[Vision2020] The Wise Men were going the wrong way!

[Nick Gier]

Greetings:

If the Wise Men (magoi) were from Persia, which is where the Zoroastrian 
magicians did in fact hang out, and if they were following a start in the 
East, then they would not have witnessed the birth of Christ but more 
probably the birth of Krishna, whose home does lie in India, east of 
Persia.  Yes, Pat Kraut, they did have directions, but not to Bethlehem.

But they would not have found Jesus in Bethlehem either, because a Roman 
census would have required all the people stay at home and be counted 
there.  Jesus' home was Nazareth and that is where Joseph would have been 
assessed for the census.  Some apologists have suggested that Joseph owned 
property in Bethlehem, but seems most unlikely because Joseph was a poor 
man.  Besides he certainly would not have taken Mary on the trip: her OBGYN 
would have strenously objected!  Donkey rides are sure recipes for miscarriage.

For more details about problems with the Christmas Story see 
www.class.uidaho.edu/ngier/census.htm.

Happy Holidays,

Nick Gier
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