THE MYSTERIOUS MAGI

 

Magi existed in Persia as early as the sixth century BC.  They were a priestly group among the Medes who performed religious ceremonies and interpreted signs and portents. Persia (now Iran) conquered neighboring Mesopotamia (now Iraq) and from the fourth century BC onward, Magi were increasingly associated with astronomy and astrology, the observation and the ‘interpretation’ of the stars being closely related in ancient times and Babylon became the center of ancient astronomy and astrology. 

I've always been fascinated with astronomy, especially the planets doing their heavenly ballet with grace and precision, in fact, I wanted to be an astronomer until I learned that it was a hard and fast requirement to have math skills above a fifth grade level. 

In 586 BC the Babylonians conquered Jerusalem and took the Jews into exile. From the time of the exile onward, Babylon contained a strong Jewish presence and the knowledge of the Jewish prophecies of a Savior–King, the Messiah, may have been well-known to the Babylonians and to the Magi.

In the Hellenistic age, some of the Magi left Babylon and traveled to neighboring countries to teach and practice astronomy/astrology, which was a core educational subject in the ancient world. Thus, the first century AD Jewish scholar Philo of Alexandria stated that the student of astronomy perceived "timely signs of coming events’ since ‘the stars were made for signs."

It's important to realize that there are many references in ancient literature to Magi visiting kings and emperors in other countries. For example, Tiridates, the King of Armenia, led a procession of Magi to pay homage to Nero in Rome in AD 66.

The Magi who saw the star of Bethlehem were astronomers/astrologers, who may have been familiar with the Jewish prophecies of a Savior–King, and who probably came from Arabia or Mesopotamia, countries to the east of Palestine. Thus a visit by the Magi to pay homage to Jesus, the new King of the Jews, would not have appeared as particularly unusual to readers of Matthew’s gospel. However, the Magi must have had an unmistakably clear astronomical/astrological message to start them on their journey.

 How long did their trip take? Lawrence of Arabia stated that in 24 hours a fully loaded camel can cover 100 miles if hard–pressed and 50 miles comfortably. The furthest the Magi are likely to have traveled is from Babylon to Jerusalem, a distance of about 550 miles going directly across the Arabian desert and about 900 miles traveling via the Fertile Crescent. One or two months for the journey within reason.

When they arrived in Jerusalem, the went to the court of Herod to inquire where they might find "He who has been born King of the Jews?" This question conveyed what Herod considered to be treasonous information, so he asked the Jewish scribes and priests where this King was to be born. 

These religious scholars quoted Micah from their Old Testament scrolls, rightly saying, "Bethlehem." With Herod's instructions (satanically inspired) to return to him and let him know if the new king was indeed there. The Wise Men left to travel the last 6 miles of their trip to worship the King.

Wait! What? the Jewish scholars didn't bother to go with them to worship their own King? No. Only 6 miles to Bethlehem, but they had no interest. So here we have Gentile scholars traveling at least over 500 miles in what had to have been an arduous trip in a camel caravan to find and worship Jesus.  

This reminds us of what that Baby would say some 30 years later about such indifference: "He that is not with Me is against Me."

WHY AMERICA CAN'T FIX HER PROBLEMS

 Classicist, Carl J. Richard, points out that there are four things that unite a country: a common book, a common language, a common religion, and a common sport. Without those, a nation isn't unified; it's broken into clashing factions. Without unity, a country cannot solve its problems. 

The lack of unity: We do not agree on the definition of marriage. We do not agree on the number of genders (some say 2, others say 112). We do not agree on when human life begins. We do not agree on whether or not our Constitution is a living, evolving document (and therefore putty in the hands of the interpreter) or a document whose meaning is found as originally written. We do not agree on the definition of a human being. We do not agree on our history, the founding of our country. We do not agree on truth: absolute or relative? And is there such a thing as objective truth? We don't agree.

In her September 11, 2020 essay, "Gina Baleria, assistant professor of Media and Journalism at Sonoma State University, expanded on the idea to rethink objectivity, and encouraged journalism professors and teachers to emphasize context:

The ‘facts’ and ‘truth’ that have generally been deemed objective are actually centered on a mainstream, white, male, able-bodied, cis-gendered perspective [a person whose sense of personal identity and gender corresponds with their birth sex] – not actually objective or neutral at all. (Jenna Stocker)

We no longer have a common book. As a case in point, let's go back to a 1947 movie, "The Bishop's Wife." In the film, Cary Grant, an angel, is sent to help a bishop and his family. During the movie, the angel has some quality time with the young daughter of the family during which he sits on the floor with the child, and as her parents watch, he begins to tell her the story of David with his slingshot, killing a lion. Then he tells the little girl that David composed a song which Cary Grant relates the song from a Book common to Americans at that time--the song being Psalm 23, recited in it's entirety. 

Another case in point: from 1965-2000, CBS broadcast "A Charlie Brown Christmas whose plot is that  Charlie Brown is struggling to find out what Christmas is all about. His struggle makes him ask the question, "Isn't there anyone who could tell me what Christmas is all about?" His best friend Linus and his trusty protective blanket then take to the stage and ask to dim the lights. He then recites Luke 2:8-14 from our common Book.

Or how about every student in the 5th grade in the public schools looking forward to receiving a copy of the common Book--the New Testament from the Gideons. Going back much farther, "imported English Bibles were perhaps the most widely owned books in the colonies. Bibles and Books of Common Prayer of the Church of England are listed in Virginia estate inventories more than any other book."

Or this: "While the nation was ripped apart by Civil War, the American Bible Society (ABS) endeavored to spread the word of God by passing out pocket Bibles to soldiers in the Union and Confederate armies. In December 1861, the ABS was printing, shipping and distributing 7,000 pocket New Testaments a day to soldiers in the field." ("The Sun Herald")

And this: "During WWII, the New Testament, Protestant Version, was issued by The Army Of The United States with a United States Of America War Office seal on the front cover. A preface dated March 6, 1941, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, commending the reading of the Bible to all who serve in the armed forces of the United States." ("CW Collectors Weekly"). 

And this: Today, federal employees are instructed that if they have a Bible, it can't be in plain view on their desks. Today, no Gideon brings a Bible into a 5th grade classroom. Walt Tutka, of Phillipsburg, New Jersey, was suspended for 90 days, then fired for giving his Bible to a student who had asked him for one, a private, voluntary, unforced transaction. He was later reinstated by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to his substitute teaching position. Nonetheless, Mr. Tutka was put through an ordeal for giving a Bible to a kid who wanted one. 

Conclusion: America has no common book.

We no longer have a common religion. "A statistical study of mosques in the United States shows that the number of Islamic houses of worship has increased 74 percent since 2000. The study also showed that mosque leaders believe the United States is generally friendly to Islam, that attendance at weekly prayer has increased during that time, and that the faithful attending mosques has increased 30 percent." (From "The New American")

"One percent fewer Americans each year claim a Christian affiliation, that marks decline. When most denominations and congregations report declining membership and attendance, that marks decline. When more and more congregations close their doors forever, that marks decline. And when the youngest generation shows the greatest disaffiliation trend, that marks a decline likely to have lasting impact." (From "Religion News Service")

In April 2019, we were surprised to learn. "For the first time 'No Religion' has topped a survey of Americans' religious identity. The non-religious edged out Catholics and evangelicals in the long-running General Social Survey." 

Conclusion: Christianity is no longer America's common religion.

We no longer have a common language. Look at California: "At least 220 languages are spoken in California, and 44% of residents of the Bear Republic speak a language other than English at home. Seven million Californians say they cannot speak English well." 

In California, voters are able to request a ballot written in Arabic, Armenian, Hmong, Korean, Persian, Spanish, Syriac or Tagalog, among other languages. If voters can't speak or understand English, how can they understand the issues and what candidate stands for? 

In the Syracuse City school district in 2017, students spoke 72 different languages. Writing or speaking using a common language with (mostly) agreed-upon definitions for words is the key to communicating and understanding ideas. Even abstract ideas like emotions and feelings can be communicated using commonly accepted forms of grammar. 

Moving to the Land of Lincoln, 35% of Cook County residents speak a language other than English at home. In October 2019, the Cook County Board of Commissioners in Illinois passed an ordinance to furnish voters with fully translated ballots in eight new languages for the November 3, 2020, elections. (It already provides ballots in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Hindi.)

Rich Lowery, editor of "National Review," writes, "Nice, pleasant Canada has been nearly torn apart in recent decades by the presence of a French-speaking province, Quebec, in an English-speaking country. .  .  Where a common language is present, it creates a cultural glue; where it isn’t, there are usually deep-seated divisions."

We no longer have a common language that unites us. 

We no longer have a common sport. "Psychology Today" pointed out the unifying factors of sport. "Fans wear the team colors and carry its flags, icons, and mascots. Then there is repetitive chanting of team encouragement, hand-clapping, booing the other team, doing the wave. The singing of an anthem at a sporting event has the psychological effect [of uniting people]. 

When sports are politicized, they no longer unite. (To politicize something is to use it as a platform for a political cause.) In American sports today, singing "The Star Spangled Banner" no longer unites; it divides us deeply as our sports heroes kneel or refuse to even listen to others singing it. 

Conclusion: We no longer have a common sport to unit us.

The unity of Israel was important to God and He gave them a common Book (the Old Testament), a common religion (specified in the book of Leviticus), a common language (Hebrew), and common events that united them (The Day of Atonement, The Passover Meal, the Sabbath, and six different festivals). 

This is why America can't fix her problems: there is no common book to which people look for the truth. Christianity is no longer the common "religion." Our language, once infused with the Bible is now censored. To their hardened and closed minds there's no objective truth to which to refer to fix anything. Anything goes.

For America, the train has left the station; the ship has already sailed. We are falling down the slippery slope. The motto, "E pluribis unum" suggested by the committee Congress appointed on July 4, 1776 to design a seal for the United States of America, is dead. The seal no longer seals.

 

 

 

 

THE PROPAGANDA OF SILENCE

 Laura Hollis writes: "As any student of history knows . . . that which is not said is as important as that which is." And this brings us to the 1959 motion picture, "Ben-Hur." Here's what some have written about the blockbuster film:

"Although it is a spectacle film, the story of how a man takes on the tyranny of the Romans, with all sorts of horrible consequences to himself and his family, is powerful and gripping"

"The chariot race sequence in 'Ben-Hur' is still just as heart-pounding and incredible in today's age as it was back at the time of its release."

"Ben-Hur still ranks among Hollywood's finest examples of pure entertainment." 

So they say today about the 1959 movie, "Ben-Hur," which won an Oscar record of 11 of the 12 categories in which it was nominated, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor (Charlton Heston).

A reviewer said, "Filmed on location in Italy, on a budget of some $15 million, Ben-Hur was the most expensive movie ever made up to that point. The film’s famous chariot race scene took three weeks to shoot and used some 15,000 extras. The setting for the race was constructed on 18 acres of back-lot space of a movie studio outside Rome. 

"Aside from a few of the most daredevil stunts, Heston and Stephen Boyd (who played Messala, (Judah Ben-Hur’s boyhood friend turned bitter enemy) did most of their own chariot driving. In the New York Times, Bosley Crowther called the scene a 'stunning complex of mighty setting, thrilling action by horses and men, panoramic observation and overwhelming dramatic use of sound.' All this was before computer generated scenes we see today."

Lew Wallace, rock-ribbed Republican who fought in the War Between the States for the North, wrote Ben-Hur: At Tale of the Christ. He wrote most of the novel during his spare time in the evening, while traveling, and at home in Crawfordsville, Indiana. He often wrote outdoors during the summer, sitting under a favorite beech tree near his home. (The tree has been called the "Ben-Hur Beech.") 

Wallace moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico, after his appointment as governor of the New Mexico Territory, where he served from August 1878 to March 1881. It was during that time that he had dealings with Billy the Kid who petitioned him for a pardon and a meeting. Neither developed.  

Wallace completed Ben-Hur in 1880, a novel which has been called the most influential Christian book of the nineteenth century. In 1900, Ben-Hur became the best-selling American novel of the 19th century, surpassing Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin which was no small feat. 

He had such a reverence for Christ that he insisted in the theatrical portrayals of his book, the Messiah's face never be shown. He was so super-serious about it that it was a contractual arrangement.

CBS has shown the movie on national television, but the vast majority of viewers don't realize that the movie has been cut (censored?) There's something the network did not allow the movie to depict that was part of the original film and you can still see it via subscription services

What was censored? The Incarnation featuring the Star, Mary, Joseph, the Baby, and the shepherds. The Magi are shown kneeling before the Baby. The question is why? Some would suggest because the film is too long, very long by today's standards, coming in at 3 hours, 32 minutes. But if time were a problem, there were scenes that could have been cut that didn't advance the plot, such as the festive dance at a banquet et al. Today's football games take forever to finish with their incessant commercials and the irritating referees' on-field reviews of contested plays. To the execs, no problem with the length of a football game but the inclusion of the Incarnation was a problem.

Whatever the reason was, it's a reminder that what is not stated can be just as important as what is. Out of sight, out of mind, as the saying goes.

 

THAT PICTURE

 It's a picture that's 66 years old; its impact on the viewer brings back memories of the great used to be. There's Jim, Margaret, and the children--Betty, Bud, and Kathy. They were a middle class family in Springfield, a town in the Midwest. Jim was an insurance executive who went to work everyday to support his family. Margaret was the quintessential mother, a biblical "keeper at home," for Jim and those three unforgettable children.

They comprised the family on a popular TV show ("Father Knows Best") that aired from 1954-1960, showing a total of 203 episodes. As one writer said, "Each episode was the equivalent of comfort food, as the characters dealt with the gentle humor and drama of being a family unit," bringing thirty minutes of family [biblical]values into American homes. There was no stereotypical teen-age rebellion like they constantly feed us today; no dumbed-down, clueless father; no wise-cracking, put-her-husband-down-mother; no children who were the smarter-than-their parents-repository-of-wisdom in the family that's common today.

Even the title of the show would offend the just-looking-for-something-folks today who would take umbrage at the male's being head of the house who guided his family with wisdom infused with love.  

And there they were in that picture: they're seated at a modest circular table in the kitchen. A modest meal sits on the little table; those seated around it are close together, reflecting the closeness of a family knit tightly together.

The picture is surprising. Jim is there, What surprises us are four things: they're holding hands around the circle; their eyes are closed; their heads are bowed. We're jolted: they're praying. No one is talking on a cell phone--they don't exist. No one is watching TV--there is no TV set in proximity to distract. We're seeing a family praying on national TV.

The picture was taken during a TV program that was broadcast in 1954, 66 years ago. Parents and children, teens and adults, sat in their homes enjoying all 203 programs together. "Bud," American teen-aged boys said, "is just like us." Betty, the girls said, "is just like we are." Parents and children found themselves reflected in the stable family gathered around that table. 

That's the way it was in 1954, 66 years ago.