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“To the Magi, coming from the East to adore him, the light of the one "who has been born king of the Jews" (Mt 2,2) appears in the form of a heavenly body, so bright as to attract their attention and guide them to Jerusalem”. John Paul II.
2022 •
Matthew's account stresses Jesus' Jewish identity and heritage. It is therefore intriguing that his earliest witnesses to recognise Jesus' kingship were not among Christ's Jewish followers, but a group of nameless, foreign soothsayers, who visited Jerusalem in search of a boy to proclaim as king. The historical reliability for this narrative depends hugely on the existence of a star that proclaimed Christ's coming into the world. Magian astrological beliefs, ancient Chinese astronomical observations, Jewish history, and scientifically derived data from NASA's table of past lunar and solar eclipses, are shown to link together the events described by Matthew are historical not merely legendary.
Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith
Matthew’s Magi Never Visually Followed a Star Anywhere, But …2019 •
As we move forward into new discoveries in the heavens, it is also important for Christians involved in science to seek clarity about our ancient scripture texts. Matthew's account of the Magi and the star has been misinterpreted for generations. The star resists attempts to be discovered. One can find dozens of interpretations and speculations. Have we understood Matthew's account in its proper context? Recent archeological discoveries concerning Babylonian astronomy may help us to reimagine the Magi and their famous star.
While some of the best efforts to interpret the Magi Star have concluded that it was a planet, say, Venus or Jupiter, none, I think, has been able fully to explain it in its precise detail - for example, the fact that "it stopped" (Matthew 2:9).
Julius Caesar said, But I am CONSTANT as the Northern Star, Of whose TRUE-FIX'D and resting quality There is no fellow in the firmament. The skies are painted with unnumber'd sparks, They are all fire and every one doth shine, BUT THERE'S BUT ONE IN ALL DOTH HOLD HIS PLACE (Shakespeare, Julius Caesar) That’s because they know traveling stars are never up to any good Exerter whined about “the PLANETS OF MISHAP that plotted thus our glory's overthrow?” (Shakespeare, Henry VI) Citing the untimely death of Henry V At the Nativity, There were shepherds that reportedly saw angels At the time of the Bethlehem star's appearance That star is the vehicle that transported them. Even Jesus, in Revelation 1 said THE STARS ARE THE ANGELS. Then you can understand what the Hebrews’ Lord meant When He said to Abraham, I will make thy seed as the stars of heaven Though He told Abram to count the stars in the sky, It has nothing to do with numbers, But everything to do with their appearance, To the ordinary eye
Pre-edited copy of chapter 3 from "The Star of Bethlehem and the Magi", 2015, edited by Peter Barthel and George van Kooten (published by Brill in Leiden). Based on conbritutions from the conference on the 'Star of Bethlehem', held in Groningen in October 2014. A critical look at the approaches taken in interpreting what was the Star of Bethlehem based on the last 1900 years of writing on the subject. Astronomical and astrological interpretations are found to be problematic, and particular attention is paid to the work of Michael Molnar and his book from 1999. Explanations from biblical studies are also examined, and some weaknesses are delineated. Lastly, a new potential avenue of research based on other passages from the Old Testament are presented as a way to look deeper into the background creation of the story of the Star of Bethlehem.
2019 •
The biblical account of the wise men and the star that announced the coming of the Messiah of Israel has inspired and puzzled people for two millennia. Important aspects of Babylonian astronomy seem to be involved in understanding the star’s appearing. But in addition, this short book also explores the men and events from a profoundly Jewish perspective. The traditional Jewish names of stars and planets, Jewish symbols, as well as Jewish dates, all seem to be keys to unlocking the mystery of the famous star.
Chapter 2 of the book "MUL.BABBAR: The Messiah's Star"
The Star, a Guide or a Messenger?2024 •
A fundamental question needs to be answered. Did the Messiah's star announce the coming of the Great King promised by the Hebrew Scriptures, or did it serve as a visual guide, leading the Magi to a house in Bethlehem? The PDF is Chapter 2 of the book MUL.BABBAR: The Messiah's Star.
This research identifies the Star of Bethlehem followed by the three Magi as understood from the sacred Christian text of Matthew. Evidence is drawn from sky phenomena and mythology of the Roman Empire combined with contextual artifacts related to the astronomy of the day.
2022 •
2024 •
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A motivação está associada à duração e frequência da prática de atividade física em idosos?2019 •
HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe)
ENIGMES Compte rendu du projet2007 •
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Medication adherence and blood pressure control amongst adults with primary hypertension attending a tertiary hospital primary care clinic in Eastern Nigeria2013 •
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Human Dimensions of Urban Blue and Green Infrastructure during a Pandemic. Case Study of Moscow (Russia) and Perth (Australia)2021 •
2017 •
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The chemical, sensory properties and population of lactic acid bacteria of cangkuk made from beef meat and kepayang endosperm (<i>Pangium edule</i> Reinw) at various fermentation times2024 •