THE Shroud of Turin, imprinted with the haunting image of a crucified man, is an article of faith, literally and metaphorically. That's why its deepest mystery will never be unraveled. It's not in any human power to determine, with finality or certainty, its spiritual meaning and purpose. Each individual is free to decide the shroud's symbolic value.

New tests show that the Shroud of Turin originated near Jerusalem before the 8th Century.

But it is in science's power to make discoveries about the physical characteristics of the cloth -- the article itself. Those discoveries, though, are subject to revision, as scientists learn more, develop new approaches, use new technologies and apply different disciplines of knowledge. That is part of the scientific adventure.

A new study of the shroud examines pollen samples and plant images. It suggests that the shroud actually dates back to Jerusalem, to no more recent than the 700s -- in sharp contrast to an earlier study, which used carbon dating on a piece of the fabric close to the edge. That study indicated that the cloth was from the Middle Ages, sometime between 1260 and 1390 A.D.

Each theory has its own partisans and detractors -- as well as mediators who reconcile seemingly contradictory conclusions. Their debate, their observations, their continued study may eventually lead to a definitive answer about the age of the shroud. Almost certainly, they will add to our general scientific knowledge.

As the study of the Shroud of Turin gloriously illustrates, science does not always necessarily move forward in a linear direction. Contradiction and confusion can often be the germ of enlightenment.

But the scientific method never can provide scientific proof of the articles of religious faith.