But even in the earlier tradition did it name the wise men and have them
coming from different directions? This is the point that I am discussing
not the source of the Bible. I am discussing what it says in the Bible
which is probably what most people use for the basis of this story since
they probably don't have access to the earlier versions you allude to. I am
not trying to tread on anyones beliefs but to point out what this source
book really says and how it has been embroidered over time. This shouldn't
be perceived as a threat or challenge to anyone but merely a polite
discussion of information written by an author. I am not questioning truth
or fantasy, just the material as it was written.
I was trying to point out that these Wise men (again the Bible does not say
3 wise men) tradition of giving them names and having them represent mankind
from different parts of the known world is a recent innovation and takes
away the original meaning. The Magi were Babylonian mystics who needed to
"search their libraries" for the meaning of the "star". This took time,
discussion and decision making. Then they probably had to get permission to
leave their country, gather supplies and wait for a favorable time weather
wise and forage wise to make the journey around the fertile crescent. It
might be that they even came as representatives of their country to the
newly born King of another country. They wouldn't have cut across the
desert. But the "star" was still there to be seen. Curious for a planet or
unusual conjunction of planets to still be so positioned so long.
Matt 2:2 says "we have seen his star in the east" If they were coming
from different directions, some would have seen the "star" in the south and
in the NE. And note the "we", they were together.
Laurel
----- Original Message -----
From: "Tim Wallace-Murphy" <tim@templartim.freeserve.co.uk>
To: <sinclair@matrix.net>
Sent: Saturday, January 06, 2001 1:58 AM
Subject: Re: Wise Men
> DEar Friends,
>
> Acording to the Dead Sea Scrolls Scholar and historian of the early years
of
> Christianity, Dr Hugh Schonfield, the 'Three Wise Men Story' used in
> Christian tradition lwas a direct steal from an earlier tradition.
> Schonfield claims, and other scholars support this, that this story was
> first used about the birth of John the Baptist and was only adapted to
the
> Jesus mythology after the fall of Jerusalem.
>
> Suggest we all tread carefully on this one.
>
> Best wishes
>
> Tim
>
>
> [ This is the Sinclair family discussion list, sinclair@mids.org
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