Shroud of Turin examined in Lee Strobel's 'The Case for Christ'

Lee Strobel appears in a screen capture of a video from Saddleback Church. | YouTube/Saddleback Church

The new trailer for the film "The Case for Christ" shows former atheist Lee Strobel investigating the Shroud of Turin as well as other pieces of evidence surrounding Christianity.

The movie recounts Strobel's investigation of Christianity in 1980 while he was working as a reporter for the Chicago Tribune.

According to the synopsis, the film "draws on the true story of Lee and Leslie Strobel, whose marriage struggled mightily as her growing faith collided with his determined atheism. The dramatic retelling of their journey offers heart and a human touch on the in-depth research Lee Strobel conducted."

The full-length trailer, released by USA Today on Thursday, featured Strobel, played by Mike Vogel, taking a closer look at the Shroud of Turin, which is believed by some to be the burial cloth of Jesus Christ.

According to a Real Clear Science report, the 14-foot-long cloth bears "the double image of a man who suffered physical trauma in a manner consistent with crucifixion after being beaten, scourged and crowned with thorns."

The shroud has undergone numerous radiocarbon tests in order to establish its authenticity., The Christian Post reported.

In 1988, the results suggested that the cloth was manufactured between 1260–1390 A.D., well after the time of Christ. However, further research revealed that the fibers that were tested at the time originated from a later patch in the shroud, and the test did not reveal the age of the original cloth.

Christian leaders, such as Pope Francis, have not declared the shroud as an official relic of the church but have considered it as an important reminder of what Christ went through.

Strobel, who won several awards in 1980 for his work as an investigative journalist, began his attempt to disprove Christianity after his wife became a Christian.

During his investigation, Strobel had consulted with over 12 leading biblical theologians, scholars and experts. He soon learned that the Christian creed was solid, and he converted to Christianity decades ago.

The film's cast includes Faye Dunaway, L. Scott Caldwell, Erika Christensen, Robert Forster and Franke Faison. The movie is slated to be released on the big screen on April 7.