My comment was misunderstood. I certainly didn’t mean to imply the Shroud could not or should play a part in any conversion. Quite joyously, it can and does. It did with at least one poster in the thread already.
What my comment was reacting to was an assertion from a non-Catholic poster that a “piece of cloth” was not needed to confirm her faith, with the implication that Catholics or Shroud followers in general are dependent on the Shroud or similar relics to confirm their faith (at least the poster displayed a general interest in the Shroud as part of Christian religious history).
I would submit that Mr./Dr. Scholl’s faith would stay strong even if the Shroud were later proved to be a hoax or of non-supernatural origin (we know almost conclusively now that the Shroud is genuine and it is not likely to be validly discredited). Scholl’s faith, yours, mine, just about everyone’s would continue strong even without confirmation from the Shroud. That’s all I was saying. Catholics don’t in general “need” it, but it’s wonderful that it’s there!
Anyone seen any network information for the live broadcast yet?
Yes, you are right. One's whole religious conviction does not rest on one artifact like the Shroud. And it is not a dogma of the Church that this is indubitably authentic; but only that it is worthy of respect because it is --- by whatever provenance --- something which reminds us strongly of Our Lord's passion and death.
Just as many a person over the centuries has made a crown of thorns --- not "THE" cron of thorns --- but something to call to mind Him who wore it.