Literary Reviews
The Star of Bethlehem: The Legacy of the Magi
"It is one of the few works on this subject that is historically
sensitive to the era ... He's not just trying to think from modern terms
of how we'd look for a star in the sky."-Dr. Owen Gingerich, Harvard
Smithsonian Center for the Astrophysics." -Morning News (Dallas, Texas)
"Among its other virtues, ‘The Star of Bethlehem: The Legacy of the
Magi’ is the first explanation of astrology I've read that is clear,
unprejudiced, easy to follow, and makes any sense. Molnar pinpoints a
remarkable conjunction of sun, moon, and the five then-known planets in
Aries in the spring of 6 B.C., which would explain the key points of
Matthew's story, and puts Jesus' birth at April 17, 6 B.C ."-News and
Record - Greensboro (North Carolina)
"And because sophisticated computer calculations reveal that such an
eclipse did occur on April seventeenth in the year 6 B.C., Molnar fixes
this as the celestial event that signaled the Christ child's birth. ...
The uncanny fit of all the ancient and modern pieces of this puzzle
makes for a highly persuasive argument."-Booklist
"The first revolution in star of Bethlehem research since the days of
Kepler."- Bradley E. Schaefer, University of Texas
"In support of an original interpretation of the Star, Molnar has
assembled an impressive range of astrological and numismatic data, much
of which will be new even to expert readers."-Virginia Trimble, author
of Voyage to a Small Universe
"Molnar ... wrote an interesting, easy to read book. He backs up his
investigations by referring to literature in astronomy, astrology,
theology, and numismatics. The ancient Chaldean astrologers' wording of
their horoscopes is critical for his conclusion. Using those sources and
astronomy, he describes the skies at the beginning of our calendar. He
draws the conclusion that our Lord was born April 17 in the year six
B.C."-Perspective on Science and Christian Faith
"Michael Molnar writes with great style, clarity and originality ...
. If you are one of the many people interested in the Star then you
should buy [this] book! - Science & Christian Belief
"Michael Molnar offers the first revolution in Star of Bethlehem
research since Kepler's days. Molnar's big advance comes by considering
what the Magi themselves would have deemed important. ... Don't buy any
other book on the Star of Bethlehem, because the old astronomical views
are guaranteed to be irrelevant. Second, the new astrological paradigm
forces the realization that astrology was an important force in
historical times so that the disregard of the topic by most historians
is blatant chauvinism. Third, the existence of a stunning astrological
horoscope for April 17, 6 B.C, announcing the birth of a great king in
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Literary Reviews
The Star of Bethlehem: The Legacy of the Magi
"It is one of the few works on this subject that is historically
sensitive to the era ... He's not just trying to think from modern terms
of how we'd look for a star in the sky."-Dr. Owen Gingerich, Harvard
Smithsonian Center for the Astrophysics." -Morning News (Dallas, Texas)
"Among its other virtues, ‘The Star of Bethlehem: The Legacy of the
Magi’ is the first explanation of astrology I've read that is clear,
unprejudiced, easy to follow, and makes any sense. Molnar pinpoints a
remarkable conjunction of sun, moon, and the five then-known planets in
Aries in the spring of 6 B.C., which would explain the key points of
Matthew's story, and puts Jesus' birth at April 17, 6 B.C ."-News and
Record - Greensboro (North Carolina)
"And because sophisticated computer calculations reveal that such an
eclipse did occur on April seventeenth in the year 6 B.C., Molnar fixes
this as the celestial event that signaled the Christ child's birth. ...
The uncanny fit of all the ancient and modern pieces of this puzzle
makes for a highly persuasive argument."-Booklist
"The first revolution in star of Bethlehem research since the days of
Kepler."- Bradley E. Schaefer, University of Texas
"In support of an original interpretation of the Star, Molnar has
assembled an impressive range of astrological and numismatic data, much
of which will be new even to expert readers."-Virginia Trimble, author
of Voyage to a Small Universe
"Molnar ... wrote an interesting, easy to read book. He backs up his
investigations by referring to literature in astronomy, astrology,
theology, and numismatics. The ancient Chaldean astrologers' wording of
their horoscopes is critical for his conclusion. Using those sources and
astronomy, he describes the skies at the beginning of our calendar. He
draws the conclusion that our Lord was born April 17 in the year six
B.C."-Perspective on Science and Christian Faith
"Michael Molnar writes with great style, clarity and originality ...
. If you are one of the many people interested in the Star then you
should buy [this] book! - Science & Christian Belief
"Michael Molnar offers the first revolution in Star of Bethlehem
research since Kepler's days. Molnar's big advance comes by considering
what the Magi themselves would have deemed important. ... Don't buy any
other book on the Star of Bethlehem, because the old astronomical views
are guaranteed to be irrelevant. Second, the new astrological paradigm
forces the realization that astrology was an important force in
Judea will now force scholars of religion to reconcile the event with
their own beliefs."-Bradley E. Schaefer, Sky & Telescope
"This small book, written for general readers, is that rarest of
works-a scholarly treatise that proposes an entirely new solution to an
ancient enigma; namely, the star of Bethlehem. ... Molnar's book ...
will be welcomed by many astronomers and historians of science or
religion and their students. The book is well researched, fully
referenced, and supplemented with a wealth of explanatory notes,
appendices, and glossaries. For interested scholars it will serve as a
compact guide to a new line of investigation. For those interested in
finding historical bases for as much of the story as possible, Molnar
has demonstrated the futility of trying to identity the star with a
visible astronomical phenomenon and he has singled out a new date for
the birth of Christ. His supporting evidence is so persuasive that,
henceforth, it will change the terms of debate on this issue. This is
the first new and promising line of inquiry initiated in recent times."-Meteoritics
& Planetary Science
"Christian scholars have expended considerable ingenuity in providing
scieion of astrology I've read that is clear,
unprejudiced, easy to follow, and makes any sense. Molnar pinpoints a
remarkable conjunction of sun, moon, and the five then-known planets in
Aries in the spring of 6 B.C., which would explain the key points of
Matthew's story, and puts Jesus' birth at April 17, 6 B.C ."-News and
Record - Greensboro (North Carolina)
"And because sophisticated computer calculations reveal that such an
eclipse did occur on April seventeenth in the year 6 B.C., Molnar fixes
this as the celestial event that signaled the Christ child's birth. ...
The uncanny fit of all the ancient and modern pieces of this puzzle
makes for a highly persuasive argument."-Booklist
"The first revolution in star of Bethlehem research since the days of
Kepler."- Bradley E. Schaefer, University of Texas
"In support of an original interpretation of the Star, Molnar has
assembled an impressive range of astrological and numismatic data, much
of which will be new even to expert readers."-Virginia Trimble, author
of Voyage to a Small Universe
"Molnar ... wrote an interesting, easy to read book. He backs up his
investigations by referring to literature in astronomy, astrology,
theology, and numismatics. The ancient Chaldean astrologers' wording of
their horoscopes is critical for his conclusion. Using those sources and
astronomy, he describes the skies at the beginning of our calendar. He
draws the conclusion that our Lord was born April 17 in the year six
B.C."-Perspective on Science and Christian Faith
"Michael Molnar writes with great style, clarity and originality ...
. If you are one of the many people interested in the Star then you
should buy [this] book! - Science & Christian Belief
"Michael Molnar offers the first revolution in Star of Bethlehem
research since Kepler's days. Molnar's big advance comes by considering
what the Magi themselves would have deemed important. ... Don't buy any
other book on the Star of Bethlehem, because the old astronomical views
are guaranteed to be irrelevant. Second, the new astrological paradigm
forces the realization that astrology was an important force in
ntific glosses for the scriptural account of the Star that shone
above Bethlehem at the time of Jesus' birth. Astronomer Molnar disputes
such explanations precisely because they derive from a modern
perspective far removed from the outlook of ancient stargazers, who
eagerly scanned the heavens for signs of the Messiah's birth. . . . The
uncanny fit of the ancient and modern pieces of this puzzle makes for a
highly persuasive argument."-Booklist
"[Molnar's] The Star of Bethlehem is a fascinating contribution to
the immense literature that attempts to come to terms with the Christmas
Star represented in Matthew's Gospel. In my opinion, this book is the
most original and important contribution of the entire twentieth century
on the thorny question of how events recorded there should be
interpreted."-Owen Gingerich, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for
Astrophysics
"This book has stunning new insight and approach, which finally gives
a confident answer to a question that has fascinated all Christians
through the ages."-Bradley E. Schaefer, University of Texas
"[The Star] was an alignment of stars and planets that ancient
astrologers would have recognized as significant. No portent would have
excited greater expectations of a divine birth in Judea ... than a lunar
eclipse of Jupiter (the 'kings' planet) in the constellation Aries ... .
[A] fresh theory providing new scientific support for the biblical
story, making the 'star of wonder' a little less of a mystery."-US News
and World Report
"The explanation that appears in Molnar's new book ... unfolds like a
detective story: a clever scientific analysis woven into a cultural and
historical fabric ... . Molnar reports that the Magi considered the
planet Jupiter to be the royal star. He argues that their astrological
readings predicted that on April 17, 6 B.C. a remarkable alignment would
occur when the sun passed into the northern sky, entering the
constellation of Aries. Jupiter, Saturn, the sun and moon would appear
briefly in close alignment-an event that occurs no more than once a
lifetime."- The Nation
"In addition to the enthralling explanation of the Christmas Star
episode, the author addresses another of history's great mysteries-the
actual birth date of Jesus Christ. Postulating the circumstances which
would have brought the Magi to Judea, Molnar defines the very day on
whiy referring to literature in astronomy, astrology,
theology, and numismatics. The ancient Chaldean astrologers' wording of
their horoscopes is critical for his conclusion. Using those sources and
astronomy, he describes the skies at the beginning of our calendar. He
draws the conclusion that our Lord was born April 17 in the year six
B.C."-Perspective on Science and Christian Faith
"Michael Molnar writes with great style, clarity and originality ...
. If you are one of the many people interested in the Star then you
should buy [this] book! - Science & Christian Belief
"Michael Molnar offers the first revolution in Star of Bethlehem
research since Kepler's days. Molnar's big advance comes by considering
what the Magi themselves would have deemed important. ... Don't buy any
other book on the Star of Bethlehem, because the old astronomical views
are guaranteed to be irrelevant. Second, the new astrological paradigm
forces the realization that astrology was an important force in
ch Christ likely was born. Although admittedly speculative, the
argument is very powerful."- The Celator
"Molnar combines his training in astronomy with his knowledge of
astrology and concludes that the star of Bethlehem could have appeared
only when Jupiter was 'in the East.' Modern-day computer wizardry
enabled him to chart an eclipse of Jupiter in Aries on April 17, 6 B.C.,
a day when Jupiter was, in fact, in the east, thus confirming the story
... .This book deserves the meticulous attention of pastors and biblical
scholars as well as of astronomy buffs. It confirms the accuracy of the
Gospel accounts."-Provident Book Finder
"Most convincingly, Molnar locates in ancient sources the signs that
astrologers of the day would have interpreted as pointing to the kind of
birth that would send wise men on a pilgrimage ... . Is Molnar's case
airtight? No. Is it convincing? Yes."-Lingua Franca
"Molnar's theory incorporates easily verified astronomical events.
'The star of Bethlehem' includes excellent notes, diagrams and photos as
well as a very clear glossary of terms and an extensive bibliography.
... Michael R. Molnar ... contends most persuasively that this star nificant. No portent would have
excited greater expectations of a divine birth in Judea ... than a lunar
eclipse of Jupiter (the 'kings' planet) in the constellation Aries ... .
[A] fresh theory providing new scientific support for the biblical
story, making the 'star of wonder' a little less of a mystery."-US News
and World Report
"The explanation that appears in Molnar's new book ... unfolds like a
detective story: a clever scientific analysis woven into a cultural and
historical fabric ... . Molnar reports that the Magi considered the
planet Jupiter to be the royal star. He argues that their astrological
readings predicted that on April 17, 6 B.C. a remarkable alignment would
occur when the sun passed into the northern sky, entering the
constellation of Aries. Jupiter, Saturn, the sun and moon would appear
briefly in close alignment-an event that occurs no more than once a
lifetime."- The Nation
"In addition to the enthralling explanation of the Christmas Star
episode, the author addresses another of history's great mysteries-the
actual birth date of Jesus Christ. Postulating the circumstances which
would have brought the Magi to Judea, Molnar defines the very day on
whiy referring to literature in astronomy, astrology,
theology, and numismatics. The ancient Chaldean astrologers' wording of
their horoscopes is critical for his conclusion. Using those sources and
astronomy, he describes the skies at the beginning of our calendar. He
draws the conclusion that our Lord was born April 17 in the year six
B.C."-Perspective on Science and Christian Faith
"Michael Molnar writes with great style, clarity and originality ...
. If you are one of the many people interested in the Star then you
should buy [this] book! - Science & Christian Belief
"Michael Molnar offers the first revolution in Star of Bethlehem
research since Kepler's days. Molnar's big advance comes by considering
what the Magi themselves would have deemed important. ... Don't buy any
other book on the Star of Bethlehem, because the old astronomical views
are guaranteed to be irrelevant. Second, the new astrological paradigm
forces the realization that astrology was an important force in
is
connected to the astrological beliefs of the time. He takes us on a
fascinating scientific detective hunt for all the clues that finally fit
together in a believable answer."- Madison Eagle- Madison, New Jersey
"In [Molnar's] view, it is ancient astrology, rather than astronomy
that holds the key to what led the Magi to their destination ... . Now
when people look at the star on top of a Christmas tree they can be
assured there was a Star of Bethlehem."-Monroe (Louisiana) News-Star
Well, the Easter is the day to
celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who was made to the
crucifixion by the cross and was killed. Then, by the modern scientific
technology, we know that April 17 (Sat.), 6 B.C. was the true birthday
when Jesus Christ was really born in the earth. Let's celebrate both the
Easter and the true birthday of Jesus Christ (April 17) among all the
Christians all over the world every year, too!
Before taking baptism at the
Church of Latter-Day Saint of Jesus Christ many years ago, I took
lessons from the missionaries, too. They told me that Jesus Christ was
born in Bethlehem in the spring when the sheepnificant. No portent would have
excited greater expectations of a divine birth in Judea ... than a lunar
eclipse of Jupiter (the 'kings' planet) in the constellation Aries ... .
[A] fresh theory providing new scientific support for the biblical
story, making the 'star of wonder' a little less of a mystery."-US News
and World Report
"The explanation that appears in Molnar's new book ... unfolds like a
detective story: a clever scientific analysis woven into a cultural and
historical fabric ... . Molnar reports that the Magi considered the
planet Jupiter to be the royal star. He argues that their astrological
readings predicted that on April 17, 6 B.C. a remarkable alignment would
occur when the sun passed into the northern sky, entering the
constellation of Aries. Jupiter, Saturn, the sun and moon would appear
briefly in close alignment-an event that occurs no more than once a
lifetime."- The Nation
"In addition to the enthralling explanation of the Christmas Star
episode, the author addresses another of history's great mysteries-the
actual birth date of Jesus Christ. Postulating the circumstances which
would have brought the Magi to Judea, Molnar defines the very day on
whiy referring to literature in astronomy, astrology,
theology, and numismatics. The ancient Chaldean astrologers' wording of
their horoscopes is critical for his conclusion. Using those sources and
astronomy, he describes the skies at the beginning of our calendar. He
draws the conclusion that our Lord was born April 17 in the year six
B.C."-Perspective on Science and Christian Faith
"Michael Molnar writes with great style, clarity and originality ...
. If you are one of the many people interested in the Star then you
should buy [this] book! - Science & Christian Belief
"Michael Molnar offers the first revolution in Star of Bethlehem
research since Kepler's days. Molnar's big advance comes by considering
what the Magi themselves would have deemed important. ... Don't buy any
other book on the Star of Bethlehem, because the old astronomical views
are guaranteed to be irrelevant. Second, the new astrological paradigm
forces the realization that astrology was an important force in
were grazed in the
Israeli area in fact.
Since the time of his true
birthday wasn't clear until now, I just tell it to other people that the
Christmas is December 25. As for the date of December 25, Savior Mithra
of Zoroastrianism, which was very popular in Babylonia area for a long
time ago, was born at the day. It is said that the birthday of Mithra
was borrowed by the Roman Catholic Churches in the age when the accurate
birthday of Jesus Christ wasn't clear for a long time ago. Then, after
medieval times came, the Christmas of December 25 became very popular
around the Catholics and became celebrated very splendidly. (The day of
the winter solstice in the old days was about December 25 because "the
lunar calendar" was adopted and it was 28 days in one month long ago.
But, since "the solar calendar" is adopted today and it is about 30 days
in one month, the day of the winter solstice is about December 22 at
present.)
It is said that the shepherds, who
visited Jesus, were watching the sheep without sleep and were preparing
for childbirth of the sheep in April-May of the spring. We hope that the
true birthday of Jesus Christ will be celebrated among all the
Christians in the world as soon as possible.
In December 2002, "the Star of
Bethlehem" was taken up in the Christmas Special Program, "the Research
of Holy Night" in the History Channel of SkyPerfec TV of the Satellite
Broadcasting. The new theory of the Astronomer "Dr. Michael R. Molnar"
was introduced there. He found the old coin which made it associate "the
Star of Bethlehem" at a certain exhibition. The old coin was made in
Syria in 13 A.D. On the side of it, Zeus of the Greek mythology which
shows "a king" is drawn. On another side of it, the picture, which the
sheep of 12 constellation is flying in the sky and is looking back at
the star twinkling in the east, is drawn. An ancient constellation
showed a specific area, too, and the Aries showed "the land of the Judea
or Israeli area." Since Dr. Molnar found the old coin, he has been
researching for "the Star of Bethlehem." Since the Magus, who came from
Babylonia area when Jesus was born, were the scholars who used astrology
to predict a future, Dr. Molnar thought that the Babylonian astrology
had related "the Star of Bethlehem." And he got today's theory that
Jesus was born at the time of the eclipse of the Jupiter.
We agree with the theory of Dr.
Michael R. Molnar, Astronomer, about the Christmas Star based on "The
Coins of Antioch." Following his theory, we also inspected the sky over
the east of the birth place with the software of the astronomical
simulator. And now we believe very strongly that the true birthday of
our Savior, Jesus Christ, was April 17, 6 B.C.
(1) Jesus Christ was born in
Bethlehem, Israel around 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 17, 6 B.C. with
the influence of the Mercury & Mars on the Taurus, the Sun, Jupiter &
Moon on the Aries (Ram), and the Saturn, Venus & Uranus on the Pisces.
The Jupiter means Zeus of the Greek Mythology and the King. Also the
Aries (Ram) means Israel and a sacrifice. The eclipse of the Jupiter
means that Jesus Christ would be killed by the others in the future. In
addition, he was the King of the planets on the solar system.
(2) Baptist Johannes was born in
Judea, Israel around 6:00 a.m. on Friday, October 30, 7 B.C. with the
influence of the Sun & Neptune on the Scorpion. (The birthday of Baptist
Johannes was the third day after October 28, 7 B.C. when the Neptune
approached the sun very closely. It was referred that the birthday of
the Last Prophet, Claude Vorilhon, who is the reincarnation of Baptist
Johannes and whose role was the same as Baptist Johannes, was September
30, 1946 A.D., the third day before October 2, 1946 A.D. when the
Neptune approached the sun very closely.) Baptist Johannes might be the
descendant of Judea who sold Joseph to Ancient Egypt.
Therefore, we should recognize
that Jesus Christ was born on April 17, 6 B.C. And we should celebrate
the true birthday of Jesus Christ among all the Christians in the world
as soon as possible.
In addition, let's celebrate both
the Easter and the true birthday of Jesus Christ (April 17) among all
the Christians all over the world every year, too! Program, "the Research
of Holy Night" in the History Channel of SkyPerfec TV of the Satellite
Broadcasting. The new theory of the Astronomer "Dr. Michael R. Molnar"
was introduced there. He found the old coin which made it associate "the
Star of Bethlehem" at a certain exhibition. The old coin was made in
Syria in 13 A.D. On the side of it, Zeus of the Greek mythology which
shows "a king" is drawn. On another side of it, the picture, which the
sheep of 12 constellation is flying in the sky and is looking back at
the star twinkling in the east, is drawn. An ancient constellation
showed a specific area, too, and the Aries showed "the land of the Judea
or Israeli area." Since Dr. Molnar found the old coin, he has been
researching for "the Star of Bethlehem." Since the Magus, who came from
Babylonia area when Jesus was born, were the scholars who used astrology
to predict a future, Dr. Molnar thought that the Babylonian astrology
had related "the Star of Bethlehem." And he got today's theory that
Jesus was born at the time of the eclipse of the Jupiter.
We agree with the theory of Dr.
Michael R. Molnar, Astronomer, about the Christmas Star based on "The
Coins of Antioch." Following his theory, we also inspected the sky over
the east of the birth place with the software of the astronomical
simulator. And now we believe very strongly that the true birthday of
our Savior, Jesus Christ, was April 17, 6 B.C.
(1) Jesus Christ was born in
Bethlehem, Israel around 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 17, 6 B.C. with
the influence of the Mercury & Mars on the Taurus, the Sun, Jupiter &
Moon on the Aries (Ram), and the Saturn, Venus & Uranus on the Pisces.
The Jupiter means Zeus of the Greek Mythology and the King. Also the
Aries (Ram) means Israel and a sacrifice. The eclipse of the Jupiter
means that Jesus Christ would be killed by the others in the future. In
; Then, let's make
"the Christmas," when we had been celebrating as the birthday of Jesus
Christ until now, a special day for all the Christians! And let's
celebrate it as "a day to confess and confirm the faith to our Creators,
Elohim, and our Savior, Jesus Christ from now on.
