Astrology, the belief that the positions and movements of celestial bodies can influence human affairs and natural events, has been a topic of fascination and debate for millennia. As a non-denominational Christian pastor, addressing the question of what the Bible says about astrology requires a careful examination of Scripture to understand God's perspective on this practice.
The Bible contains numerous passages that touch upon the subject of astrology, often within the broader context of divination and seeking guidance from sources other than God. The overarching theme in these passages is a clear and consistent warning against relying on astrology and other forms of divination.
One of the most direct references to astrology can be found in the book of Isaiah. In Isaiah 47:13-14, God speaks through the prophet Isaiah to pronounce judgment on Babylon, a nation known for its reliance on astrology and other forms of divination:
"You are wearied with your many counsels; let them stand forth and save you, those who divide the heavens, who gaze at the stars, who at the new moons make known what shall come upon you. Behold, they are like stubble; the fire consumes them; they cannot deliver themselves from the power of the flame." (Isaiah 47:13-14, ESV)
Here, God mocks the astrologers of Babylon, emphasizing their inability to save or provide true guidance. This passage highlights the futility and impotence of astrology when compared to the sovereign power of God.
The book of Deuteronomy also addresses the issue of divination, including astrology, within the context of the Israelites' covenant relationship with God. In Deuteronomy 18:10-12, God explicitly forbids His people from engaging in various forms of divination:
"There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord." (Deuteronomy 18:10-12, ESV)
This passage underscores the seriousness with which God views these practices, categorizing them as abominations. The prohibition against divination, including astrology, is rooted in the belief that seeking guidance from sources other than God constitutes a form of idolatry and a rejection of God's sovereignty.
The New Testament also provides insight into the Christian perspective on astrology. In the book of Acts, the apostle Paul encounters a slave girl who has a spirit of divination. Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, commands the spirit to come out of her:
"As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and us, crying out, 'These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.' And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, 'I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.' And it came out that very hour." (Acts 16:16-18, ESV)
This account illustrates the early Christian stance against practices associated with divination and fortune-telling, including astrology. Paul’s actions demonstrate that the power of God, through the name of Jesus Christ, triumphs over such practices.
Furthermore, in the book of Colossians, Paul warns believers against being led astray by deceptive philosophies and practices that are not rooted in Christ:
"See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ." (Colossians 2:8, ESV)
Astrology, as a form of divination based on celestial movements, can be seen as one of these deceptive practices that Paul warns against. The emphasis here is on the sufficiency of Christ for wisdom and guidance, rather than turning to human traditions or elemental spirits.
In addition to these biblical passages, it is also helpful to consider the theological implications of astrology. Christianity teaches that God is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. The Bible opens with the majestic declaration of God's creative power:
"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." (Genesis 1:1, ESV)
This foundational truth establishes God's sovereignty over all creation, including the stars and planets. The psalmist echoes this sentiment, praising God for His handiwork in the heavens:
"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork." (Psalm 19:1, ESV)
The biblical view of the stars and celestial bodies is that they are part of God's creation, meant to display His glory and majesty. They are not, however, to be worshipped or used as a means of divination. In fact, the Bible explicitly warns against the worship of celestial bodies:
"And beware lest you raise your eyes to heaven, and when you see the sun and the moon and the stars, all the host of heaven, you be drawn away and bow down to them and serve them, things that the Lord your God has allotted to all the peoples under the whole heaven." (Deuteronomy 4:19, ESV)
This passage reinforces the idea that while the heavens declare God's glory, they are not to be objects of worship or sources of guidance.
Christian literature also addresses the topic of astrology. One notable example is C.S. Lewis, a prominent Christian apologist and author. In his book "The Discarded Image," Lewis discusses the medieval cosmology and the role of astrology within it. He acknowledges that while the medieval mind saw the heavens as a reflection of God's order, the practice of astrology as a means of divination was ultimately rejected by Christian thinkers. Lewis emphasizes the distinction between appreciating the beauty and order of the cosmos and using it for divinatory purposes.
The consistent message throughout Scripture and Christian thought is that astrology, as a form of divination, is incompatible with the Christian faith. The Bible calls believers to seek guidance and wisdom from God alone, who is the ultimate source of truth and knowledge. The practice of astrology, by contrast, represents a misplaced trust in created things rather than the Creator.
Moreover, the Bible encourages believers to trust in God's providence and sovereignty over their lives. In Proverbs 3:5-6, we find this exhortation:
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV)
This passage calls believers to place their trust in God rather than in human understanding or practices like astrology. It is a reminder that God is intimately involved in the lives of His people and that He alone can provide the guidance and direction they need.
In conclusion, the Bible's stance on astrology is clear: it is a practice that is prohibited and viewed as incompatible with the worship of the one true God. The Scriptures consistently warn against seeking guidance from the stars or any other created thing, instead calling believers to place their trust in God alone. By doing so, Christians acknowledge God's sovereignty, wisdom, and providential care over their lives, affirming that He alone is the source of true guidance and understanding.
