Re: Star of Bethlehem
- From: Scott Miller <jsfmiller@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Mon, 05 Dec 2005 21:54:24 -0500
One small problem with this. There is astronomical evidence that Herod may have died in 1 A.D., January of that year. Herod is reported to have died after an eclipse of the moon and his successor took office before the Passover shortly thereafter. One lunar eclipse/Passover time period which seems to give an appropriate amount of time for the events that occurred between Herod's death and the taking of the throne by his successor was listed in the astronomical records on December 29th of 1 B. C., with Herod possibly dying early in 1 A. D. Earlier lunar eclipse/Passover time periods are inadequate for the task, assuming Josephus adequately chonicled the events he mentions.
This would also be consistent with other historical facts. One can pretty much throw out the census mentioned for there was no reason for the movement to ones historical home to be counted. And it was a census of Roman citizens, not all conquered peoples.
In 2 B.C., there was an oath of allegiance ordered for citizens and noncitizens alike to celebrate the silver jubilee of the reign of Caesar Augustus. This may have been started in 3 B. C., so that the results would be presented to Caesar at the time of the jubilee or ordered by Caesar himself to affirm his leadership. So, these two pieces of evidence point to the year of Jesus' birth as being either 3 or 2 B. C.
Having said this, I would still condend that Matthew likely made the birth story up in an attempt to convince Jewish leaders of the time that the person he thought was the Messiah was indeed so.
johnboy@xxxxxxxxx wrote:
Re: Star of Bethlehem
Any celestial event that is assigned a 'meaning' (beyond physics) is within the realm of ancient astrology. Astronomy is 'observation' and astrology is 'interpretation'.
To date, all of the astronomical theories and possibilities have been thoroughly investigated. All of the astronomical theories are mundane, however, all astronomical commentators have done a superb investigatory job probing the window of time (7 BC to 4 BC) and coming up with possible 'Star of Bethlehem' candidates.
At the time of the birth of Christ astrology and astronomy were the same 'science'. In fact, the only reason that celestial events and objects were studied was to try to ascertain what 'meaning' was to be derived from the observed phenomena.
Christ, according to the New Testament, was born before King Herod died. Herod's death is a matter of historical account and it occured in April of 4 BC ( 3 B.C.E. because of no year "0" ).
Additionally, NO ONE but the Magi 'saw' the star.
Also, the 'star that rises in the east' is (also) the Sun. I mention this because there is a great deal of astrological/astronomical allegory incorporated into The New Testament account of Christ's birth. For Instance, 'a star that stopped over a house where the child and his mother were'.
The star that 'stops' is the sun at a solstice point (solstice means 'sun stationary') and a 'house' is a component of an ancient (and contemporary) astrological chart. The 'house' of the mother is the astrological 4th house which begins at the time of the summer solstice. Some evidence is now forming which indicates a possible astronomical/astrological allegory.
The Old Testament states that the Messiah/King will be born in Bethlehem (Hebrew for 'house of bread'). Bread, in astrology is related to the astrological sign of Virgo (The Virgin). There is further writing in the Old Testament about a 'star' (asterism, which may be plural (also) for a collection of or constellation) linked to the birth of the Messiah/King.
The Persian Magi were highly advanced astronomer/astrologers. By 'highly advanced' I mean being possessed of the knowledge of the entire solar system as it is encoded in mathematic symbols in the construction of The Great Pyramid at Giza (2800 BC). See, http://www.templeofsolomon.org/Pyramids/pyramid_symbolism.htm for a virtual mind boggling overview of The Great Pyramid.
With that said, it is my opinion that the Star of Bethlehem was an astrological event witnessed ONLY by the highly advance Persian Magi. The 'Star' was (IS) revealed in an ancient astrological chart by the astrological geometric associations (aspects) of the Sun, Moon and planets. The chart can be viewed here: http://www.templeofsolomon.org/pageone.htg/pageone.htm
and a comparison of astronomical charts and astrological charts for the
2nd of March 5 BC can be seen here: http://www.templeofsolomon.org/StarofBethlehem-star.htm
It is unimportant if astrology is considered by some to be 'non-science'. The astrological charts have been prepared by employing methods that were used at the time of the birth of Christ (same as the western astrological chart of today).
Best Regards, John Charles Webb, Jr.
.
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