About 20 years ago, the Rev. Doug McGonagle — a former astrophysicist — discovered a book by the late astronomer Michael Molnar that explored the mystery of the Star of Bethlehem, also known as the star that guided the three wise men to baby Jesus, through a scientific lens. 

For years, McGonagle gave “book talks” on Molnar’s work, which begins with the discovery of a coin depicting the image of Aries (a ram) looking over his shoulder at a star. According to a book synopsis, Molnar argues in his book that the Star of Bethlehem was not a star at all, but rather a regal portent centering around the planet Jupiter that was eclipsed by the moon.

“I thought this guy had a really great idea,” said McGonagle, who had always wondered whether the star in the traditional Christmas story was simply a bright light in the sky, or a planet or comet. “During COVID and my last year or so in Easthampton, a friend of mine called me … She’s an editor for the [Catholic Truth Society] Publishing in London. She came to me about doing a book about the Star of Bethlehem.”

McGonagle said he explained to the editor that he’d been giving talks about Molnar’s book and that he didn’t necessarily have a concept for his own book. 

“I thought about it more and I came up with another idea,” he said. “In February, I signed a contract and turned in the book in June.”

McGonagle’s “The Star of Bethlehem” recapitulates and builds on Malnor’s work, “The Star of Bethlehem: The Legacy of the Magi,” while also filling in some gaps in the story, he said. In particular, McGonagle wanted to dive deeper into the story of Herod the Great, or the King of Judea when Jesus was born.

With the recent release of his book on Amazon, McGonagle will host a talk and book signing at Blessed Trinity Parish at Holy Trinity Church, which is located at 135 Main St., Greenfield, at 2 p.m. on Dec. 10. Copies of the book will be available for $10. 

Now a priest in Hadley, McGonagle previously performed mass at the same Greenfield church where he will give his talk. Prior to becoming a priest, he earned a doctorate in astronomy from University of Massachusetts Amherst. 

Both of his parents were practicing Catholics, he said, so he grew up in the church. He was also raised in a household where science and engineering were also revered.

It wasn’t until his post-doctoral year that the idea of becoming a priest first crossed his mind. 

“It’s not like I ever thought about it and said no,” he said, referring to whether he’d thought about becoming a priest. “I honestly … never ever considered it.” 

For McGonagle, science and religion are not at odds with one another, as some perceive the two subjects to be. 

“It’s an urban myth,” he said, arguing that the Judeo-Christian worldview “allowed people to trust that the universe is something to be understood.”

And now, he’s written a book that combines both elements of his life. 

“I had never ever thought I’d be in this position to have an page on Amazon,” he said.

Reporter Mary Byrne can be reached at mbyrne@recorder.com or 413-930-4429. Twitter: @MaryEByrne.