Two Days of Brightness and the Stars of Christ's Birth

2021

Contents: 1. SCIENCE AND SCRIPTURE: 2 1.1 How to resolve contradictions 2 1.2 Why astronomy might be concealed in the Bible 3 1.3 Some key terms to understand of following text 3 2. DECIPHERING BIBLICAL CALENDARS 4 2.1 Three sons of Noah and three seasons of the year 4 2.2 Twelve sons of Jacob and the zodiac 4 2. THE CREATION OF THE WORLD AND THE EXPULSION FROM THE PARADISE: 5 When did it occur and what does it mean? 5 3.1 Primordial Heaven 5 3.2 What happened on the 6th of October 3760 BCE? 5 3.3 What might Eden symbolize? 6 3.4 The meaning of Cain-Abel story 7 3. THE GLOBAL FLOOD AND THE BABEL TOWER: 7 Where and when were they? 7 4.1 The centuries-old enigma of the Great Deluge 7 4.2 The Babel Tower is found 8 5. THE AGE AND KNOWLEDGE OF THE PATRIARCHS: 9 Precise astronomy, synchronization with neighbors, and the Santorini volcano eruption 9 5.1 Why did the Patriarchs live so long? 9 5.2 Contemporaries of Patriarchs in the neighboring 9 5.3 Seven years of famine after the Santorini eruption 400 years before the Exodus 10 6. REALITY OF THE EXODUS: 10 From the Plagues of Egypt to the capture of Jericho 10 6.1 The pharaoh of the oppression and the pharaoh of the Exodus 10 6.2 The Egyptian evidence of Moses? 11 6.3 The Biblical evidence of Merneptah? 11 6.4 Forty years from the Egyptian darkness to the eclipse of lunar Jericho: a chronological key ……………………………………………………………………………..…….…………. 11 7. JUDGES, KINGS, AND PROPHETS 12 The standing sun, the fiery chariot, the sky circles 12 7.1 When the sun and the moon stood and stones were falling from the heaven 12 7.2 Samson the hero among other Judges 12 7.3 Precise chronology of the first kings Saul, David, and Solomon 12 7.4 The celestial fiery chariot of Elias 13 7.5 Ezekiel the astronomer, a predecessor of Pythagoras 13 7.6. Daniel’s astronomy 14 8. THE CELESTIAL SIGNS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT 14 8.1 Sky symbols of Jesus Christ and the Apostles 14 8.2 Heavenly Signs in the Book of Revelation: 15 9. APOCRYPHICAL BOOKS OF ENOCH: 16 Manuals of Megalithic Astronomy 16 9.1 What are these books? 16 9.2 Megalithic Observatory 17 9.3 1 Enoch: The Length of Day and Latitude 17 9.4 2 Enoch: Shift of the Sunrise Point and Latitude 18 9.5 The Seasonal Stars 19 9.6 The circumpolar Constellations 19

Within the canonical gospel literature the the nativity of Jesus is only recounted in Matthew and Luke, and in very different ways. The Matthew text is generally assumed to be older, and known to the author of the Luke text. Why did Luke feel he needed to substantially add to, or modify, the account already given in Matthew? We shall try to provide an answer to that question, and argue that the information in the two complementary nativity accounts provides sufficient elements for the precise astronomical dating of the narrated events.

Ancient cosmologies and modern prophets, edited by Ivan Šprajc and Peter Pehani, 443-456. Ljubljana, Slovene: Slovene Anthropological Society, 2013., 2013

A considerable amount of the research into the 'Star of Bethlehem' has assumed that it was a unique celestial event. Such an approach, however, has overlooked the possible celestial information contained in the other features of both nativities of the gospels of St. Matthew and St. Luke. This paper considers these other attributes. It adopts an archaeoastronomical and astrological approach to both narratives using the sky for the period of 07-06 B.C.E. as a primary document, as well as the Mesopotamian and Hellenistic astrological literature of the time. In the case of the Matthean pericope - the stories in Matthew's gospel - this approach suggests that the Star of Bethlehem is the title of a story rather than a single bright apparition. In the case of Luke's pericope it reveals that the attributes of the shepherds, angel, and the notion of a manger or a place for animals can be viewed as a Mesopotamian-influenced sky-watching discourse.

When Abraham gazed into the Urim and Thummim, he was swept away in a vision of the heavens. Beyond the violent hurricanes of Jupiter and the twisted rings of Saturn, past swirling black holes and the blinding explosions of living stars he traveled until he approached the throne of God. Then, "face to face, as one man talketh with another," he spoke with the Lord, and like Enoch before him and Moses after him, he was shown "those things which [God's] hands had made, which were many; and they multiplied before mine eyes, and I could not see the end thereof" (Abraham 3:11-12).

New Haven : Connecticut- the our race company + The New Alexandria Library of Texas, 1890

Another rare book added to The new Alexandria Library features the realms of theology, astronomy, and historical chronology to present a bold defense of two miraculous events described in the Bible: the "long day" when the sun and moon are said to have halted during Joshua’s battle (Joshua 10:12–14) and the backward movement of the shadow on the Dial of Ahaz (Isaiah 38:8). Totten meticulously applies 19th-century scientific methods, including celestial mechanics, soli-lunar cycles, and eclipse calculations, to argue for the literal historical accuracy of these phenomena. The book is divided into three parts. The first discusses the biblical texts, astronomical principles, and the mechanics of time, offering mathematical justifications for the intercalation of a “missing day” in ancient calendars. The second provides corroborative appendices, referencing ancient texts like the Book of Jasher, and explores the interplay between astronomical cycles and biblical prophecy. The third section focuses on the chronology of world history, harmonizing biblical timelines with secular records, such as those of Babylon and Assyria, to underscore what Totten perceives as a divinely orchestrated historical pattern. Designed for readers from advanced scholars to beginners in theology or astronomy, the book offers both rigorous arguments and accessible summaries. At its core, it is an apologetic work seeking to demonstrate that the Bible’s miraculous accounts are not merely symbolic but align with the observable laws of nature when viewed through the lens of divine providence. Totten's eschatological undertone further elevates the work, linking these celestial events to the unfolding of prophetic history and the impending culmination of human epochs. While modern readers may find Totten’s methods and assumptions rooted in the limitations of his time, the work remains an intriguing example of the 19th-century attempt to synthesize faith and science, offering insights into the era's intellectual landscape. Whether approached for its theological insights, historical interpretations, or astronomical calculations, this book challenges its audience to explore the boundaries between the sacred and the scientific. Contents Preface and Introduction The book begins with a Preface (xi) and an Introduction (xiii), providing the author’s purpose, scope, and methodology in addressing the miraculous events described in the Bible. The Biblical Record This section establishes the scriptural foundation for the discussion, covering The Biblical Record (1), the event of Joshua’s Long Day (5), the phenomenon of The Shadow on the Dial (11), and The Elements as Verified (17), which examines natural elements involved in the described miracles. Part I — Discussion This part delves into the interpretation and scientific analysis of the events. Topics include The Argument (23), Secular Corroboration (25), the Inception of the Problem (27), and the anomaly of the Reference to Moon (31). The section explores The Real Effect of Stoppage (33), Soli-Lunar Cycles (36), and the True Origin of ‘Time’ (37). It also covers The Intercalated Day (38), The Site Unique (41), and concludes with The Battle Described (45) and Without Sunset, No Sunrise (49). Part II — Appendices The appendices provide additional historical and scientific context. They include The Book of Jasher (95), Casual Eclipses (97), Earliest and Latest Eclipse (97), Times and Seasons Changed (101), and Biblical Cycles are All Astronomical (105). Further topics cover Chronological Eras Harmonized (110), Astronomical Forecast (1891–2) (115), Caiaphas and Leo XIII (117), and Judah Homeward Bound (120). Part III — Chronological Appendices This section harmonizes biblical and historical timelines, starting with The Chaldee-Babylonian Era (141) and Preliminary Chronological Outline (143). It discusses the Origin of ‘Times of the Gentiles’ (155), the Chronology of Jeremiah Vindicated (175), with a Preliminary Outline (179) and Chronological Arrangement (187). The section culminates with The End of the Age (201) and The Conclusion of the Matter (209). Tables and Illustrations The book includes detailed tables and charts such as The 176th Metonic Cycle (69), Synchronization of Years (113), Chronology of the Assyrian Empire (141), and Hoshea’s Reign Harmonized (145). The General Chart of the 2,520 Years (215) aligns biblical and secular chronology. Illustrations include The Battle of Beth Horon (Military Map) as a frontispiece and a Diagram of Astronomical Elements (16). Miscellaneous Topics Other subjects discussed are A Military Commentary (82), The Conquest of Palestine (85), Corroborated by Eclipses (97), and Verified by Equinoxes (101). It addresses Shadowed on the Dial (105), Proved from the Almanac (110), The Apologists Arraigned (115), The Sword of Damocles (120), and The True Chronology (141). Additional discussions include Creation’s 6,000 Years (145), Joshua, Christ, Columbus (155), The Key to Chronology (175), and The Week Unbroken (179). It concludes with The End of the Age (201), A Significant Year (205), A Solemn Warning (207), Jewish Irredentalism (215), The Last King of the Franks (217), The Controversy of Zion (220), and A Midnight Cry (225). Tags related to the book- Biblical Events and Themes: Joshua's Long Day, Dial of Ahaz, Old Testament miracles, biblical chronology, solar miracles, moon anomalies, Hebrew history, Book of Jasher, prophetic timekeeping, eschatology, biblical cosmology, Jewish sacred texts, biblical battles, divine intervention, angelic warfare, Israelite conquest, time in the Bible, ancient prophecy, Hebrew kings, Jerusalem history, Messianic prophecy. Astronomical and Scientific Themes: astronomical vindication, intercalated days, celestial mechanics, solar eclipses, lunar eclipses, soli-lunar cycles, Metonic cycles, astronomical anomalies, ancient sky observations, equinoxes, solstices, planetary alignments, ancient almanacs, premodern astronomy, astronomical prophecy, zodiac history, heliacal risings, astronomical timekeeping, seasonal changes, celestial spheres. Historical and Cultural Contexts: Chaldean astronomy, Babylonian calendars, Assyrian history, ancient Near East, Babylonian chronicles, Gentile times, ancient Israelite warfare, Egyptian chronology, Ugaritic texts, Sumerian influence, Hebrew calendars, ancient time reckoning, Phoenician records, ancient Persian history, Akkadian texts, Mesopotamian timelines, Babylonian kings, Zoroastrian timelines, Neo-Assyrian period, biblical archaeology. Chronology and Timekeeping: time harmonization, biblical cycles, creation’s timeline, 6,000-year history, chronological eras, times and seasons, Jeremiah’s chronology, Judean kings, time of the Gentiles, prophetic time spans, precession of the equinoxes, calendar adjustments, ancient time units, Jewish intercalation, Hebrew feast cycles, creation chronology, sacred weeks, Sabbath cycles, ancient chronometry, chronological reconciliation. Theological and Apologetic Themes: biblical inerrancy, divine providence, Old Testament literalism, creationism, scientific creationism, biblical cosmology defense, miracle apologetics, Christian eschatology, biblical miracles explained, prophecy fulfillment, Bible-science harmony, prophetic symbolism, Old Testament apologetics, literal Bible interpretation, typology in scripture, divine time adjustment, miracle legitimacy, God's intervention, theology of time, biblical history. Historical Figures and Texts Referenced: Caiaphas, Leo XIII, King Ahaz, Joshua of Israel, Sennacherib, Jeremiah the prophet, Nebuchadnezzar, Assyrian rulers, Babylonian scribes, ancient astronomers, Jewish high priests, Moses, Noah, Enoch, Adam and Eve, early Christian apologists, Ezra the scribe, Daniel the prophet, Isaiah’s prophecies, Zedekiah. Rare and Obscure Topics: missing day legends, shadow phenomena, midnight cries, Jewish irredentism, lost time myths, sword of Damocles symbolism, ancient eclipse records, Jewish diaspora, Judean exile, kingly chronologies, neo-Babylonian influence, Assyrian conquest accounts, Jericho’s walls, eclipses in prophecy, sundials in scripture, divine calendar shifts, pre-exilic Israel, Jewish apocalypticism, Phoenician timekeeping, star prophecy. Philosophy and Symbolism: time symbolism, shadow as metaphor, divine clocks, heavenly signs, cosmic prophecy, time and eternity, symbolic numbers, lunar metaphors, esoteric time concepts, prophetic astronomy, sacred geography, cycles of history, apocalyptic signs, messianic timelines, shadow and light, cosmic battles, biblical symbology, numbers in scripture, eternity in time, sacred astronomy. Related Scholarly Disciplines: chronology studies, biblical apologetics, theology and science, astrotheology, ancient calendars, comparative religion, historical astronomy, biblical archaeology, Near Eastern studies, Hebrew studies, ancient historiography, prophetic literature, astronomical anthropology, sacred text studies, historical theology, Semitic studies, sacred timekeeping, eschatological studies, intertestamental research. Eschatological and Prophetic Ideas: end of the age, prophetic warnings, apocalyptic calendars, messianic age, creation’s birthday, end-times chronology, last king prophecy, controversy of Zion, millennium theories, eschatological cycles, final week symbolism, Daniel’s prophecy, Revelation connections, doomsday cycles, prophetic reckonings, final countdowns, sacred warnings, cosmic transitions, Zionist prophecy, future signs. Miscellaneous Rare Tags: military maps in scripture, sundial mechanics, horizon science, astronomy in antiquity, Hebrew mythos, time dilation myths, non-linear time, ancient prophecy cycles, Jericho’s significance, archaeoastronomy, Hebrew battle traditions, time distortions in myth, solar halts, God’s clock, signs in heavens, Assyrian conquest echoes, neo-Babylonian lore, shadow time physics, astronomical folklore, divine celestial patterns.

2021

This paper reviews various scriptural accounts including the Gospels of Matthew, Luke, John, and the Book of Revelation to identify key verses related to the birth of Christ and correlates the celestial sequence of events, or the “celestial chronology” of the Star of Bethlehem (Jupiter) with scripture. Planetarium software was utilized to identify these celestial events, comparing them to the scriptural narrative. Our findings show an incredible correlation leading to the conclusion that the Star of Bethlehem, one of the signs promised by God in Genesis 1:14, was a real, celestial occurrence and that the Bible, when coupled with the scientific astronomical records, provides an accurate, historical account of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth on 17 June 2 BC.

This paper identifies the key chronological events in the conception and birth of Jesus of Nazareth derived from holy scripture, and the celestial sequence of events, or “celestial chronology” associated with the Star of Bethlehem. The celestial chronology was developed using standard planetarium software. The historical accounts of the early church historians and chronologists related to the birth of Christ are then discussed, allowing us to determine the degree of correlation between the celestial chronology and the historical records. Our findings show an incredible correlation: the historical accounts place the birth in the year 3/2 BC, leading to the conclusion that the Star of Bethlehem was a real, celestial occurrence and that the Bible, when coupled with the scientific astronomical records, provides an accurate, historical account of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth on 17 June 2 BC.

2020

Editor: Kevin P Prosnick. I consider this my best work to date. I began this novelita (which can mean “gift of God”) in 1994. What began as a book offered by a friend and one folder of personal notes has turned into hundreds of books read and three boxes of notes. Because I am so familiar with this topic, I decided to write it in a Joycian feel. I wanted the reader to have an experience while trying to decipher the various Jesus’s. Alas, my initial publication yielded no takers. I published parts 1 and 2 in ISAR and published the notes as a separate file on academia.edu. I expected at least a few ISAR readers to consult part 3, but not a single sole/soul did so. So, I present this challenge to you, my newest reader. Will you be the first to get to Chapter 3 and comprehend the puzzle of the multiple Jesus’s?

Every year at the spring equinox the nation of Iran celebrates Nowruz (Nōrūz, Nō Rūz, or Nō-Rūz). Nowruz is not only the first day of the new year on the Iranian calendar, but also marks the first day of spring-a time in both ancient and modern Iran that represents the rebirth of nature, and the victory of light over darkness, or good over evil. This paper focuses on the importance of the spring equinox in the Zoroastrian religion and its relationship to the Nativity. This is an area that is greatly underrepresented by modern Star of Bethlehem theologians. Johannes Kepler was among the first to suggest that the Star was related to a planetary conjunction. However, several readings from Zoroastrian and Judeo-Christian texts indicate that the Star was an unknown and unpredicted celestial object-signifying that the Magi did not know exactly what to search for, or that it was a predictable event. This rules out planetary conjunctions that are predictable and considered malevolent in Zoroastrian texts. Despite the overwhelming evidence from primary sources, modern theologians continue to neglect ancient texts to produce their own biblical interpretations of scripture. It is not just science that is often overlooked by theologians, but quite often important religious scriptures. This is a study of what is wrong, and how to find better ways to conduct research in the future that brings science and religion together to provide answers to the Nativity. I. Recent Star of Bethlehem Trends In 1604, Johannes Kepler (1571-1630) witnessed a supernova-an extremely bright, new star that appears suddenly and without warning in the sky, only to fade away after a few months. A year later, a thesis by Laurentius Suslyga, a Polish Jesuit and academic, demonstrated that scholars

Pre-edited copy of chapter 3 from "The Star of Bethlehem and the Magi", 2015, edited by Peter Barthel and George van Kooten (published by Brill in Leiden). Based on conbritutions from the conference on the 'Star of Bethlehem', held in Groningen in October 2014. A critical look at the approaches taken in interpreting what was the Star of Bethlehem based on the last 1900 years of writing on the subject. Astronomical and astrological interpretations are found to be problematic, and particular attention is paid to the work of Michael Molnar and his book from 1999. Explanations from biblical studies are also examined, and some weaknesses are delineated. Lastly, a new potential avenue of research based on other passages from the Old Testament are presented as a way to look deeper into the background creation of the story of the Star of Bethlehem.