Is there scientific evidence for the star of Bethlehem? Unbelievable? 7 Jan 2012
Playback speed
A show marking January's Feast of the Epiphany which marks the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus.
Various astronomical theories have been put forward for what might have constituted the "Star of Bethlehem" that guided the Magi as recorded in Matthew 2.
Christian Astrophysicists Hugh Ross and Jeff Zweerink of Reasons To Believe join Justin. Agnostic Astronomer Mark Kidger who works for the European Space Agency also joins the conversation. The firmly sceptical side is catered for by Norman Bacrac of the Ethical Society.
Hugh, Jeff and Mark outline the conclusion their work has drawn on the Star of Bethlehem most likely being a recurring nova, witnessed by other astronomers in 5 BC. Norman expresses scepticism at the idea a celestial object could have led the Magi to a specific location and the astronomers respond.
For Reasons to Believe resources on The Star http://www.reasons.org/christmasstar
For Mark Kidger's book The Star of Bethlehem http://amzn.to/wNklg2
For the Ethical Society http://www.ethicalsoc.org.uk
For more Christian/non-Christian debate visit http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the MP3 podcast http://ondemand.premier.org.uk/unbelievable/AudioFeed.aspx or Via Itunes
If you enjoyed this show you may also enjoy:
Unbelievable? 26 Dec 2009 - Are the two Christmas accounts contradictory? Christian Charles Foster vs. Atheist Robert Stovold
Unbelievable? 22 Dec 2007 - Did Christians steal Christmas?
Join the conversation at http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable and via Facebook and Twitter
Released on 23 Jun 2014
Coming up next
Has Neuroscience killed God? Dr Alasdair Coles vs Martyn Frame - Unbelievable? 21 Jan 2012
Continuing our Mind, Body and Soul month of programming on Premier, Justin is joined by a Christian and an atheist as they discuss whether people's religious experiences can be explained by brain activity alone. Revd Dr Aladair Coles is an academice....
The Mark Driscoll Interview - special podcast 14 Jan 2012
Justin Brierley interviews Grace & Mark Driscoll on their book Real Marriage and on Mark's ministry as pastor of Mars Hill Church Seattle. The interview, which was recorded for Christianity Magazine, was criticised by Driscoll in a blog post ht...
Angels: Do they exist? Christian & atheist discuss - Unbelievable? 4 Feb 2012
Angels have been reported for thousands of years across different cultures. What is the evidence of their existence? Three guests examine Biblical and contemporary accounts of angelic visitation. Peter S Williams is a Christian Philosopher and autho....