Thursday, June 11, 2009

Astrology vs Astronomy

The heavenly bodies exist for our use and well-being. They mark days, months, and years, and bring order to our daily lives.

Astrology takes one part of creation and assigns to it powers that belong only to the Creator. The movements of the sun, moon and planets cannot foretell the future. Only God knows the future.

From the days of ancient Babylon up until Kepler’s time, astronomy and astrology were closely tied. Kepler kept meticulous records of his work in both astronomy and astrology. Towards the end of his life, his records convinced him that astrology was only superstition, whereas astronomy was true science.

Of course, Kepler’s experience did not put an end to astrology. Followers of that art have reasons for their faith which have nothing to do with evidence.

Astrology provides a controllable god. Depending on how the follower interprets his horoscope, he has permission to avoid an unpleasant task or push ahead with an illicit relationship—anything he desires. He can feel comfortably religious without having to answer to God.

Astrology enables people to live in fear or to play victim of influences outside of their control. It’s comfortable to have the stars to blame for one’s defects.

Some people use astrology to make a name for themselves or to exercise power over others. Some just want to be “spiritual,” but since we are created beings, there can be no true spirituality without a relationship with our Creator.

“The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory,” Psalm 97:6 AV.

2 comments:

  1. Well put Aunt Jane! I feel like people try to dismiss God in their lives any way they can. The created wants to become the creator of their "destiny" which was never intended by the true Creator. He alone holds our lives and the future in his hands.

    --Anne

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  2. Your explanation of why astrologers cling to their beliefs even when they are unconvinced of their truth is thought-provoking. They want to control--that's the original sin, and one that's hard to uproot.

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