Question
Asked 13 September 2017
  • The School of Missions and Theology

Can you list publications on eschatological theories which purport to find concurrence between astronomical events and Jewish holidays?

I've been entertaining myself these days with some popular eschatological theories purporting to find concurrence between astronomical events and Jewish or Christian holidays. An example of such a theorist is John Hagee, but there are more.
In my opinion, these theories are usually not difficult to refute even on their own grounds.
However, I find it difficult to find good publications dealing with these excesses. Can you think of a treatise which pays attention to such theories from theological or historical standpoint?
I'm especially interested in publications on such theories which make explicit use of the Jewish calendar.

All Answers (2)

I don't know this area, but I'd start with some classic accounts of the religious calendars, such as Calendar, Chronology And Worship: Studies in Ancient Judaism And Early Christianity (Ancient Judaism and Early Christianity/Arbeiten Zur Geschichte ... (Ancient Judaism & Early Christianity) by Roger T. Beckwith  (Author). This book takes as its theme the related issues of calendar, chronology and worship, as they were conceived and practised in ancient Jewish and early Christian times. After a general discussion of the way the three issues are related, there follow six chapters on the calendar, first the standard Jewish calendar, then the Qumran calendar (giving particular attention to the Book of Enoch and the Temple Scroll) and finally the Christian calendar - both the standard Christian calendar and that observed by the Montanists. Three chapters on chronology come next, one of them offering a chronological solution to a puzzling calendrical problem in the Dead Sea Scrolls, another relating Jewish eschatological expectations to New Testament teaching, and a third examining the chronological calculations of the Hellenistic Jew Demetrius, the Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs, and the Book of Jubilees. The three concluding chapters, on worship, include an investigation of the historical development of the Psalter and a careful survey of the relationship between ancient Jewish worship and early Christian. The book discusses a variety of issues that arise in modern biblical, intertestamental and patristic study, some neglected, some very controversial, and throws new light upon them.
I think the reference/research term you need would be apocalyptic Judaism, which yo can look up in an Encyclopedia of Judaism.
1 Recommendation
Michael Buban
The School of Missions and Theology
Thank you, this looks interesting. I've already worked with two accessible, yet quite useful resources. One is Emil Schürer's History of the Jewish People in the Age of Jesus, vol. I (esp. Apendix III), the second one is the book called Calendar and Community: A History of the Jewish Calendar by Sacha Stern.
These books are helpful in explaining why and how the Jewish calendar(s) weren't fixed prior to the 4th century. Beckwith's book will probably yield more results in this direction.

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Origin of Halloween
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Introduction
Halloween is celebrated annually on October 31st and has its roots in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. Over centuries, the significance and customs surrounding this holiday have evolved, transforming it into a festive occasion filled with entertainment and creativity in modern society. This paper explores the historical background, the evolution of customs, and the contemporary cultural significance of Halloween.
I. Historical Background
1.1 The Celts and Samhain
The origins of Halloween can be traced back to the 5th century BCE among the Celts. In the Celtic calendar, November 1st marked the beginning of the new year, symbolizing the arrival of winter and the end of summer. To celebrate this moment, the Celts held the festival of Samhain, believing that on this night, the boundary between the living and the dead became blurred, allowing spirits to return to the earthly realm. To ward off these spirits, people would light bonfires and wear costumes.
1.2 Christian Influence
With the spread of Christianity, the church sought to incorporate pagan festivals into Christian traditions. In the 9th century, Pope Gregory IV designated November 1st as All Saints' Day, a day to honor all saints. October 31st became known as All Hallows' Eve, a night of celebration and remembrance for the deceased. This transformation allowed Halloween to gradually intertwine with Christian traditions while retaining many of its Celtic customs.
II. Evolution of Customs
2.1 Traditional Practices
Many of Halloween's customs stem from ancient Celtic beliefs. For instance, lighting bonfires and carving pumpkins (originally turnips) were ways to ward off evil spirits and honor the dead. Families and friends would gather on this night to share food and stories, fostering a sense of closeness.
2.2 Modern Celebrations
By the 20th century, Halloween celebrations became increasingly popular in the United States and other countries. Modern Halloween typically includes activities such as "trick-or-treating," costume parties, and Halloween-themed events. Children dress up in various costumes and go door-to-door collecting candy, while adults engage in social gatherings and decorate their homes to enhance the festive atmosphere.
III. Significance in Contemporary Culture
3.1 Commercialization
Halloween has evolved into a significant commercial holiday. Retailers attract consumers with a wide array of decorations, candy, and costumes, leading Halloween-related spending to surpass that of many traditional holidays. According to statistics, Halloween spending has continued to grow in recent years, making it the second-largest commercial holiday in the United States, following Christmas.
3.2 Social and Cultural Reflection
In contemporary society, Halloween serves not only as a time of celebration but also as a reflection on death and life. Through costumes and festivities, people express their fears, humor, and acceptance of death. Additionally, Halloween provides an opportunity for individuals to showcase their creativity and personality, fostering community engagement and interaction.
Conclusion
As a holiday with deep historical roots, Halloween carries rich cultural and historical significance. From the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain to modern celebrations, Halloween is not just a time for merriment but also a profound contemplation of life and death. As society continues to evolve, the meanings and ways of celebrating Halloween will also change, highlighting the diversity and creativity of human culture.

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