Posted on 12/21/2014 10:40:32 AM PST by NYer
History, ping!
There were many recorded astronomical events in the first decade B.C. which could plausibly explain the appearance of the Star, including multiple conjunctions of Jupiter with the bright star Regulus, per above (the "King" objects).
Unlike pagan beliefs that the planets, et al *cause* significant events, Scripture is replete with instances where we are instructed to look for the "signs" ...
NO! Next question.IBTH (in before the haters.)
“We even have an ancient Chinese chronicle, the Ch’ien-han-shu, which states that an object, probably a nova, or new star, was observed in March in 5 B.C. and remained visible for 70 days.”
Some people think the “wise men” were actually from China, as it took two years to follow the Silk Road to the West.
“(whereupon Augustus, who had granted Herod his puppet kingdom, remarked that since Herod observed kosher laws to placate his Jewish subjects, “It is better to be Herod’s pig than Herod’s son”).”
This is actually from a play by Macrobius (4th century), a man called “the last of the pagans”. But he ascribes Augustus’ pun to Herod’s slaying of all the children in “Syria”, as Judea would then have been geographically.
Whether he invented the saying, or Augustus actually said it,is unknown. But evidently the massacre of the innocents was known about, either from Christian or other sources.
As for “magi”, it is fairly certain that Matthew wrote originally in Hebrew, and therefore would have used a Hebrew term. This was then translated as “magi”, but which might have only meant “wise men” or “sages”. At this point, and with our scantly knowledge of the cultures, we cannot say why exactly this word was chosen to be used.
“As for “magi”, it is fairly certain that Matthew wrote originally in Hebrew,” According to whom. Most likely Greek, possibly Aramaic. But we will never know because there are no original copies of Mathew’s book in existence.
Where does this term “Babylon Mystery Religion” come from anyway?
It seems to me the magi would be a perfect fit in such a category. What religion were they?
Where does this term “Babylon Mystery Religion” come from anyway?
Oh wow ok thanks.
(You know if Shea ever reads this, he’s going to be kicking himself for not coming up with that.)
The Pope cilled mi chikins
Interesting. Thanks!
This play certainly left an impact that continues to this day. Think of all the plays that have been performed over the course of 2000 years! It's truly amazing. How many of our contemporary plays will still be remembered 2000 years from now.
“Mystery Babylon” has no relationship whatsoever to the Magi of ancient Babylon.
The Magi were descendants of Daniel’s students, and were well versed in prophecy, and the Biblical origin of the named constellations.
“Mystery Babylon” is described in Revelation as “The Great Men of the Earth.”
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Nothing in scripture indicates that Yeshua’s star was especially large.
Yeshua’s star is Zemach, The Branch, and is a part of the constellation Bethula (the virgin).
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That’s one of the sources on the topic that I’ve read before, and in fact the celestial event depicted in the graphic is specifically mentioned, I believe.
Thanks for the post ;-)
By the time of Christ, ancient Babylonia was subjected to the Persians. Their religion was what we call Zoroastrianism, a dualistic faith that worshipped the god of fire/light, Ahura Mazda. The much older pantheistic religion of Babylonia worshipped Marduk, Tiamat, and a host of other deities identified with natural forces.
On the other hand, they could have picked up the Greek system from the incursion of Alexander the Great.
Basically, “Who knows?”
No. It’s islam. Next question.
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