[.uk] The Star of Bethlehem: The Legacy of the Magi

Is it April 17, 6 BC?:
Professional astronomer Michael Molnar's "The Star of Bethlehem: The Legacy of the Magi" (2000) is destined to become a classic in star studies. This 187-page (hardback) book is well documented with 16 informative pages of endnotes, a helpful 11-page glossary, and a 5-page chronology. Molnar also completes this work with an interesting 9-page appendix entitled "Defining the Position of the Zodiac". This fascinating book was a quick read for me (I completed it in only a few days). I've also noticed that much of the information herein has been featured on various television documentaries about history's most famous star. I have used its material often in discussions, and for teaching, about Christ's Nativity. From an ancient numismatic study, Molnar suggests that the arrival of the Magi to Jerusalem and then later in Bethlehem (Matthew 2) may be pinpointed with certain amount of accuracy. Syrian coins, minted just before the birth of Christ, sport a ram together with a star. This coinage discovery led Molnar to consider the power of the star in the world of late antiquity. Documenting (from ancient star charts and other records) Jupiter as the royal planet in the ancient mind and Aries (the Ram) as a symbol of Judah in the ancient Zodiac, Molnar identifies Jupiter's passage through Aries (in the western sky) during the spring of 6 B.C. (chapter 4). This portent may have convinced the Magi (as avid stargazers east of Palestine) of an immanent regal birth in Israel (page 101). Molnar's extensive research among the ancient documents leads him to an exciting conclusion- the Magi arrival occurred on April 17, 6 B.C. (the date Jupiter was most prominent to the naked eye in Aries)! Could this date be Jesus of Nazareth's birthday? Molnar seems convinced. Molnar also talks about various ancient topics (i.e. the Roman Saturnalia, the origins for the official date for Christmas as December 25th, the dating of Herod the Great's death, and much more). The book, additionally, offers several black and white ancient coin photos, a number of ancient zodiac/star charts, maps and drawings of key people from his research. Molnar's writing style is non technical and persuasive. His coin study is fascinating and the star charts are informative. This is an excellent book and a good gift candidate. It is recommended to all astronomy buffs, teachers, Bethlehem star studiers, students of late antiquity, biblical researchers, and history readers. Order your copy soon.

A Fascinating Insight Into The Ancient Mind:
If you seek to understand the worldview of people far removed in time, you have to think like them. Astrology, the sacred science of the first century AD, "exceeded every religion in power and influence" according to Roman historian Michael Grant. Most of the great scientific thinkers of the period were astrologers. Horoscopes were read on street corners for a penny and in palaces for heaps of gold. Emperors like Tiberius, Claudius and Nero didn't make a political move without first consulting their astrologers - the theme of my novel "The Nero Prediction". Since this was also the century of Christ, there can be no doubt that Christian astrologers would have searched for the birthday of Jesus of Nazareth as further proof of his divinity. They knew he was born towards the end of King Herod's reign but they needed to know the exact day of the nativity. To us this would seem to be an impossible task but not to a first century magus. What seems absurd to us would have seemed obvious to them. Jesus was born at a moment in time when the stars foretold his astounding future. There was no single Star of Bethlehem. The "Star" was a spectacular configuration of planets. In a fascinating feat of astral detective work, Molnar sets out to find this apocalyptic configuration. The reader is first introduced to the fundamentals of classical astrology. Implementing its lore, he narrows down the birth in the manger to April 17, 6 BC. Of course it is extremely unlikely that this is the actual birthday of the historical Jesus. But Molnar tells us why the heavenly array on this portentous day could have been the origin of the Star of Bethlehem legend. A profound, groundbreaking work.

brilliant and thorough!:
Any understanding of Greek science and philosophy in antiquity makes it evident that the Greek pursuit of knowledge was an attempt in understanding the workings of god (much like a later Newton thought that he was studying god the clock-maker). In book 7, 821 of his "Laws", Plato writes that the observation of movement of the bodies in the heavens is ordered and rational, that: "men must study (the planets), so as to learn enough about them all to avoid blasphemy", because they are the work of god. In book 12, 967, Plato goes on to write "the systematic motion of the heavenly bodies and other bodies ...(are) under the control of reason, which is responsible for the order in the universe." Indeed to understand the Greek notions of astronomy & astrology is to understand that astronomy was the study of the mechanics/laws which governed heavenly movement, and that this movement had a logos, purpose which could only be understood through astrology. It was part of Greek religion. Greek astrology/astronomy spread to the east with the conquests of Alexander (d. 323 BC). And the capital of general Selucus on the Tigris, Selucia, was eventually incorporated into the Parthian (Persian) kingdom. Greek astronomical/astrological notions thus were the standard in "the east". Molnar's work is a tour de force. Not suffering the limitations of other astronomers, Molnar is perfectly aware that to understand what the phenomenon of the "star of Bethlehem" might have been, entailed that he would need to consult what the authorities believed at the time. Augmenting his knowledge as an astronomer with an understanding of numismatics and the depictions of star signs on the coins of the time, as well as consulting the astrological beliefs of those times, Molnar has delivered a thesis which is unchallengable (except maybe by American flat-earth-creationists?). This book is technical. This is a point that Molnar makes constantly in his book. The reason that it is technical is, as Molnar explains, because the Greek cosomology (astronomy/astrology) of those times was itself technical.

unimpressive scholarship and way-out-on-a-limb reasoning:
I see I'm clearly in the minority here, having a negative opinion of this work, but "that's what makes a ball game," as they would've said in the '30s. Our humble prof has culled scant evidence from a few scratchy glyphs on a Roman coin that's more aerugo than coin and subsequently woven a richly detailed tapestry of arguments and counter-arguments. Were the author as knowledgeable in ancient numismatics (not to mention, ancient astrology) as one is led to believe, he would require a whole lot more than a ram with a vague star over one shoulder to construct so detailed an argument. What we have here is truly a silk purse woven from a sow's ear. Now, pray tell, what will the Dr. Molnar make from Mme. Hog's other ear?

The Star of Bethlehem : The Legacy of the Magi:
This book by Michael Molnar is a result of his study of the famous Star of Bethlehem. Michael's extensive research on the subject goes far beyond just looking at star charts or decoding what the Bible says. Rather, he researches coins, local history, and historical accounts to determine what the star of Bethlehem really was. This book is great for the amateur astronomer who wants to learn the astronomical significance. However, Michael treats us to a thorough history of the times leading up to Jesus' birth, a look at Herod, and the political climate of the day. This is a must read for anyone who wants to know more about the birth of Jesus and who is fascinated with the star of Bethlehem. Very well done and very enjoyable. I have recommended it to several friends.