time outdoors, so his face likely showed some wrinkles. His hands and feet were probably rough and calloused."
