Bible Discussion Thread

Astrology is the only possible explanation of this story, at least the first part of it. How else can people "from the east" see a star "in the east" decide to travel WEST to Jerusalem? The star was some sort of sign, not to be followed as some popular stories tell it but as an astrological prediction based on where and when this "star" was. The second part of the story is strange, (verse 9) seems to suggest they followed it, (it "went before them") and then "stood over where the young child was". I defy you to show over what house any particular star stands. All you have to do is walk in any direction and suddenly the star is standing over a different house. Astrology gets you in the general area but I'm not sure what can pinpoint a specific place (other than wishful thinking to add more kick to the story). Actually, astrological references show up in a number of places in the bible. Makes sense, astrology was a part of everyday life then, at least for the educated. We know better now but often forget to think like a 1st century person when reading these texts.