Were The Three Wise Men Astrologers?

Question

Dear Christians, are you opened minded enough to consider the fact of the possibility that "The 3 wise men" really could've been pagan, mesopotamian astrologers?

Also, how do you feel about the fact that whenever you put up a Christmas tree--that the celebration of decorating tree's actually originated w/Paganism?

Answer 1

Nativity scenes usually depict three robed men with their camels, arriving at a stable where the babe Jesus is lying in a manger. The splendidly dressed visitors are commonly called the three wise men. What does the Bible have to say about them?

According to the Bible, the so-called wise men were “from eastern parts,” and it was there that they had learned about Jesus’ birth. (Matthew 2:1, 2, 9) It must have taken a long time for these men to travel to Judea. When they eventually found Jesus, he was no longer a newly born babe in a stable. Instead, the men found Mary and “the young child” living in a house. Matthew 2:11.

The Bible calls these men magi, or “astrologers,” and it does not say how many there were. The Oxford Companion to the Bible explains: “The connection between magic and astrology is reflected in the visitors’ fascination with the star that had led them to Bethlehem.” The Bible clearly condemns all forms of magic and the Babylonian practice of trying to get information from the stars.

The information conveyed to these men did not lead to any good. It aroused wicked King Herod’s jealous anger. This, in turn, resulted in the flight of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus to Egypt and the murder of all male children in Bethlehem “from two years of age and under.” Herod had carefully ascertained the time of Jesus’ birth from what he learned from the astrologers. (Matthew 2:16) In view of all the troubles caused by their visit, it is reasonable to conclude that the star that they saw and the message about “the one born king of the Jews” came from God’s enemy, Satan the Devil, who wanted to do away with Jesus. Matthew 2:1, 2.

The star these men followed led them, not directly to Jesus’ birthplace in Bethlehem, but to Jerusalem, where King Herod ruled.

Matthew is the only Gospel that refers to these visitors. (2:1-12) But does Matthew mention that there were three and that they were kings, and does he record their names? The Catholic newspaper Kirchenzeitung für das Bistum Aachen admits: “The Three Holy Kings are not referred to as such in the Bible. Starting in the sixth century, the wise men were understood to have been, three kings, As to the number of astrologers, Matthew gives no details, In the ninth century they first appeared under the names Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthasar.” Furthermore, the Catholic reference work Lexikon für Theologie und Kirche notes that the Greek word ma'goi does not mean kings but, rather, “ones having secret knowledge of astrology.” Justin Martyr, Origen, and Tertullian each understood the word to mean “astrologer.” Modern Bible translations also use “astrologers” at Matthew 2:1, 7. The Living Bible; An American Translation.

So no one actually knows how many men came to see Jesus.

Answer 2

Astrology has been described as a stairway leading into the deeper self. When you understand yourself you have a better understanding of the world around you. Astrology holds out the promise that you do not have to pass through life reacting blindly to experience, that you can within limits direct your own destiny and in the process reach a truer self understanding. It is the world’s oldest science and our generation’s newest subject of inquiry. Despite this new surge of interest, however, the general public has very little knowledge about the subject. It is not a dark art, and smart people use it everyday. Astrology was the first science and famous astrologers included the Three Wise Men, Pythagoras, Nostradamous, and Isaac Newton.

Answer 3

well.since Christians were not in existence. of course.then they were someone.who? probably astrologers, maybe,OK.Thank You, for the information, sounds reasonable.what other types of professional people were their back then I wonder, maybe some psychics.they had to be people who could take time off work, I doubt if they were goat herders.

I am something of an astrologer, My dad discovered a star.in 1932.

That's nice about pagans bringing in trees. I never liked that practice unless it was dug up then replanted.but I do love plants in the house. Thank you pagans .my people were in England for many 1000s of years. some of my people had to have been pagans ,and I am sure they were great and wonderful people back then.Christianity wasn't around at the time of course,people needed something to do.this was as close to being spiritual as they could get at the time. all power to them,Do you know why pagans knocked on wood? to wake up the tree spirits, so as to consult with them about things..they sacrificed people on an alter.then buried then in the peat.they studied the stars, much of what they did was aligned with the moon and stars and constellations movements.they knew of the earth spirits. God bless my ancestors.I am sure their in heaven now.Yes, OK.Thank You.

Answer 4

Yes the Magi (Wise Men) were Astrologers. If you look in either Matthew or Luke, it says that the Magi told King Herod that they had been following a star to find the baby that was to be born King of the Jews in Bethlehem.

Answer 5

I don't think it says anything about "3" wise men--the scripture doesn't mention a number--we just assume there was 3 because it mentions the gold, frankincense, and myrrh--actually studies show that the scholars or "wise" men traveled together in multitudes-which means there would have been 50 or more traveling to Bethelem.

Answer 6

First of all, no where in the Bible does it ever say there were 3. Matthew 2:1 says, " Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem."

They could not have been pagan, for they knew the King would be born, the one called the Messiah, and they had come to worship Him. It was pre-meditated because they brought gifts.

More answers at bibleinfo.com

Answer 7

Yes, they were Astrologers. So? I have a friend who is a Christian astrologer. As to the Christmas tree. Sure we stole it from the pagans, so get over it and pass the popcorn.

Answer 8

Who are these three wise men that you speak of here in your question? And what do they have to do with the decoration of certain trees?><>

Answer 9

Yes, the wise men were Magi from the east, Magus being the root of the word mage.

Answer 10

Actually they are called magi in scripture, same root as magic, and yes they did study the stars for meaning.

Oh, and it doesn’t say there were three. We have no idea how many, but three gifts are mentioned so people assume three.