|
|
His perspective was that people should focus their worship and attention on the Creator God, not on the stars. Was he right? Or, as many in his native country believe, do the stars somehow shape our future, and even our character?
According to Astrology.com, the oldest traceable astrological concepts come from Babylon 1645 years B.C. The first horoscope appeared in 410 B.C., and since then this philosophy has spread across the world. Is it possible that paragraph descriptions of our daily lives are accurate, or are they so generalized that they just sound right on occasion?
Whether it's a hotline or a horoscope, physicist and astronomer Donald DeYoung cites significant scientific problems with astrology. First, if the alignment of stars has any effect on human personality or life direction, those born at the same time should follow the same path in life and be noticeably similar. However, this isn't what we find in the real world.
Secondly, DeYoung cited the fact that gravity is the only force that stars or other planets could exert upon the earth, and that this effect is negligible.
Finally, star positions relative to earth have changed since astrological calendars were first conceived. With this in mind, he argues that the "signs" are no longer valid, and that the "error grows greater every year."
There are also a few theological implications that need to be evaluated:
1. Accountability. Astrology gives the impression that people are not responsible for their actions, attitudes or personality problems. But the Bible says, "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account." (Hebrews 4:13)
2. Choices. What do our choices even mean, if the future is determined by the stars? Astrology, taken to its logical end, would eliminate free will and "predestine" our lives.
3. Purpose. Why did God make the stars? Why did he make people? In Genesis we read that human beings are the centerpiece of creation, not stars. Stars were created to give honor to God (Psalm 19:1), not to direct the course of our lives. God made us to have a real relationship with him, not to be mindlessly directed by stars thousands of light years from earth!
4. Change. According to the Bible, we aren't locked into a cosmic destiny from which there is no escape. Our character, behavior, attitudes and future are shaped by the decisions we make every day. Astrology leaves little room for such life transformation, and little room for the exciting truth Paul spoke of in 2 Corinthians 5:17: "If any man is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has gone, the new has come!"
As with any issue, God's opinion matters most. In the Bible, we find astrology typically lumped together with magic arts, fortune-telling, and occult activity. Christians should be careful to weigh their actions according to God's Word, not by a horoscope or prediction. The stars don't hold the future. Their Maker does. And he's worth your attention!
Daniel W. Jarvis has spoken in churches across the United States and has written numerous articles and books on spiritual issues. He may be contacted via e-mail at djarvis@lifeaction.org.
