Was the star of Bethlehem Satan's Star?

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How do we respond to Jehovah’s Witnesses who say it was?

Their theory does have a certain logic to it . . .
 
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Sacramentalist:
How do we respond to Jehovah’s Witnesses who say it was?

Their theory does have a certain logic to it . . .
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The Three Magi who followed the Star of Bethlehem were Zorastarian priests who came from Persia (Iran) to worship the Christ child. They layed down their gifts of Gold, Frankincense, and Muhr (all 3 used in the Craft). They gave up their pagan ways to worship the Lord.
 
It does not say in the Bible that it was “Satan’s star” Why would anyone believe that? What it does say is:

Matthew 2:2

Saying, Where is he that is born king of the Jews?
For we have seen his star in the east, and are come
to adore him. ( DRV )

Notice it says HIS star? If it was referring to Satan, why would they say " king of the Jews? Satan is not king of the Jews. The witnesses have no logical basis to say it is Satan’s star when in fact it does not state that. If they were reffering to Satan, why would they not say “the evil one” ? Why then say the king od the Jews before saying his star? That makes no sense to say it was Satan’s star. Furthermore, they would not come to adore Satan
would they?
 
Wow - I was a JW for a long time and I don’t recall this being in the standard JW SOP Christmas blurbs
 
Iam a former jw, and I was taught it was the “star of satan” and it is a false belief. Ask a jw what their rendition of it is in their “Bible”? The book of Matthew no where at all states the star was from the devil.
Anyone can see it for themselves. My Gideon Bible sates this about the same verse in Matthew 2::2

“Where is He who was born King of the Jews? For we saw His star
in the east, and have come to worship Him.”

My New International Version states:

Matthew 2:2

“Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?
We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”
 
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b_justb:
Wow - I was a JW for a long time and I don’t recall this being in the standard JW SOP Christmas blurbs
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Hey justb,
Maybe it was “new light” after you left? I remember it… they said Satan put it in the sky.
 
Semper Fi:
The Three Magi who followed the Star of Bethlehem were Zorastarian priests who came from Persia (Iran) to worship the Christ child. They layed down their gifts of Gold, Frankincense, and Muhr (all 3 used in the Craft). They gave up their pagan ways to worship the Lord.
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Where did you hear they were Zorasarian priests? I always believed they were astronmers or rich guys or something.
 
I was most disturbed by seeing that idiotic “satan’s star” claptrap in their* Book of Bible Stories* they published for kids. :mad:
 
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catsrus:
I was most disturbed by seeing that idiotic “satan’s star” claptrap in their* Book of Bible Stories* they published for kids. :mad:
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Really? They put it in a kids book of Bible stories? good grief!
There is always something I seem to be learning about this organization even years after I left it! I thought the “satan"s star”
thingy was what they were jawin’ about in the NWT, not a book
of Bible stories! Good grief! Glad Iam out of it! As Martin Luther
King Jr. said once, " Free at last, free at last" !
 
They do believe satan put that up. i saw it in my classmate’s “my book of bible stories”. because they say when the wise men came Herod wanted to kill Jesus. That book really has too much JW doctrine in it.
 
I would appreciate it if someone would seriously try to answer this question, rather tha just say it’s a stupid one. Here’s the Watchtower explanation:
Simeon’s prophecy is a grim reminder that this innocent child will become an object of hatred. Even while he is still an infant, this hatred is already at work. Matthew’s account details how this is so. A number of months have passed, and Joseph, Mary, and Jesus are now living in a house in Bethlehem. They receive an unexpected visit from a number of foreigners. Despite what countless Nativity scenes depict, Matthew does not specify how many of these men came, nor does he call them “wise men,” much less “three kings.” He uses the Greek word ma’goi, which means “astrologers.” This alone should give the reader a clue that something evil is at work here, for astrology is an art that God’s Word condemns and that faithful Jews scrupulously avoided.—Deuteronomy 18:10-12; Isaiah 47:13, 14.
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These astrologers have followed a star from the east and are bearing gifts for “the one born king of the Jews.” (Matthew 2:2) But the star does not lead them to Bethlehem. It draws them to Jerusalem and to Herod the Great. No man in the world holds such means and motive to harm young Jesus. This ambitious, murderous man had killed several of his own immediate family members whom he viewed as threats.* Disturbed to hear of the birth of a future “king of the Jews,” he dispatches the astrologers to find that One in Bethlehem. As they go, something strange happens. The “star” that led them to travel to Jerusalem seems to move!—Matthew 2:1-9.
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Now, whether this was an actual light in the sky or simply a vision, we do not know. But we do know that this “star” was not from God. With sinister precision, it leads these pagan worshipers right to Jesus—a child vulnerable and helpless, protected only by a poor carpenter and his wife. The astrologers, Herod’s unwitting dupes, likely would have reported back to the vengeful monarch, leading to the child’s destruction. But God intervenes through a dream and sends them back home by another route. The “star,” then, must have been a device of God’s enemy Satan, who would go to any lengths to harm the Messiah. How ironic that the “star” and astrologers are portrayed in Nativity scenes as emissaries of God!—Matthew 2:9-12.
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Still, Satan does not give up. His pawn in the matter, King Herod, orders that all infants in Bethlehem under two years of age be killed. But Satan cannot win a battle against Jehovah. Matthew notes that God had long ago foreseen even this vicious slaughter of innocent children. Jehovah countered Satan again, warning Joseph through an angel to flee to Egypt for safety. Matthew reports that some time later Joseph again moved his little family and finally settled them in Nazareth, where Jesus grew up with his younger brothers and sisters.—Matthew 2:13-23; 13:55, 56.
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Where exactly is the flaw in this logic?

I find the link provided by Semper to be unconvincing. According to it, God led the Magi to Jesus so that their gifts would provide for the Holy Family while they were in Egypt. But the Holy Family would not have needed the valuables to begin with, had they not been forced to Egypt by the Magi who led Herod to murder all those children!
 
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Sacramentalist:
I would appreciate it if someone would seriously try to answer this question, rather tha just say it’s a stupid one. Here’s the Watchtower explanation:

Where exactly is the flaw in this logic?

I find the link provided by Semper to be unconvincing. According to it, God led the Magi to Jesus so that their gifts would provide for the Holy Family while they were in Egypt. But the Holy Family would not have needed the valuables to begin with, had they not been forced to Egypt by the Magi who led Herod to murder all those children!
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Read the refutation in post #3.
 
First off, the watchtowers rendition is different than that of other gospel accounts of the star, and the wise men. Bibles other than
theirs says the the 3 who approached the Holy Family were wise men, and not astrologers. Also, if the star were of satanic origin,
do you not think God would have warned the wise men as he also
warned them in a dream? How could they have exceeding great joy upon seeing the star if it was of evil origin? (Matt:2 :10) Here is some
additional information for you to consider from the book called: “Answering Jehovah’s Witnesses” by Jason Evert. Chapter 14:
Quote: " Is Christmas a pagan celebration merely because it is celebrated at the same time of the year as ancient pagan feasts honoring a sun god? if so, then one could just as easily argue that the Watchtower Theocratic Ministry School and Service Meetings are of pagan origin, since they are often held on Thursdays- the day of the week named after the pagan diety Thor. Such a conclusion, obviously, would be silly."

" While one frequently encounters assertions that Christmas
was timed to coincide with the celebration of Sol Invictus , these never seem to be backed up by evidence."

" If the early Church had deliberately decided to time the celebrations to coincide, this ought to be reflected in its writings, but it isn’t. Witnesses never produce quotes from early Christians saying that Christmas was timed to coincide with a pagan festival. That is sheer speculation."
 
Also form the book “Answering Jehovah’s Witnesses” by Jason Evert in chapter 14 ; " Just because the celebration of Christmas is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, one cannot assume that it is prohibited. If anything, the reverse is the case- all things are lawful
for us, as Paul says in 1 Corinthians 6:12 as long as they are not
prohibited. "

" The Jews of the Old Testament would celebrate festivals, new moons, sabbaths, and various other feasts throughout the year, recalling the great things that God had done for them. The origin
of these, such as Hanukkah, cannot be found in the New World Translation , but Jesus himself observed this feast ( John 10:22 )
Another feast day he observed was that of the Passover, calling to mind the saving work of God in bringing Isreal out of the bondage of Egypt. ( Luke 22:15 ) ."

" Like Passover and the feast of Purim, Christmas is a celebration that commemorates God’s victory over sin, when he delivered man from the bondage of the evil one. Easter is the commemoration of his victory over death. Surely such occasions are worthy of celebration!"
 
Here is a very valid point regarding their Bible. It is from the book:
“Answering Jehovah’s Witnesses” by Jason Evert. Chapter 15
" Can You Trust the New World Translation ?"

Quote: " The NWT was produced by an anonymous committee, which altered passages that had proved to be problematic for earlier
Witnesses. Ostensibly, it is an anonymous work so that only Jehovah would get the glory for it, instead of men. But, the Watchtower admits, “since the translators have chosen to remain anonymous, the question here cannot be answered in terms of their educational background”.

“It has been learned, however, that Nathan Knorr, Frederick Franz,
Albert Schroeder, Milton Henschel, and George Gangas produced
the text, which understandably, is used by no other sect. One must wonder why their educational backgrounds were not made
public. As it turns out, the extent of the scholarly credentials possessed by the Translation Committee was that one of
its members, Frederick Franz, had studied non-biblical Greek
for two years at the University of Cincinnati and was allgedly self-
taught in Hebrew. Frederick Franz later admitted before a court
that he could neither read nor speak Hebrew.”
 
A number of months have passed, and Joseph, Mary, and Jesus are now living in a house in Bethlehem. nor does he call them “wise men,” much less “three kings.” He uses the Greek word ma’goi, which means “astrologers.”
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The account of the Magi (IMHO) really tells me that the Holy Spirit did indeed use the astronomy of these Chaldeans to lead them to the Christ child and his family. Understand right up front that at that time they made no differentiation between “astrology” and “astronomy”, but the fact is that these were the astronomers of their day & culture. Now…my question to the JWs would be. "if the Holy Spirit had not put it upon their hearts to seek after this king of the Jews, (Here keep in mind the sign that was placed above the head of Christ on the cross from whence we get the inscription anagram INRI.) would they have spent 3 long years in traveling to see and worship him?
These astrologers have followed a star from the east and are bearing gifts for “the one born king of the Jews.” (Matthew 2:2) But the star does not lead them to Bethlehem. It draws them to Jerusalem and to Herod the Great. No man in the world holds such means and motive to harm young Jesus. This ambitious, murderous man had killed … Disturbed to hear of the birth of a future “king of the Jews,” he dispatches the astrologers to find that One in Bethlehem. As they go, something strange happens. The “star” that led them to travel to Jerusalem seems to move!—Matthew 2:1-9.
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That Herod was a bloodthirsty dirtbag is never a point of contention, and since these astronomers would not be aware of his duplicitous efforts to kill the infant Christ, why wouldn’t they stop and ask the local king about him. Moreover, since most kingships were hereditary, why would they not suppose that the local king would be the household to which Christ was born?

Herod consults the scribes and scholars and gives the info to the astronomers and sends them on their merry way, setting them up to unknowingly betray Jesus to him upon their return. Naturally the star led them forward, confirming what the very prophets of God had foretold about the birth of the Messiah. Also bear in mind that these guys apparently were somewhat familiar with the prophecies of the Messiah, though not in the detail that the Jewish scribes were.
Now, whether this was an actual light in the sky or simply a vision, we do not know. But we do know that this “star” was not from God. …elpless, protected only by a poor carpenter and his wife. The astrologers, Herod’s unwitting dupes, likely would have reported back to the vengeful monarch, leading to the child’s destruction. But God intervenes through a dream and sends them back home by another route. The “star,” then, must have been a device of God’s enemy Satan, who would go to any lengths to harm the Messiah. How ironic that the “star” and astrologers are portrayed in Nativity scenes as emissaries of God!—Matthew 2:9-12.
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Does the NT anywhere say that it was a vision? They’re projecting here, and without justification. Y’know, I seem to recall that at some point in my n-C days that someone taught that astronomers say that there really was some kind of celestial alignment back then that would have created the star that we read about. In fact, here is a link to the Griffith Observatory’s page on The Star of Bethlehem. Since the Most High does indeed control the universe, then how can these people who deny the diety of Our Lord assert that the star was not from God?
Moreover, if these guys were so far removed from faith, then 1. Why did they follow the path to Christ to begin with? and 2. Why did God send an angel to warn them in a dream (Just as He did St. Joseph!) not to return to Herod? The JW’s thinking is really badly flawed here…
His pawn in the matter, King Herod, orders that all infants in Bethlehem under two years of age be killed. … Matthew notes that God had long ago foreseen even this vicious slaughter of innocent children. Jehovah countered Satan again, warning Joseph through an angel to flee to Egypt for safety. Matthew reports that some time later Joseph again moved his little family and finally settled them in Nazareth, where Jesus grew up with his younger brothers and sisters.—Matthew 2:13-23; 13:55, 56.
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The trip to Egypt was prophesied about Jesus long before and even Matthew tells us so in Matthew 2:15 That it might be fulfilled which the Lord spoke by the prophet, saying: Out of Egypt have I called my son. Even the slaughter of the innocents was prophesied as Matthew points out. There would be nothing to contest here except for the idea that Jesus had younger siblings which there is no Biblical or historical evidence of.
Pax tecum,
 
Here is one more point to consider. From the book “Answering Jehovah’s Witnesses” by Jason Evert.

chapter 17 " Can you Trust Watchtower Doctrine? "

“Besides erroneous predictions, the Watchtower has misled its members through countless changes in doctrine and practice.
Though the Watchtower acknowledges its fallibility and admits its mistakes, one must keep in mind that it has consistently held itself up as God’s sole " channel of communication,” asserting that it has his constant guidance and direction. If that were true, then whatever doctrines the Watchtower originally taught should still be true today,
as truth does not change."

" The Watchtower’s own history tells quite a different story. An examination of it shows that, not only have minor teachings been
altered, but major ones have undergone mutation as well."

“God is not the author of error and contradiction, so the explanation for such mistakes and mutations is that the Watchtower does not speak for God.”
 
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