Astrology(magic)
Summary
A pseudoscience practiced in the ancient Near East that claimed to predict future events and influence human destiny through observation of the stars and heavenly bodies.
☩Nature and Practice
Astrology was a pretended science that claimed to discover future events by means of the stars. It was divided into 'natural' astrology, which predicted natural phenomena like weather, and 'judicial' astrology, which claimed to predict events dependent on human will, such as particular actions, peace, or war. The system involved dividing the heavens into twelve 'houses,' each governing different aspects of life such as fortune, marriage, death, and religion. The position of these houses at the moment of an individual's birth was called a 'theme,' and constructing this plan was to 'cast the person's nativity.'
☩Biblical Condemnation
Divination in all its forms was forbidden in the Law because it was considered abominable in itself and could not reveal the true will of God. Moses grouped together all words describing different modes of exploring the future to forbid every description of soothsaying. The prohibition of Moloch-worship was placed at the head to show the connection between soothsaying and idolatry. Israel was to be perfect with God, and He would reveal His will through His prophets.
☩The Magi and the Star
Babylonia was the earliest home of astrology, and in later times 'Chaldean' became equivalent to 'Eastern astrologer.' The Magi or Wise Men from the East mentioned in Matthew's Gospel were likely practitioners of this art. They had observed in their homeland the rising of a star or constellation which they connected with the expectation of a great ruler among the Jews. While the Evangelist does not question the connection between the star and Jesus' birth, we may accept the facts without admitting truth in astrological theories. Kepler's calculation shows an unusual conjunction of Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn occurred about 7 BC.
☩Historical Decline
Some early Christian fathers argued against astrology while others received it in modified form. The Roman Church condemned the system, though many churchmen cultivated it. Even notable astronomers like Tycho Brahe and Kepler could not entirely reject it. Ultimately, the Copernican system gave the death-blow to astrology as a respected science. The Israelites were prone to worship heavenly bodies, which was closely connected to astrological practice.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Astrology," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Astrology," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. I (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Astrology," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).