Tag Archives: Astronomy

BIBLE QUESTIONS

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT ASTROLOGY? — BOB PRICHARD

Astrology is a practice based upon the belief that a person’s destiny is greatly influenced, if not determined, by the pattern of the stars in the sky at the time of the person’s birth. Millions of people consult their daily horoscopes (predictions based on astrology) to plan their activities. Although popular, astrology is not based on scientific, rational, or biblical principles. It is simply pagan superstition, which has its roots in the practices of the Babylonians of 4,000 years ago. Sometimes confused with astronomy, which is the  scientific study of the stars and celestial bodies, astrology has no place in modern society.

Astrology has no basis in reality. The astrologer determines the horoscope according to the position of the twelve signs of the zodiac at the time of birth. When astrologers conceived the twelve signs of zodiac, however, men thought that the earth was the center of the universe, and all the stars and planets revolved around the earth. We now know that the earth revolves around the sun, and not even our solar system is the center of the universe. In reality, there are no such things as the signs of the zodiac. They are complete fabrications.

Astrology is popular today because as people become further and further removed from God, they seek answers to their fears and anxieties. Astrology supplies the mysterious answers to fill the void in their lives. Thoughtful examination of the horoscopes reveals that the predictions and advice are couched in carefully worded vagueness. There is usually more than one outcome possible, and the person who believes in the horoscope makes its promises or warnings come true. The horoscope “comes true” because the reader rearranges his life to align with what he thinks the horoscope is saying, not because the planets have any actual influence on life. Different people, including identical twins, who have the same “sign” supposedly have the same horoscope, even though their life circumstances are completely different.

The Bible condemns astrology because it is nothing more than idolatry. Isaiah foretold the fall of Babylon, and spoke of the powerlessness of astrology:  “Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from these things that shall come upon thee. Behold, they shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame” (Isaiah 47:13-14).  Jeremiah warned Israel, “Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them” (Jeremiah 10:2). God commended Good king Josiah for destroying the places of worship to “Baal and to the sun, and to the moon, and to the planets, and to all the host of heaven” (2 Kings 23:5).  Paul condemned sorcery, idolatry and witchcraft, which includes astrology, warning that those who practice these things “shall not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:20-21). Astrology is not harmless fun. It is idolatry of the worst sort, and should be avoided by all. As practiced today, it is a religious racket that dupes the gullible, and has  no place in a modern society.

Blog, CHRISTIAN LIVING

ASTRONOMY IN PERSPECTIVE — BOB PRICHARD

An astronomer once remarked to Fulton J. Sheen: “To an astronomer, man is nothing but an infinitesimal dot in an infinite universe.” “An interesting point of view,” Sheen responded, “but you seem to forget that your infinitesimal dot of a man is still the astronomer.”

David reminds us of what man the astronomer sees when he looks into the skies. “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world” (Psalm 19:1-4).

In view of God’s majesty, David marveled that the Creator of the universe would have so much concern for man. “When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet” (Psalm 8:3-6).

Isn’t it mind boggling to realize that God has not only entrusted man with a world to care for, but also sacrificed His Son for the sins of mankind? “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life” (Romans 5:6-11).