What is it about the Star of Bethlehem that has captivated our imaginations for two millennia? This major feature in the Nativity narratives in Matthew’s Gospel has become an important, mysterious symbol of our faith. The star has fascinated people for two millennia, and efforts to understand the reality behind the phenomenon continue today. No theory has proved satisfactory to all who study this question, but our speaker, astronomer Dr. Robert Joseph, continues his research and has a new theory to share with us.
Dr. Joseph’s illustrated lecture will describe some of the historical interpretations of the Star of Bethlehem and show some of the astronomical events that might have represented the star. Recent research has led to a completely new understanding of the story of the Wise Men from the East and the Star they followed. Dr. Joseph will show how this new interpretation finally makes astronomical, astrological, historical, and textual sense of the events recorded in Matthew’s Gospel.
Bob Joseph is an Astronomer in the Institute for Astronomy (IfA), UH Mānoa, where he teaches the general education survey of astronomy, graduate courses in cosmology, and honors courses in science and religion. For many years he served as director of the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility on Mauna Kea. His research interests are in extragalactic astronomy, especially the astrophysical effects of collisions between galaxies. An active member of Calvary-By-the-Sea (CBTS) Lutheran Church, Bob has chaired their Peace & Social Justice Committee and is on the Council. He also sings baritone in the Symphony Chorus and the CBTS Choir. And, for good measure, Asteroid 7159 was named ”Bobjoseph” by the International Astronomical Union.
Exploring Boundaries begins at 6:00 pm in Isenberg Hall and ends in time for Evening Prayer at 7:30.