The Conservative Cave

Interests => Religious Discussions => Topic started by: Ptarmigan on October 27, 2009, 11:40:47 PM

Title: Star of Bethlehem
Post by: Ptarmigan on October 27, 2009, 11:40:47 PM

What was the Star of Bethlehem? Could be it a supernova, hypernova, or a planets coming close together? This one claims that the supernova or hypernova was in the Andromeda galaxy. A supernova in Andromeda would be faint, while hypernova would be brighter. We do now that Jesus was not born on December 25th, but sometimes between March to October. I have heard of March 22, April 18, May 14, and September 11. This article says that Jesus was born on March 22, 8 BC.

http://www.math.tulane.edu/~tipler/starofbethlehem.pdf

Title: Re: Star of Bethlehem
Post by: franksolich on October 28, 2009, 06:18:23 AM

My "take" on the Star of Bethlehem is somewhat different from the usual story.

I suspect there was some natural phenomenon that God gave men the perception to see, that compelled some of them to investigate, coming from all corners of the then known world.  I don't think the wise men traveled together (unless at the very end of the journey); I suspect they were a motley collection of lone wolves who were curious.

And there were probably more than three of them.

Title: Re: Star of Bethlehem
Post by: Chris_ on October 28, 2009, 07:41:13 AM

Science will never be able to explain miracles.

Title: Re: Star of Bethlehem
Post by: thundley4 on October 28, 2009, 08:39:15 AM

I look at it this way. Suppose science does find a way to explain what was seen when Jesus was born, doesn't that just prove that God has control of the "heavens", and created something to guide the wisemen?

Title: Re: Star of Bethlehem
Post by: Chris_ on October 28, 2009, 10:23:26 AM

Quote from: thundley4 on October 28, 2009, 08:39:15 AM

I look at it this way. Suppose science does find a way to explain what was seen when Jesus was born, doesn't that just prove that God has control of the "heavens", and created something to guide the wisemen?

No, the explanation would be used to tell us that it "just happened that way" and the "mythical" story of Jesus was built around it.   :whatever:

Title: Re: Star of Bethlehem
Post by: Ptarmigan on October 30, 2009, 12:12:25 PM

Quote from: lug-nut on October 28, 2009, 07:41:13 AM

Science will never be able to explain miracles.

Whenever I starwatch with my telescope, it gives me a feeling of awe. It helps me reinforce my belief in God because the Universe is so vast and beautiful.

Title: Re: Star of Bethlehem
Post by: jinxmchue on November 02, 2009, 04:50:59 PM

Quote from: Ptarmigan on October 30, 2009, 12:12:25 PM

Whenever I starwatch with my telescope, it gives me a feeling of awe. It helps me reinforce my belief in God because the Universe is so vast and beautiful.

God of wonders, beyond our galaxy.  :)