Question: Divination: What Is Wrong with Astrology? DIVINATION AND ASTROLOGY- Introduction Horoscopes can be found just about everywhere, including newspapers, magazines, and call-in numbers. Is all of this just a harmless game, or is there something more to astrology? DIVINATION AND ASTROLOGY- The Appeal of Astrology Astrology’s big appeal lies in its promise to supply answers for both the “big” and “little” questions we regularly face. From giving character analyses to providing daily advice, astrology claims to offer a systematic approach by which people can order their lives. And with the growth of the New Age movement, interest in astrology continues to flourish. Far from being a science, however, astrology’s roots can actually be traced back to the religious practices of ancient Mesopotamia, Assyria, and even Egypt. Astrology is, in fact, a form of divination — that is, an attempt to seek counsel or knowledge by occultic means. DIVINATION AND ASTROLOGY- What Does Scripture Say? Historical and archaeological evidence indicate that astrology was used primarily to chart the destinies of nations. Nowadays, it offers its wares to individual men and women. But what does Scripture have to say about looking to the stars for our destinies? In Isaiah 47, we find a strong denunciation of astrologers and their craft. In fact, verse 15 explicitly points out that “each of them goes on in his error” and that “there is not one that can save you”(NIV). The Book of Daniel further confirms that astrologers lack true discernment, and that the only source of accurate revelation is God Almighty. DIVINATION AND ASTROLOGY- God’s Condemnation Is it any wonder then that God sternly condemns all forms of divination, as we read particularly in Deuteronomy 18? As Christians, it is imperative that we submit to the will of our Creator rather than bow down to the dictates of His creation. To do otherwise would be to commit idolatry. DIVINATION AND ASTROLOGY- Conclusion As you can see, astrology is hardly an innocent and harmless activity. It is, in fact, a very dangerous form of divination that should be avoided at all costs. Let us seek guidance not from heavenly bodies, but from our heavenly Father who has made everything. -Hank Hanegraaff.
Posted on: Mon, 10 Jun 2013 13:29:27 +0000