Introduction
Astrology is an ancient belief system that assumes the movements of the stars and the planets influence people’s lives. It is based on the idea that the position of the sun, stars, moon and planets at the time of a person’s birth affects their behaviour and personality traits. And while some believe astrology can be used to gain insight into the potential of their future, many still flock to their local churches and place their faith solely in the Bible. But what does the Bible say about astrology?
Evidence From The Bible
It is important to note that there is no single definitive answer to the question of what the Bible says about astrology. The Bible does not state a position either for or against astrology. That said, there are numerous verses in both the Old Testament and the New Testament that suggest that believers should not trust in astrology.
In Isaiah 47:13-14, for example, the Bible states that those who practice astrology are seeking knowledge from false sources. Similarly, in Deuteronomy 4:19, we read that believers should not seek to know the future from astrologers. In Jeremiah 10:2, the Bible mentions those who consult astrologers and warn believers not to follow in their footsteps.
The New Testament also carries similar warnings about the dangers of astrology. In Acts 19:19, for example, we find a passage which warns against the dangers of consulting astrologers. Similarly, in Revelation 22:14-16, we read that believers must not look to the stars or to the moon for guidance as doing so would be an abomination. Both the Old and the New Testament thus indicate that believers should not consult astrologers.
The End Times
Many believers take scripture to mean that astrology will be a major factor in the End Times. Revelation 21:1, for example, states that the stars will no longer be needed as nature will be restored and believers will be rewarded by God, without the need for astrology. Similarly, in Matthew 24:43-46, we see warnings about false prophets using astrology to deceive believers, which implies that astrology will play a negative role in the End Times.
Proponents of astrology might also point to Daniel 2:11-14, which seems to indicate that astrology was used by the wise men of Babylon to interpret the meaning of their dreams. However, Daniel 2:27-29 states that these interpretations are only given to the righteous, suggesting that astrology should only be used by people with a deep-seated faith in God.
God’s Will and Astrology
In Matthew 24:26-31, Jesus tells his followers not to be misled by astrologers, as God’s timing is much greater than any predictions about the future which can be obtained from astrology. Similarly, 1 Corinthians 10:31 states that believers should seek to do everything for the glory of God, rather than seeking strange deities – an obvious reference to astrology. These passages suggest that relying on astrology is antithetical to the teachings of the Bible.
The Purpose of Astrology
Despite its apparent condemnation in the Bible, astrology may still have a place in the lives of believers. Jeremiah 10:2, for example, states that astrologers are former prophets who have now left the path of the Lord. This passage, then, can be interpreted as a reminder that astrology is rooted in earlier practices. As such, astrology can serve to remind us of our history and provide us with a sense of heritage and connection to our past.
Conclusion
At its core, the Bible does not condone astrology – the various warnings and admonishments that we find suggest that believers are cautioned against relying on astrology for prediction or guidance. However, astrology may still have a role to play for believers, in that it can provide us with an appreciation of our past, even if it does not provide us with insight into the future.
