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Astrology: Pseudo-Science
There is reason for concern about the increased interest and involvement with occultism in recent years in the U.S. One Gallup Poll disclosed that 55% of Americans aged 13 to 18 believe in astrology. Those who take astrology to its full lengths believe that we are what we are and do what we do because the stars impel us. It is believed that a knowledge of the future can be discerned by those who are adept at reading the heavens.
First of all, it should be noted that astrology is not scientifically valid. It is based on astronomical concepts derived from ancient times, that we now know were not correct. It is actually pseudo-science and bears the same relationship to the true science of astronomy as does witchcraft to medicine or alchemy to chemistry.
A few years ago, a group of scientists from the United States and Canada requested newspapers to carry along with their astrology columns a disclaimer saying “The following astrological forecasts should be read for entertainment value only. Such predictions have no reliable basis in scientific fact.”
But the worst thing that can be said about astrology, and any other type of divination and fortunetelling, is that they are condemned in the Bible. Space will not permit a full consideration of all that the scriptures say about occultism, but consider the following:
Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord. - Deuteronomy 18:10-12
Keep on, then, with your magic spells and with your many sorceries, which you have labored at since childhood . . . Let your astrologers come forward, those stargazers who make predictions month by month, let them save you from what is coming upon you. Surely they are like stubble; the fire will burn them up. - Isaiah 47:12-14
Have you ever been inclined to get involved with astrology in a serious way? If so, consider carefully these warnings and have nothing to do with it.
- Leonard White
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Something in the Water?
The story of how the Syrian commander Naaman was cured of his leprosy by the prophet Elisha is often (rightly) used to demonstrate the fact that God’s grace is not nullified when man is required to humbly and obediently submit to some precondition in order to receive an undeserved gift.
A preacher had just related the account of Naaman’s experience and made the above application when one of his listeners spoke out, “Wait a minute, preacher. Do you mean to say that you really believe there was something in that water that had something to do with Naaman’s being healed?”
“Yes, I certainly do,” the preacher responded.
“And just exactly what was that?”
“Naaman !”
