“Scientists say” … blood in the water

[Matthias]

“Scientists reveal exactly where Jesus was born - and say it probably WASN’T in Bethlehem …”

Scientists reveal where Jesus was born - and say it WASN'T Bethlehem

It might seem obvious that Jesus was born on December 25 in the town of Bethlehem, but experts say that this version of the story might not be correct.

www.dailymail.co.uk

The headline alone is nonsense but let‘s not judge the article by its title.

Was Jesus born where the Messiah was prophesied in the Hebrew Bible to be born, and where the NT says he was born, or was he not? What is at stake here?

 

[Rockerduck]

“Scientists reveal exactly where Jesus was born - and say it probably WASN’T in Bethlehem …”

Scientists reveal where Jesus was born - and say it WASN'T Bethlehem

It might seem obvious that Jesus was born on December 25 in the town of Bethlehem, but experts say that this version of the story might not be correct.

www.dailymail.co.uk

The headline alone is nonsense but let‘s not judge the article by its title.

Was Jesus born where the Messiah was prophesied in the Hebrew Bible to be born, and where the NT says he was born, or was he not? What is at stake here?

Its old news. There is two Bethlehem's, the bible is clear that its the city of David that Joseph and Mary went to. I saw a report about something similar a few years ago and it was debunked. I guess the article came back once a year like Christmas. Don't trust the Daily Mail either.

 

[Matthias]

Its old news. There is two Bethlehem's, the bible is clear that its the city of David that Joseph and Mary went to. I saw a report about something similar a few years ago and it was debunked. I guess the article came back once a year like Christmas. Don't trust the Daily Mail either.

The Daily Mail reaches a worldwide audience. A Christian apologist has to be properly equipped to respond to the “old news” recycled because it reaches a new audience every year (or so it seems) and underscores what older audiences were exposed to. Repeating the lie again and again until it is accepted as truth. “Believe the science!“

Since “the Bible is clear that it is the city of David that Joseph and Mary went to” then why does anyone believe scientists who “reveal exactly where he was born - and say it probably wasn’t [where the Bible insists that he was]”? Why are these people unbelievers? Were they always unbelievers? Were they once believers who have become unbelievers?

Why are these scientists saying it? What is their motivation?

Why do newspapers run and rerun these stories? What is their motivation?

What is at stake? We still need to provide a clear answer to that question for our readers.

 

[Rockerduck]

The Daily Mail reaches a worldwide audience. A Christian apologist has to be properly equipped to respond to the “old news” recycled because it reaches a new audience every year (or so it seems) and underscores what older audiences were exposed to. Repeating the lie again and again until it is accepted as truth. “Believe the science!“

Since “the Bible is clear that it is the city of David that Joseph and Mary went to” then why does anyone believe scientists who “reveal exactly where he was born - and say it probably wasn’t [where the Bible insists that he was]”? Why are these people unbelievers? Were they always unbelievers? Were they once believers who have become unbelievers?

Why are these scientists saying it? What is their motivation?

Why do newspapers run and rerun these stories? What is their motivation?

What is at stake? We still need a clear answer to that question.

The article also said the Gospels were written after 70ad and Matthews was 80ad. These are "scholars" that said this. We know all the Gospels and Paul's letters, except John and Revelation, were written between 45 and 60 ad.. Its just anti Christian work to discredit the bible accuracy and try to push a hypothetical as a truth.

 

[Matthias]

The article also said the Gospels were written after 70ad and Matthews was 80ad. These are "scholars" that said this. We know all the Gospels and Paul's letters, except John and Revelation, were written between 45 and 60 ad.. Its just anti Christian work to discredit the bible accuracy and try to push a hypothetical as a truth.

You’re right. Why would any believer be persuaded by it? Some are. Are they not reading their Bibles?

Why would an unbeliever be persuaded by it? It confirms their unbelief.

“Follow the money” answers the questions, at least in part, about the motives of skeptical scientists and newspaper writers and publishers.

It isn’t a trivial matter. The validity of the testimony of the apostles is at stake. The identification of Jesus as the real Messiah is at stake.

 

[David in NJ]

Its old news. There is two Bethlehem's, the bible is clear that its the city of David that Joseph and Mary went to. I saw a report about something similar a few years ago and it was debunked. I guess the article came back once a year like Christmas. Don't trust the Daily Mail either.

Are you referring to the Roman Census whereby Joseph and Mary had to return to Bethlehem, there home town?

 

[PGS11]

Well Mary tells Luke what happened so if I have to believe I will go with what she has said in Luke's Gospel she would be the best and only real source for that information because she was there of course the only one who could give valid information on it.

 

[Deborah_]

The whole argument is completely illogical.
For a start, no "scientists" were involved. Archaeologists, but not scientists.

What evidence do we have that Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea? Two gospels, both written within the lifetime of people who knew Jesus in the flesh.

What evidence is there that He was born anywhere else? Not a scrap.

It's pure prejudice.

 

[Rockerduck]

Are you referring to the Roman Census whereby Joseph and Mary had to return to Bethlehem, there home town?

It wasn't their hometown; it was the city of David. Yes, under Caesar Augustus, ordered by Cyrenius, governor of Syria. It was Bethlehem, was where King Davids castle was and made famous where Rachel is buried.

 

[Matthias]

“No birth in Bethlehem, no hope for fallen humanity.” - Paul David Tripp

This pastor frames it nicely in terms of what’s at stake for fallen human beings.

 

[David in NJ]

It wasn't their hometown; it was the city of David. Yes, under Caesar Augustus, ordered by Cyrenius, governor of Syria. It was Bethlehem, was where King Davids castle was and made famous where Rachel is buried.

Sounds right but i have to go check - thank you for the info

 

[David in NJ]

@Deborah_ @Rockerduck @Matthias

i am sure that you all know 'Bethlehem' means 'House of Bread' = JESUS said of Himself "IAM the Bread from Heaven"
John chapter 6

 

[PGS11]

The other thing that I do not see in it was a census was going on which is why they traveled to the city.It would of been the main city of Bethlehem the city of David of which line they followed. I would think It would depend on what Jewish line you came from on where you would be counted.They didn't just happen to go there they had to go there..If you identify that then you can identify which one.

 

[Rockerduck]

The other thing that I do not see in it was a census was going on which is why they traveled to the city.It would of been the main city of Bethlehem the city of David of which line they followed. I would think It would depend on what Jewish line you came from on where you would be counted.They didn't just happen to go there they had to go there..If you identify that then you can identify which one.

Cyrenius knew the Jews had genealogies that were kept by the priests. Joseph was of the Royal line of David. Luke 2:4 - And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David.
A Synagogue was in Bethlehem with the genealogy of David. Hince, Joseph had to return to that synagogue and update his name and was registered there, along with the genealogy. Jewish life revolved around synagogues, which during that time, a register for taxing.