RE: [asa] Star of Bethlehem presentation?

A possible problem would be that Christians are usually opposed to astrology, and 'signs in the stars' sure does look like an astrology kind of thing. But in my experience they usually don't talk about that kind of linkage in church. Funny how, since it is biblical, people would accept this evidence. But if someone stood up in church today and said they saw a sign in the stars of something divine about to happen, no evangelical Christian would go for it. "Signs in the heavens" were only for the good ole days...

As far as prophecy, I don't think it was foretold that a star would lead anyone to the Christ, so it could have been just as out-of-place then as it is now (unbiblical?). Or, their culture could have been steeped in astrology as a science, so no bigee.

...Bernie

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From: asa-owner@lists.calvin.edu [mailto:asa-owner@lists.calvin.edu] On Behalf Of John Walley
Sent: Friday, November 20, 2009 4:53 PM
To: Allan Harvey; asa@calvin.edu
Subject: Re: [asa] Star of Bethlehem presentation?

Although not from a scientist's perspective, I looked into this a few years ago when he came to my church here. I think he is on to something.

I was heavily in to RTB at the time and they have a competing theory but I still found his much more plausible. I think the weakness of his that most people seize on is that he dates the advent of the star (a planetary conjunction if I recall) a few years earlier than 4BC which is when it is supposed to be and I don't recall how he deals with that, but the rest of his presentation is very convincing. It relies heavily on assumptions of the astronomical and astrological knowledge and accepted understandings of the day but as most of here are non-literalists, that shouldn't be that much of an objection.

I would definitely recommend you go and check it out. I think you will be impressed. A quick perusal of his site ahead of time would be wrothwhile as well.

John

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From: Allan Harvey <steamdoc@q.com>
To: asa@calvin.edu
Sent: Fri, November 20, 2009 7:42:11 PM
Subject: [asa] Star of Bethlehem presentation?
So is anybody here (particularly any astronomers) familiar with a guy named Rick Larson who has a supposedly scientific inspirational DVD presentation about the Star of Bethlehem. This appears to be his website:
http://www.bethlehemstar.net/

It will be shown (as an Adult Ed offering) at my church soon. Good, harmless, or something to steer people away from?

Allan Harvey, ASA Member

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Received on Fri Nov 20 20:23:51 2009