John Calvin, on this artifact: “Either St. John is a liar, or all those who boast of possessing the holy sudary are”
The Final Jeopardy clue for Thursday, November 5, 2026, appeared in the category “Religion” and read: “John Calvin, on this artifact: “Either St. John is a liar, or all those who boast of possessing the holy sudary are”.” The clue points to one of the most famous and controversial Christian relics in history. The correct response is the Shroud of Turin.
What Is the Shroud of Turin?
The correct response is the Shroud of Turin, a long linen cloth bearing the faint front-and-back image of a man who appears to have suffered injuries associated with crucifixion.
The cloth has been preserved in Turin, Italy, for centuries and has traditionally been revered by many Christians as the burial shroud of Jesus Christ, though its authenticity has long been disputed.
What John Calvin Said About It
The quotation in the clue comes from John Calvin’s Treatise on Relics, in which the Protestant reformer strongly criticized claims surrounding supposed Christian relics.
Discussing burial cloths said to have belonged to Jesus, Calvin argued that the Gospel of John described separate cloths for the body and the head. He concluded that “Either St. John is a liar, or all those who boast of possessing the holy sudary are” false in their claims.
What Does “Holy Sudary” Mean?
The word sudary comes from the Latin sudarium, originally referring to a cloth used for wiping sweat or the face.
In Christian relic traditions, the term came to be applied to cloths associated with Jesus’ burial or Passion. Calvin used it while attacking the claims of churches that possessed competing objects said to be authentic burial cloths.
Why Calvin Was Skeptical
Calvin objected not only to the Shroud itself but also to the wider medieval practice of displaying relics whose authenticity he considered doubtful.
He noted that multiple churches claimed to possess genuine burial cloths of Christ, creating an obvious contradiction if each object was presented as the original.
The Image on the Shroud
The Shroud of Turin bears a faint image showing both the front and back of a human figure.
The image includes markings interpreted by supporters of the relic as wounds corresponding to crucifixion, including injuries to the wrists or hands, feet and head.
How the Shroud Reached Turin
The documented history of the cloth becomes clearer in medieval France, where it was displayed at Lirey during the 14th century.
It later came into the possession of the House of Savoy and was moved to Turin in 1578, where it eventually became permanently associated with the city.
Scientific Debate Over Its Age
The Shroud has been the subject of extensive scientific examination.
Radiocarbon testing conducted in 1988 dated the tested linen to the medieval period, between the 13th and 14th centuries. Supporters of authenticity have continued to question whether the tested sample was representative of the entire cloth, so debate over the relic has persisted.
Why the Shroud Remains Famous
Despite centuries of controversy, the Shroud remains one of Christianity’s most recognizable relics.
Its mysterious image, uncertain origins and connection with the story of Jesus’ burial have attracted theologians, historians, scientists and pilgrims for generations.
Why the Shroud of Turin Is the Correct Answer
The decisive clue is Calvin’s reference to the “holy sudary.” His Treatise on Relics specifically discusses claimed burial cloths of Christ and includes a passage criticizing the object associated with Turin.
That makes the Shroud of Turin the correct Final Jeopardy response, a relic whose authenticity has inspired devotion, criticism and scientific investigation for centuries.