Seeking Wisdom from Higher Powers

“And God said, ‘Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years, and let them be lights in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth.’ And it was so.” Genesis 1:14-15

If you would drive into our little community this week, you would see a large sign advertising the upcoming community Vacation Bible School. I can’t remember the exact title, but it has an outer-space theme which highlights things like rocket ships, planets and astronauts!

In stark contrast to this ‘heavenly theme’ is another sign. This one is posted across the street at our local library and it is promoting an Astrology Class for kids. To be fair, they have been exploring outer space through their summer reading program, but here’s the description of the class: “Make the stars your allies. Learn the basics of the ancient science of astrology and discover your personal map through natal charts. Read and analyze your star chart.” The huge contrast between these two signs, and what they are offering to our community children concerns me greatly.

The questions that start running through my head are these: Would the average child know the difference between the study of astronomy versus the study of astrology? Would their parents or grandparents? Do those in our church family truly understand what their children will likely be exposed to if they attend this class, or do they just think it is one more fun space-themed event held within the summer reading program?

In case you haven’t thought about the differences between astronomy and astrology any time recently, here’s a brief refresher.

Astrology “is the study that assumes and attempts to interpret the influence of the heavenly bodies on human affairs.” (dictionary.com) It is a “divination art which teaches that the relative positioning in the sky of the Sun, Moon and planets has an influence upon individuals and upon the course of human affairs.” (bibleinfo.com)

On the other hand…

Astronomy “is the study of objects and matter outside the earth's atmosphere and of their physical and chemical properties. (merriam-webster.com) “The Bible says that stars, along with the sun and moon, were given for signs and seasons; that is, they were meant to mark time for us. They are also signs in the sense of navigational indicators, and all through history men have used the stars to chart their courses around the globe.” (gotquestions.org)

Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary sums up the distinction between the two in this way: “In the early history of humanity, astrology and astronomy were closely related. The latter [astronomy] dealt with the movements of heavenly bodies, while the former [astrology] attempted to interpret the possible effects that these might have upon earth's inhabitants.”

The Bible speaks to the dangers and unreliability of looking to astrology as a source of guidance and truth. Isaiah 47 has very strong words on the topic in relation to the fall of Babylon. The Book of Daniel records multiple instances when many astrologers and diviners were not able to interpret dreams or advise their king through their efforts in magic. And, Revelation 21:8 gives grave warnings to those who practice magic arts.

No doubt, I have limited knowledge of all the theories proposed in astrological teaching. However, I do know enough to see the dangers of dabbling in what is considered by many to just be harmless fun. Our children - and our churches - need to know there is a huge difference between the study of God’s heavenly creation and the dangers of ‘worshiping’ the things of creation and giving it a power over our lives. 

We are not alone in this battle for truth. Creation itself is shouting out to be heard each and every day! “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.” Psalm 19:1-4a

So how can we speak truth into the lives of others regarding the dangers of astrology, divination and the magic arts? One way is by encouraging them that we have no need to seek insight about our lives from the stars because true wisdom and insight is a gift from God, not given through the stars He made.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James 1:5