Star Of Bethlehem Research Articles

The Rest Is History

The Rest Is History

Matthew 2:7: The Danger of Assuming the Wrong Background

Abstract Most English translations of the story of the Star of Bethlehem either say explicitly or seem to imply that Herod learns from the magi the point in time at which the star appeared. This translation reflects an unusual understanding of two words in the Greek text, as well as raising the question why he killed children aged over a range of two years if he knew the exact age of the baby. These problems have been raised in the critical literature, yet many modern versions continue to offer a grammatically and logically strange interpretation. This article will argue that this interpretation is based on the assumption of a Hellenistic genethliac astrological background for the text, and that the perceived need for this common translation disappears if a Babylonian astrological background is assumed.

The Last Christmas (La Última Navidad)

The Last Christmas (La Última Navidad)

Star of Bethlehem

Star of Bethlehem Sahar Mustafah (bio) (Jerusalem, 1941) "You must always be invisible," the Englishman says. Like the others, Abdul-Razzaq looks to the interpreter. "My brothers," Mansoor kindly begins, "you are neither to be seen nor heard." "Like ghosts," snickers a boy among them. The English butler called Broadleaf raises a sharp eyebrow in silent reprimand. Abdul-Razzaq studies the wiry foreigner with pale blue eyes. His thin white hair is parted down the middle and slicked back. He wears a gray swallow-tailed jacket and stiff white collars. His gestures are quick and measured, delivered with impeccably trimmed and clean fingernails. Abdul-Razzaq's ears burn: his own fingernails are caked with grit, his knuckles gnarled from years of farming. As if reading his mind, Broadleaf commands each of the men to hold out his hands and stare straight ahead. He inspects their fingernails and gives his notes to Mansoor, who quickly translates them before the butler moves to the next man in line. When it is his turn, Abdul-Razzaq straightens his posture, and obediently holds out his hands, dry and ashy from years of working in the sun. He thinks of his wife and two children waiting in the crammed hovel where they are squatting with another family. Inshallah khair, he prays silently as the English butler scowls. "Trim those fingernails and"—he makes a sign as if decapitating a head—"beard must be shaved," he tells Mansoor, who in turn explains it to Abdul-Razzaq. "He may keep his mustache." Abdul-Razzaq nods vigorously. Safiya will not mind this. Broadleaf briskly moves along the line until everyone present has been either dismissed or hired. Three men remain, including Abdul-Razzaq, and the boy. They follow the butler from an anteroom down a narrow corridor. [End Page 163] Abdul-Razzaq's eyes dart about the villa. Tall arched windows illuminate a large liwan where a European sofa and quilted chaise are arranged against a backdrop of blue, green, and yellow geometric tiles accenting walls. There is an odd incongruity running through the villa, like two worlds colliding, their respective objects struggling to find their proper place and coexist. A gold-painted mirror with a floral crest hangs on one wall; opposite are three ebony carvede masks, expressions fierce and regal. Atop a cherrywood console sits a white marble figure with slanted eyes, sitting cross-legged on a small throne, his torso upright, his left arm nestled in his lap while his right hand points downward. Abdul-Razzaq has never beheld such strange things. The men pass three maids also newly hired, and they are set to thoroughly cleaning and water-sweeping the three-story villa. They wear black cotton dresses with collars that bloom into flower petals and starched whitest aprons. On their heads are gleaming white caps concealing their dark hair. One stands on a wooden ladder with pheasant-feather dusters, reaching for brass chandeliers and cast iron sconces. They continue the tour to the servants quarters, where the kitchen is located. When he is permitted to interject, Mansoor continues transmitting Broadleaf's running commentary and directives. "Vice-Admiral James Bernard Wood of His Majesty King George the Sixth's Royal Fleet shall reside in this villa, and it is our honor and duty to serve him and his family as supremely as possible. It is a great hardship to be stationed away from one's beloved homeland." Broadleaf cocks a thin eyebrow. "Thereby it falls upon all of us to ensure the Vice-Admiral's perpetual comfort and pleasure as he fulfills his duty to the Commonwealth." Next to a large pantry, the butler opens a cupboard containing neatly folded black jellabiyas. On their heads they are expected to don a black tarboosh. "Your uniform," Mansoor announces, directing them to each grab their parcel. "At least we are not forced to dress like foreigners in our own country," one man derides. The others, except for Abdul-Razzaq, nervously chuckle. He has yet to relax, his entire body clenched like a fist. As soon as he's handed his uniform, he exhales, eager to return to Safiya with the news. They have thwarted a worse...

La estrella de Belén en el Evangelio de Mateo, en el Protoevangelio de Santiago y en otros tres textos apócrifos: un análisis literario y comparativo

Este artículo explora el rol literario de la estrella de Belén del Evangelio de Mateo en cuatro textos apócrifos. Algunos aspectos literarios de los textos apócrifos son examinados. Este examen inicialmente determina las relaciones editoriales que existen entre estos y el texto canónico de Mateo. El estudio comienza con el Protoevangelio de Santiago, el cual edita y emplea con creatividad el Mateo canónico en lo tocante al relato de los magos y la estrella. Seguidamente, el artículo examina la actividad editorial que tres apócrifos realizan del Protoevangelio, en relación al astro. Estos son el Evangelio Árabe de la Infancia, el Evangelio Armenio de la Infancia, y el Evangelio de Seudo-Mateo. Un examen comparativo de los cuatro, permite concluir que, si bien existen elementos editoriales, el motivo de la estrella comprende un cuadro semejante presentado por el Mateo canónico, delineando su actuar en términos de movimiento.

Деноминациски симболи во унгарската месна и општинска хералдика

The paper discusses how particular Christian denominations are represented in the coats of arms of Hungarian towns and villages. Among the heraldic charges analyzed there are many depictions of actual churches (or standardized ones), but also other, more abstract symbols are in use (although with material prototypes), for example a simple Latin or two-barred cross (items usually ascribed to Roman Catholics), an Eastern Orthodox cross (used mostly by Greek Catholics) and an octagram known as the „Calvin star“ or the „Star of Bethlehem“ (one of the symbols of the Hungarian Reformed Church). However, all these assignments are not exclusive; only the Luther rose uniquely identifies Lutherans in all instances. A particularly interesting aspect of some of the emblems discussed is the use of hybrid (dimidiated) charges representing two different denominations at once.

Bouché’s star of Bethlehem, Ornithogalum boucheanum (Kunth) Asch. (Hyacinthaceae), a new species in flora of Croatia

Abstract Populations of Bouché’s star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum boucheanum (Kunth) Asch., fam. Hyacinthaceae) were recorded on Bansko Hill (Baranja, Croatia) in 2007. Since this species has not been previously confirmed in Croatia, it should be treated as a new taxon in the country and included in the Flora Croatica Database. In this paper we present a short morphological description of O. boucheanum and diagnostic morphological characters for differentiation from the related O. nutans L. We suggested O. boucheanum be evaluated as a critically endangered (CR) species of the Croatian flora, considering the small number of individuals and the small extension of its population. The recording of its populations on the edge of the loess cliff in Bansko Hill a part of which belongs to the Important Plant Area and Natura 2000, confirms the significance of this unique habitat in preserving rare and endangered plants.

Oh, Beautiful Star-of-Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum)

The snowdrop and primrose our woodlands adorn, and violets bathe in the wet o' the morn.—Robert BurnsTake a walk in many no-till fields that will be planted to a crop or stroll across lawns or golfcourse greens in the spring, and it is not hard to spot the small, white flower of the star-of-Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum L.). Star-of—Bethlehem is an aggressive weed of lawns, pastures, gardens, and many no-till agriculture fields of the temperate regions of the United States and indeed the world (Hagerman and Young 2004; Johnson and Nice 2015).

Paclobutrazol and Flurprimidol Control Stem Elongation of Potted Star of Bethlehem

Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are effective tools for controlling potted plant growth. In this article, the effects of flurprimidol, paclobutrazol, and ethephon media drenches on stem elongation of star of bethlehem (Ornithogalum thyrsoides and Ornithogalum dubium) were investigated. At the lowest paclobutrazol (0.5 mg/pot) and flurprimidol rates (0.05 mg/pot) tested, plant height was reduced 20% to 35% compared with controls in all tested cultivars. Ethephon applied as a media drench when plants reached visible bud (VB) stage had no effect on plant height or flowering. A consumer preference survey of ‘Fire Star’ star of bethlehem (O. dubium) plant height showed that about 60% of participants preferred PGR-regulated plants. With every level of preference increase for shorter plants (on a scale of 1 to 5), participants were willing to pay $0.48 more for the shorter plant.

P02.177. Effects of Bach Rescue remedy on cardiac autonomic balance in healthy women

Methods In this two-stage crossover trial, seven females (mean age 26±4 years) were randomlyassigned to a sequence of two treatments (Rescue remedy and placebo) with a onemonth wash-out period. The Rescue remedy consisted of four drops of five flower essences (cherry plum, clematis, impatiens, rock rose and Star of Bethlehem) dissolved in brandy and 250 ml of distilled water. The placebo consisted of four drops of brandy in 250 ml of distilled water. Cardiac autonomic functions were evaluated by frequency domain indices (LF, low frequency power and HF, high frequency power) of heart rate variability at baseline and after the intervention. Percentage changes were calculated and compared between the Rescue remedy and placebo groups using Wilcoxon signed rank sum test.

MYSTERY?

MYSTERY?

THE STAR OF CHRIST IN THE LIGHT OF ASTRONOMY

Abstract Centuries of both theologians and astronomers have wondered what the Star of Bethlehem (Matt 2:2, 9) actually was, from miracle to planetary conjunction. Here a history of this search is presented, along with the difficulties the various proposals have had. The natural theories of the Star are found to be a recent innovation, and now almost exclusively maintained by scientists rather than theologians. Current problems with various theories are recognized, as well as general problems with the approach. The interactions between the sciences and religion are categorized and explored.

Book Review: Astrology in Medieval Ireland and Wales: Fiery Shapes: Celestial Portents and Astrology in Ireland and Wales 700–1700

ASTROLOGY IN MEDIEVAL IRELAND AND WALES Fiery Shapes: Celestial Portents and Astrology in Ireland and Wales 700-1 700. Mark Williams (Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2010). Pp. 218. £60. ISBN 978-0-19-957184-0.The literature on the history of astrology continues to expand, even if slowly, following Otto Neugebauer's rejection sixty years ago of George Sarton's query as to why any serious scholar would wish to study the past of this wretched subject. The body of reliable literature, though, remains slight (Sartonesque attitudes have proved remarkable tenacious), which is all the more reason to greet Mark Williams's exploration of astrology in what is commonly known as the British 'Celtic fringe' (specifically, Ireland and Wales) in the millennium between the early medieval period and the early modern - approximately 700 to 1700. The earlier date is determined by the beginning of manuscript evidence, the latter by the end of astrology's status as a fit topic for intelligent discourse. The only previous work in this area, Marina Smyth's Understanding the universe in seventh-century Ireland (Boydell Press, 1996), covers only the earlier period, so Williams's book is to be welcomed.The book is divided into several distinct sections, each of which could be considered as a smaller self-contained unit. The five chapters consider celestial portents and apocalypticism in early medieval Ireland; Druidic cloud-divination and portents of Antichrist; the two great literary works, the Welsh Taliesin and the History of Geoffrey of Monmouth; astrology in medieval manuscripts, chiefly from the fifteenth century; and the work of the seventeenth-century Calvinist astrologer, Morgan Llwyd. The narrative connecting the earliest chapter, a discussion of evidence for the existence of Druidic astrology in Ireland, to the latest, is tenuous. In this, the book reflects the difficulties of Williams's material, in that, having taken Celtic astrology as his subject area, the ground vanishes before his eyes. This, of course, is a familiar problem amongst Celtic scholars, some of whom have questioned the entire notion of 'Celtic' as a suitable category. Williams avoids this pitfall by defining his work regionally instead of culturally, not as Celtic astrology but as astrology in Wales and Ireland.In spite of the apparent disjunction between the Irish and Welsh material, Williams finds at least one major linking theme: a focus on astrology as the interpretation of celestial portents, a rationale amply justified by the Star of Bethlehem, rather than as, say, the interplay of natural forces which is favoured within Aristotelian cosmology. …

ECAM: Neuroendocrineimmune, Electroacupuncture and Gene Expression.

As mentioned in the first issue of volume 7, there was a review of covers and how these images could have served to prick the imagination of readers and invite esthetic appreciation of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) before opening the pages to the scientific evidence-based work; however, covers were intended to stimulate an interest in contemporary art and how it might be related remotely to art (1, 2). Essentially, all of the images might be considered as high art as related to high culture and much too complicated and perhaps even inappropriate here. Suffice it to say, the works would evoke immediately for initiated the usual forms of what everyone considers art is all about. However, to depart from these and the periods in CAM early I decided to place on the covers figures that at first glance might re-sample contemporary art. There are brilliant colors, especially greens and reds, some suggestion of order often in the midst of disorder. Now, we come to the second issue and start with the origin of a portion of the title neuroendocrineimmune and its first usage in relation to eCAM. Next, we will treat briefly a proteomic approach to electroacupuncture (EA), departing from classical guesses and providing sound molecular interpretations. Results are all embracing: the nervous, endocrine and immune systems. First, here is a very brief description of the covers for eCAM supplements (3, 4). Supplement 4: ETM 2007 European Traditional Medicine International Congress, Vinci, Italy, October 4–6, 2007. ‘Star of Bethlehem: (Family Liliaceae, Ornithogalum umbellatum L)’, Leonardo da Vinci, Italy; pen and ink over chalk on paper. Reproduced by the kind permission of the Royal Collection 2006 Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The concept of nature is fundamental in Leonardo’s art. The Star of Bethlehem is an ornamental plant; the florescence can bear 20 flowers. It is a toxic plant and poisonous if ingested, it contains cardiac glycosides in all parts with the bulbs containing a higher percentage of the toxin. Preliminary studies in the 1970s were devoted to its possible treatment of heart failure but these were abandoned. Supplement 6: Sasang Constitutional Medicine: as a Holistic Tailored Medicine. The Banquet of Seowangmo (Xiwangmu), Queen Mother of the West. Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910), 18–19th Century Screen/Scroll, painting. Eight-panel screen, ink, color and gold on silk.

A linguist's angle on the Star of Bethlehem

There is no shortage of suggestions for the astronomical events that may have given rise to the Bible's descriptions of the Star of Bethlehem. In this account, I consider the question from a linguist's point of view, focusing on the language used to describe phenomena in the sky around 2000 years ago. What would an astrologer have meant by we have seen his star in the East? And what events might have been both visible in the conditions described, and considered of significance? Scholars working in this area cluster in groups: the comet group, the planetary group, the supernova group, and so on. None has yet succeeded in delivering a fatal blow to the others' accounts. I may be in a group of one for the time being: the astrological group. I present here a type of argument that may reconcile astronomical events, astrological learning of 2000 years ago and biblical accounts. © 2008 Royal Astronomical Society.

Book Review: More on the Star of Bethlehem: The Star of the Magi: The Mystery That Heralded the Coming of Christ

Book Review: More on the Star of Bethlehem: The Star of the Magi: The Mystery That Heralded the Coming of Christ

The significance of dreams and the star in Matthew’s infancy narrative

The phenomena of dreams and the star of Bethlehem in Matthew’s birth narrative have intrigued scholars through the ages. Scholarship in this regard went through the stages of identifying the origin of the material and of arguing the historicity of these events. Currently scholarship is moving into a new stage of investigating the meaning of these narratives. Without engaging the arguments developed by the first two stages mentioned, I investigate the significance of these unusual forms of revelation in this article.

Ayurveda is Embraced by eCAM

Ayurveda is Embraced by <i>eCAM</i>

Astronomical enigmas: life on Mars, the Star of Bethlehem, and other Milky Way mysteries

Questions about the heavens are as old as civilization, perhaps as old as language itself. Is this universe infinite? What are the lights we see in the sky? In the millennia since our distant ancestors first looked up, these basic questions have been answered in countless ways, while other, more difficult questions have arisen and been answered in turn. This insatiable curiosity is fundamental to our nature, and as we learn more about our universe, we better understand our place in it. Astronomer Mark Kidger has spent his career helping the general public understand the nature of the universe and what astronomy can tell us about its composition, history, and future. In Astronomical Enigmas, he presents the questions he is asked most frequently and offers answers that are at once clear, succinct, and stimulating. Kidger begins by exploring the heavens from the perspective of our forebears, moving from Stonehenge and the earliest theories about the planets and stars to one of the great historical mysteries in astronomy: the identity of the star of Bethlehem. He then answers questions that provoke some of the most passionate and heated arguments between astronomers: Is there life on Mars? Is Pluto a planet? What did we learn by going to the Moon? He uses these questions to look at how astronomers deduce information about objects they could never visit. Finally, Kidger looks to the future by examining two urgent questions-the possibility that an asteroid might devastate life on Earth and the impact of climate change as witnessed on other planets-before coming full circle to look at our own origins, answering the question Are we stardust? The answer is as astonishing as it is unexpected. Witty, engaging, and accessible, Astronomical Enigmas is a terrific way for anyone who is fascintated by the skies to learn how much we know about our solar system-and how much there still is to discover.

Identifying the Star of Bethlehem

Identifying the Star of Bethlehem