The History Channel sent us a screener for Lost Book of Nostradamus, but it didn’t arrive before the 2-hour program debut last Sunday, Oct. 28 (which by the way, hit 3.5 million viewers and was the #1 cable show that evening).

Alas, perhaps someone could have predicted we wouldn’t watch it until last night. Essentially, a new book of cryptic prophecies conveniently popped up in the National Library in Rome that some feel is the work of Nostradamus — “the most famous and controversial prophet in the history of the world.” This program goes through the new prophecies, linking them to 9/11, the fall of Saddam Hussein and the rise of Islamic Jihad.

Superb attention was paid to the fact that many of his predictions threaten the Christian belief system and perhaps this book was too well-illustrated to come from a prophet known for his writing (not watercolor painting).

What was lacking, however, was a primer on the many Nostradamus predictions throughout the past 500 years that has lifted him to such an exalted status. I suppose you can find that on the interwebs, however.

For the record, we don’t really believe in all this mortal horoscope jibber jabber. Throughout the centuries, man has searched for a purpose. Christianity’s Jesus Christ is such a better role model than a 500 year-old decrepit prophet who was trying to wrinkle the sheets of the royals. Just saying…we prefer “Jesus died for your sins” to “Nostradamus predicted the world will end in hell fire.” In fact, if you read the Book of Revelations, you’ll find that wasn’t really news anyway.

It doesn’t look like the show will be rebroadcast, but you can watch parts at History.com. Also, check out Nostravision, an online game that allows players to customize Nostradamus quatrains into their own visions.