Truth Magazine

By Mark Mayberry

“Do you understand yourself well enough to make the most of your potential? Are you lucky in love? . . . To all these questions and many more, the stars have the answers.” So affirms Joan Quigley in Astrology for Adults, a book which has sold over 500,000 copies and is due to be reprinted soon.

What is astrology? Why are people willing to pay between $50 and $500 to have a personal consultation with one of the more than 10,000 astrologers in this country? The popularity of astrology is evidenced by the fact that daily horoscopes are printed in over 1,200 newspapers nationwide. Is there any evidence that astrology really works? Is it based on voodoo, art, science, magic, fraud, or what? There is probably no other major delusion that is more easily examined and shown to be totally without any logical basis. Yet remarkably, its hold on the public is stronger today than ever!

The Definition of Astrology

First, we must distinguish between astronomy and astrology. Both fields of study are concerned with the heavenly bodies. Astronomy, a legitimate science, is the study of the movement and nature of the universe beyond the earth’s atmosphere. Astrology is a pseudo-science that “assumes and attempts to interpret the influence of the heavenly bodies on human affairs.”(1)Astrology affirms that the movement of the sun, moon, stars and planets affects mankind and shapes the course of life’s events. It is claimed that the position of the Earth relative to the celestial bodies at the moment of one’s birth influences one’s life and personality.

The Zodiac is “an imaginary belt in the heavens, extending about 8 degrees on each side of the ecliptic, within which are the apparent paths of the sun, moon, and the principal planets. It contains twelve constellations and hence twelve divisions called the signs of the zodiac.”(2) The twelve zodiac signs are as follows: Aries (Mar. 21-Apr. 19), Taurus (Apr. 20-May 20), Gemini (May 21-June 21), Cancer (June 22-July 23), Leo (July 24-August 23), Virgo (Aug. 24-Sept. 23), Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23), Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22), Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21), Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20), Aquarius (Jan. 21-Feb. 1), and Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20). Analysis of these signs is said to reveal specific personality traits and characteristics.

A horoscope is a diagram of the heavens, showing the relative position of the planets and the signs of the zodiac. Astrologers use these diagrams to predict future events and give personal advice to their clients. The horoscopes which appear in newspapers are based on a simplified and generalized form of astrology. They imply that all people born under the same sign anywhere in the world share common characteristics and that their daily activities should be so guided. Individual analysis is said to be possible when an astrologer draws up a horoscope by relating the signs of the Zodiac and the positions of the sun, moon and planets to the time and place of a person’s birth.(3)

The History of Astrology

The mystical superstition can be traced back to antiquity when man looked up to the heavens with reverence and awe. “Astrology originated in ancient Babylonia and spread from there to China, India, and the West, where different but related traditions grew up.”(4) The Babylonians and Assyrians developed a highly complex astrological system. Biblical references show its strong influence in later Old Testament history (Isa. 47:13; Dan. 1:20; 2: 10; etc.). Astrology came to ancient Greece as a mixture of star-gazing and magic. The Greeks changed its character from an oriental religion, adding their own philosophy and science. Thus astrology was legitimated with reason and logic. The earliest known horoscope using the principles of mature astrology dates from 409 B.C. The zodiac signs were codified by Ptolemy in the 2nd century A.D.

Astrology was once a more stately business than it is today. In antiquity, it was not concerned with housewives and hair-dressers; it was the exclusive domain of kings and emperors. Rulers would consult astrologers to find out if the time was ripe to move against their enemies. Astrology was the link between earthly kings and the gods of the heavens. It governed the course of nations.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, astrology declined in the West but flourished in the East. With the advance of Christianity, faith in astrology began to diminish. Pagan superstitions were renounced in favor of the gospel. In the twelfth century, however, astrology began to prosper once again in Western Europe. It flourished during the Dark Ages, a period in which knowledge, science and truth were suppressed by the Catholic Church.

The great reformers of the 1600s opposed astrology. It almost disappeared during the age of reason. “By the end of the 17th century . . . astrology was considered a pseudoscience by almost all learned people. . . Although astrology has persisted to the present day, enjoying greater popularity in some countries than in others, it has never attracted more than an occasional scientist to its ranks since the 17th century.”(5)

In 1898, the French encyclopedia Nouveau Larousse Illustre confidently stated, “Astrology has hardly any adherents other than swindlers who play on public credulity and even these are fast disappearing.”(6) However, those who produced this encyclopedia proved no better than latterday prophets at predicting the future, for the twentieth century has witnessed an enormous revival in the occult. Belief in the powers of fortune tellers, tarot cards, crystal balls, palm reading, numerology, astrology, ESP, mental telepathy, witchcraft, demonology, black magic, and other paranormal activity remains as prevalent today as ever, despite the lack of scientific support for such beliefs.

The Prevalence of Astrology

People from all walks of life consult the stars for guidance. An estimated 50 million Americans have starry notions about astrology. “A broadly based Temple University study in the late 1970s indicated that 42 percent of those surveyed said that horoscopes were ‘very scientific’ or ‘sort of scientific.'”(7) It is generally agreed that only a small percentage of those who read their horoscopes actually rely on astrology. However, scientists and religious leaders are concerned that even this is a dangerous trend.

More than half of all teenagers believe in astrology. A recent Gallup Poll found that 55 percent of Americans between the ages of 13 and 18 trust in astrology. This is particularly disturbing to many educators. Paul Kurtz, philosophy professor at the State University of New York, Buffalo, said that if the United States is to maintain it scientific leadership, young people must develop an understanding of the physical universe based upon reliable evidence instead of believing in “outdated mythologies.”(8)

Astrology even is used in making business decisions. According to a recent survey, 48 percent of Wall Street investors admitted that they consulted the stars on buy-sell decisions.(9)

Surveys have found that women are twice as likely as men to believe in astrology and other phenomena. In 1984, Psychology Today magazine said a poll of its readers found that 43 percent of the women acknowledged their belief that the positions of the planets and stars affected their lives, but only 24 percent of the men agreed.(10)

The Appeal of Astrology

What is the appeal of astrology? Why are people so quick to believe? In many ways, the world has grown too large for us, too complicated to understand. We feel overwhelmed by modern life. Astrology acts as an emotional crutch for many. It seems to make the events in life a little more predictable, giving order to a world filled with chaos. It relieves some of our anxiety over the future. It gives each individual a sense of belonging. Moreover, it is fun, mysterious and intriguing.

The human mind is intrigued by mystic connections, and longs to understand the “enfolding weave of synchronicities.”(11) Astrology “offers a seeing of the unseen, and hears pitches of significance that the ear cannot detect. An elaborate counterworld whispers its order into the human mess. “(12) “Periods of resurgence may correspond with times of uncertainty, especially when science and technology seem unable to provide acceptable solutions to pressing problems and when many people seem to seek a more mystical and spiritual mode of understanding the world.”(13)

In our next article, we will see how astrology fails the test of science.

Endnotes

1. Random House Dictionary of the English Language, 2nd Ed. Unabridged, s.v., “Astrology.”

2. Random House Dictionary of the English Language, 2nd Ed. Unabridged, s.v., “Zodiac.”

3. Academic American Encyclopedia (Arte Publishing Co., Inc., Feb. 1987), s.v. “Astrology.” Downloaded from Knowledge Index on July 18, 1988 from the Reference Section (REFRI) Database.

4. Academic American Encyclopedia, s.v., “Astrology.”

5. Academic American Encyclopedia,. s.v. “Astrology.”

6. Daniel Cohen, “Jeane Dixon: Psychic Star of the Year,” Nation, December 13, 1965, p. 472.

7. Curtis J. Silomer, “Astrology’s Allure Seen As Insidious,” The Christian Science Monitor, May 10, 1988, p. 2.

8. UPI News Release, Dateline: Stanford, CA, November 10, 1984 (United Press International, c1988). All UPI articles are downloaded from Knowledge Index on September 4, 1988 from the News Section (NEWS3) Database.

9. UPI News Release, Dateline: Washington, DC, May 11, 1988.

10. UPI News Release, Dateline: New York, NY, August 27, 1984.

11. Lance Morrow, ”The Five-and-Dime Charms of Astrology,” Time, May 16, 1988, p. 100.

12. Morrow, p. 100.

13. Academic American Encyclopedia, s.v. “Astrology.”

Guardian of Truth XXXIV: 17, pp. 518-519
September 6, 1990

By Lester A. Doyle, Jr.

The Lord’s Day

Today there are a lot of people confused. Different people have different days and occasions they think are most important to celebrate. But to us, as Christians, this day, the Lord’s day, stands above all. This day we come together in one mind and one body to worship our Lord. On this day we come around our Lord’s table in remembrance of his death.

Before we partake of the bread and the cup, which is the body and the blood of our Savior, we need to read Colossians 1:20-22: “. . . and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and irreproachable in His sight:”

Let us give thanks for the blessings that we have in Christ.

Guardian of Truth XXXIV: 17, p. 523
September 6, 1990

By Clarence W. Fell

How many times has this happened to you? You are settling down for a quiet evening after a hard day’s work. You pour a glass of ice tea, kick your shoes off and grab the TV remote control or your favorite book. Everything is going great until you hear a knock at the door. “Maybe it’s a friend,” you say to yourself. “I’d enjoy some casual conversation.” You open the door. To your disappointment it’s a stranger. Probably a salesman. You start thinking of how to cut his sales pitch short while he introduces himself. In the midst of your thoughts you catch the name Jehovah’s Witness and before you know it this guy is quoting Psalms 37:29, “The righteous shall inherit the land and dwell in it forever,” and explaining how the righteous will live forever in paradise on earth.

You counter with 2 Peter 3:10. He counters with Matthew 5:5 and on and on the battle rages throwing verses after verse back and forth at one another making very little, if any, progress.

I would like to suggest a different approach.

When told the world will stand “forever” ask the Jehovah’s Witness what “forever” means. Refer him to some examples where “forever” does not mean time without end. Some examples, from their Bible are:

Amos 1:11 (NWT): “. . . he ruined his own merciful qualities, and his anger keeps tearing away forever; and his fury he has kept it perpetually.”

Hab. 6:6 (NWT): And the eternal mountains got to be smashed.”

Exod. 31:17 (NWT): . . . The sabbath, “. . . is a sign to time indefinite. . . ” (see also Exod. 28:43; 29:28).

These passages use the same Hebrew word as found in Psalms 37:29 though the NWT does not always use “forever” to translate it.

Having pointed out to the Jehovah’s Witness that the word “forever” does not always mean absolute time without end, ask him, “How are we to decide which applies to the earth?” Offer to answer the question by letting the Bible show how to apply the word “forever” to the earth. You can even use their Bible, the New World Translation, if you want.

Read Psalms 102:25-26 (NWT): “Long ago you laid the foundations of the earth itself, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They themselves will perish, but you yourself will keep standing, and just like a garment they will all of them wear out. Just like clothing you will replace them, and they will finish their turn.” Now ask the Jehovah’s Witness, “Does it appear that God intended ‘forever’ to be understood in the absolute sense as it applies to the earth?”

Read Matthew 24:35 (NWT): “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will by no means pass away” (also Mk. 13:31; Lk. 21:33). Again ask, “Does it appear that God intended ‘forever’ to be understood in the absolute sense as it applies to the earth?”

Read Isaiah 51:6 (NWT): “For the very heavens must be dispersed in fragments just like smoke, and like a garment itself will wear out. . . ” Again ask, “Does it appear that God intended ‘forever’ to be understood in the absolute sense as it applies to the earth?” Keep emphasizing that “forever” doesn’t always mean “time without end” and focus on letting the Bible define the term in reference to earth.

Obviously, it does not take a college degree to see how God uses “forever” when referring to the earth. However, it is doubtful that the Jehovah’s Witness will immediately convert at this point. The Jehovah’s Witnesses have many complex tricks in their little bags of doctrinal error. Be careful. Do not underestimate them.

The above approach is not a magic silver bullet. However, it will give you another tool to use when confronted by the Jehovah’s Witnesses and maybe, just maybe, you will plant a seed that will begin to grow.

Guardian of Truth XXXIV: 17, p. 517
September 6, 1990

By Calvin R. Schlabach

Among the mighty warriors in King David’s army, was a man named Eleazar, who was one of “The Three” who were renowned for courage and valor in battle. His bravery is demonstrated in a story told in 2 Samuel 23:9-10. There we read that when Israel’s army was confronted by a force of Philistines, all the soldiers fled all, that is, except Eleazar. He alone stood his ground and fought the enemy single-handedly. The sacred record says he “struck down the Philistines till his hand grew tired and froze to the sword” (NIV).

His hand froze to the sword! Even in his weariness, when the battle must have seemed hopeless, Eleazar’s hand instinctively clung to his sword and would not let go! Therefore, the account says, “The Lord brought about a great victory that day.

Friends, is there not a lesson in this for you and me? Obviously, we are not engaged in carnal warfare, as he was. Instead, God has armed us with “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Eph. 6:17). While there are many in the church today who are quick to throw down this sword and flee, we need to cling to it and not let go, our hands frozen to the sword!

We need to cling to the sword of the Spirit in our personal lives. In our interpersonal relationships with our families, on our jobs, in school, and in the decisions that we make from day to day, we need to seek God’s guidance. I fear too many of us already have our minds made up based on what everyone else is doing, or what we have always done, or have always “felt” was the right thing to do, and we never stop to ask, “what does the Bible say about this?”

There never comes a time in a Christian’s life when he can lay aside his Bible, thinking, “I already know it all” or “I don’t need that any longer.” The command to every Christian, all Christians both young and old, is to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 3:18). We need to be constantly studying God’s truth, and asking, “How does his word (not my opinions) apply to this situation?” May our hands be frozen to the sword for guidance in our lives!

Should we not also cling to the sword of the Spirit when seeking guidance for the churches of which we are members? We all know the tragedy of churches, even churches of Christ, laying aside the Book, and operating without God’s guidance, relying instead on tradition or their own faulty human wisdom. Their departure from God’s pattern is swift and usually irreversible, resulting in their “lamp stand” being removed (Rev. 2:5).

Are we in danger of going that way in the congregation I belong to? Think about it. In our work and the way we carry it out, our organization, our doctrine, do we rely more on God’s word, or on what we have always done in the past? Do we seek the guidance of God or of other churches? Do we ask for book, chapter, and verse or for what the magazine, the colleges, and the big meeting preachers are saying?

If we are going to be “a New Testament church,” then we need to guided by the New Testament and by that alone. Let’s make certain that we grasp the sword firmly in our hands and never lay it aside when we seek guidance for the church!

Let us also cling to the sword God has given us when we are seeking to convert others to Christ. We say that “the gospel . . . is the power of God for salvation” (Rom. 1:16), and so let’s use it. We may be able to open doors with kindness and friendship, but it is not until the word of God is taught that souls can be saved.

All of the human reasoning and good arguments that we can think of will never be as powerful as a “thus saith the Lord!” Let’s familiarize ourselves with the sword of the Spirit, become proficient in its use, and then employ it in the battle for men’s souls! Nothing else will ever win them for the Lord!

When Eleazar’s hand froze to the sword, God gave Israel a great victory. We will never have our victory over sin and the Evil One until the sword is grasped firmly in our hands and we bravely stand our ground!

Guardian of Truth XXXIV: 17, p. 527
September 6, 1990