A slightly updated version of the post “A Christian perspective on astrology”
First appeared in Confident Living Magazine And Harvest Times For Your Family. Magazines.
In recent times, the worst things are happening in the name of religion, especially using superstitious beliefs and activities.
The recent incident that happened in Elanthoor, Kerala (the twin murder) was shocking news to the general public.
It’s really so sad to note that, even in some Christian circles these, or similar types of activities are going on and the so called young pastors are taking the advantage of gullible believers.
In the social media often appears such leaders gimmicks, even after explain it well the dangers involved with it the poor believers are still after it.
Here is one such incidents happened recently in a Telugu congregation.
https://fb.watch/lTOWQ_nxXW/?mibextid=Nif5oz
No doubt, the influence of religion in people’s minds is the main reason behind such activities. In view of this, recent development, the following few lines will give a clear-cut idea of what the Bible teaches in such practices.
A Christian perspective on astrology… Read on…
Cover Image Credit: CLS Publication
Mad Rush Towards Astrology, Soothsayers or Astrologers
A write-up on Astrology. A Christian perspective on astrology is published on the pages of “Confident Living” and “Harvest Times for your family” magazines. The writer brings out certain facts on this subject based on the Holy Bible. A Christian viewpoint on astrology. ~ Admin Philipscom
The uncertainties among people are increasing day by day. Things are fast changing; today’s man or thing is not there tomorrow. A kind of fear gripes people and they wander here and there to find a solution to this.
People are frustrated by the day-to-day incidents and in their search, they ultimately approach the so-called soothsayers or astrologers to find a solution to this.
This has become an order of the day in modern society. The soothsayers take advantageof this and are making hay while their clients are basking in glory. As a result, every day, a new one sprouts somewhere in the country.
It is very unfortunate to note that in India politicians and film personalities are the bunches of people who are always in search of these soothsayers.
In recent times this trend has spread among the Indian cricketers’ community and the television program producers and anchors. What a shame and pathetic condition this is.? Sadly these things are mostly happening in the name of religion.
The sad fact is that most of their predictions do not hit the bull’s eye. One cannot understand, still, the mad rush towards these soothsayers are increasing day by day.
Especially this is more visible during the election season in India. In the Indian political scenario the ministers, M Ps (Members of Parliament) and M LAs (Members of the Legislature Assembly) are on the run after these astrologers.
Each of them has appointed or selected soothsayers for their functions and auspicious occasions like submitting the nomination papers and starting the election campaign etc.
Image Credit: Pixabay
Astrology A BIG NO From Mrs. Indira Gandhi
The only exception to this in the Indian political history is Mrs. Indira Gandhi, the former Prime Minister of India. She wrote in a letter to one of her close friends, Dr. M S Shastri of Bangalore, “…I have always tried to avoid astrologers; I do not believe in astrology and have refused to ask questions about the future even when pressed”.
My letter published on the pages of The Week Magazine on Astrology – July 1996
One thing is sure our politicians and celebrities are addicted to these kinds of superstitions. It seems like it’s diluted in their blood and with that, they are deceiving their fans alike.
It looks rather very difficult to weed it out from their system.
Famous Indian writer, Khushwant Singh (a stalwart in Indian Journalism) the former Editor of the famous English weekly, “The Illustrated Weekly of India“, said in an interview,
“Due to some problem, the astrology columnist of the weekly left the organization, and the column stopped abruptly.
The readers started inquiring about it. I don’t want to displease the readers so I started compiling the column myself. I selected some previous issues astrology column and reshuffled it and arranged it for the week with a pen name.”
This was very much appreciated by the poor readers”
Cover page of the Illustrated Weekly of India.
This is what is happening in many of the publications in the name of this column termed ‘Astrology‘. The gullible readers eagerly wait to read this scrap.
How sad it is! Print and visual media are in a neck-to-neck race on this issue of knowing the future and telling the future. They run columns for daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly forecasts for their readers.
The sad part is that, if we take a keen look at these soothsayers’ predictions, 99% of them are never fulfilled or happen as predicted.
ASTROLOGY: A CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
The point here is about the Christian flocks: Even among some of the so-called “Christians”. There are a good number of folk who are after such people seeking the guidance of astrologers, tarot readers, and other soothsayers to know their future.
For their children’s education, marriage, and other families’ auspicious occasion dates, etc they consult these astrologers. They actively look at the daily and weekly astrology columns in newspapers and weeklies. Some eagerly watch the daily broadcasts on TV.
These so-called Christian folk must take note that they are pursuing the old nature, a kind of idol worship. They are forgetting the fact that God is the one who controls everything He is the one who decides the future and every creation is in His hands. They conveniently forget this great truth and run after the pleasures of this world.
Here is a warning to such people!!! In the book of Isaiah chapter 47 we read this: “Depending on the astrologers, the stargazers, and monthly prognosticators Babylon took pride in itself and said in thine heart, I am and none else besides me.
But alas God challenges them to save themselves. But they could not save themselves or even others. God warns the Babylonians about the consequences of their deeds. God challenges them to save the stars and the stargazers could not.
God created the sun moon and stars to give light to the world. But alas people depend on them to know their future, what a pathetic state.
It cannot save itself nor can’t save others; indeed it faces the wrath of God. Isaiah chapter 13:10 says, “For the stars of heaven and their constellations will not flash forth their light; the sun will be dark when it rises and the moon will not shed its light.”
The word of God very clearly urges the people to call upon the wonder-working creator of this universe! “Seek him that maketh the seven stars and Orion, and turneth the shadow of death into the morning, and maketh the day dark with night: that calleth for the waters of the sea, and poureth them out upon the face of the earth: The LORD is his name: (Amos 5:8)
A child of God is controlled and guided by the spirit of God, not the creations of this world. Creations should seek the face of the creator, not the stars, sun, moon, or any other living or non-living thing.
TO LISTEN TO THE CONTENT PLEASE CLICK ON THE BELOW IMAGE
The Holy Bible: God’s special revelation in written form. There are a number of books revered as sacred, but God has given only one book which is the BIBLE. Its unique authority is affirmed from cover to cover. Therefore, occult knowledge like astrology, tarot cards reading, etc are off limits and should not influence a real Christian.
Isaiah’s emphasis is to use God’s written Word as the standard to judge spiritual truth claims: “Bind up the testimony, Seal up the law among my disciples… When men tell you to consult mediums and spiritists who whisper and mutter, should not the people inquire of their God?
Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to THIS WORD they have no light of dawn. (Isaiah 8:16,19-20). (NIV)
The Bible gives us a basis for the assured knowledge of God. The apostle Peter even ranked it as more valuable than eye-witness evidence! “We have the PROPHETIC WORD CONFIRMED, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts”(2 Peter 1:14-19).
Let me close by quoting a verse from Deuteronomy: There shall not be found among you anyone that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.
For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations, the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee. Deuteronomy Chapter. 18:10-12. (KJV).
Source:
Bible Quotes are from King James Version, Evangel Publishers Ltd, Kaduna, Nigeria.
Published in Confident Living Magazine, The Official organ of Back to the Bible International, And “Harvest Times For Your Family”, Mumbai. Gospel Literature Publications in India. GLSIndia.com
POST SCRIPT: This post is an adaptation of my original writings at Google’s Knol Pages Comments and responses received on the original post on “Knol Pages:
It’s really good to receive such encouraging thoughts from the little ones. I appreciate your interest in this field of writing. I wish you all the best in this line.
I have posted a reply to your other comment, as I said to follow the instructions of well-known writers. here is a link to follow. Johnson’s Index of Journalism/Article Knols – http://knol.google.com/k/shastri-jc-philip/johnson-s-index-of-journalism-article/3aw752rt3ywhc/35
Good Wishes
PV
Last edited Mar 31, 2010 7:21 PM
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Irene Issac
i agree with whats told above
mr. p v ariel your articles are so well written and sensible that once start reading, just can’t stop…. I’m so glad that God has blessed us with people who bring out the truth …. may God bless you, and pls do continue posting such nice articles..
Mr. PV pls do read whatI’ve written and give me feedbacks
Last edited Mar 31, 201,0 5:30 PM
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lifescape astrology
True but…
Hello,
this is true, that newspaper astrology is making fun of astrology and people. no two individuals are alike, so how can same reading apply to billions at one time.
however, I understand that you are not disputing predetermination. God has created this world and God has created the script of a person as well.
moreover, astrology, tarot, witchcraft, tantra, they are all separate things, and they cannot be clubbed together.
repeatability that is required by the scientific method is there now in lifescape astrology. you can check it yourself, so now debate likes whether planets provides predetermination or not are going to be things of the past. Yes with those conventional theories of astrology would also be replaced by modern research.
Rakesh Singhal
Updated on: Nov 19, 2020,
Last edited Mar 8, 2010,
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Dear Rakesh
The main thrust of this article is NOT whether any of these practices are true, verifiable, or related to each other. The main thrust is that Christian are forbidden from indulging in them.
— Shastri
IndianCoins.org
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Posted by Shastri JC Philip, last edited Mar 8, 2010 8:57 PM
Rakesh,
Thanks for the comment.
We are not intended to open a debate here on this issue.
J C Philip clearly mentioned the very purpose of this knol.
Hope you understood.
Thanks, Shastri Saheb for the timely comment
Best
Philip
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Posted by P V Ariel, Mar 8, 2010 9:09 PMPosted by P V Ariel, last edited Mar 8, 2010 9:09 PM
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P V Ariel
Thank you so much
Thank you so much for your encouraging notes on this knol. Keep reading. God bless. Philip Ariel
Last edited Aug 14, 2009 4:22 PM
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Anonymous
Very interesting
Wonderful read PV, one of my friend told me about this wonderful website called knol, and I am in search of more such read. As Benjamin said in his comment astrology is really idolatry and many are addicted to it for their peril, especially so sad to read about our politicians and celebrities mad rush towards this superstition. phi
Last edited Dec 20, 2009 7:49 PM
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sorry for the delay in replying to your comment, hey who is this? Thanks for your uplifting comment. read more and keep informed, Knol is a wonderful place to air your views, suggestions, ideas and other expressions of your mind, I invite you to join this community to write your ideas in the form of knol articles. PV
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Posted by P V Ariel, Dec 20, 2009, 7:49 PMPosted by P V Ariel, last edited Dec 20, 2009, 7:49 PM
PV many so-called Christians are addicted to this idolatry. It’s really a great sin in the eyes of the Almighty God. Thanks, PV again for reminding this to your Fellow Christian readers. God bless you.
Last edited Dec 20, 2009 6:45 PM
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Thanks, Ben for your comment and vision on this subject. May God bless. Keep reading. I am really sorry for the delay in replying to your comment, Now I am more active at this place pl. do read and keep informed. PV
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Posted by P V Ariel, last edited Dec 20, 2009, 6:46 PM
A Multilingual Freelance Writer, Editor, Blogger, Roundup Expert, Translator, Internet Marketer And A Social Campaigner. Manages different sites in English as well as in Malayalam. Born And Brought Up In Kerala. Now Based At Secunderabad Telangana, India. Facebook or
Can Reach At: philipscom55(@)Gmail [.] Com twitter: @PVAriel Skype Philva6
Do you really believe in astrology as most of the people don’t know about such things.However it’s very nice to see blog post on this topic it’s very rare that people share about astrology.
Hi Philip,
This is really an interesting subject to me. Astrology for some it is a science but for many, it is just a belief or faith.
Your perspective on this subject is really interesting reading. You very well presented it in a spiritual aspect. I appreciate your views in this regard.
Keep writing such inspiring and insightful contents. Indeed it is worth reading.
This subject is very important for belivers..
Most of the preachers are not talking much on this subject..
May God bless you more ..Brother Philip Varghese.
Famous Indian writer, Khushwant Singh (a stalwart in Indian Journalism) the former Editor of the famous English weekly, “The Illustrated Weekly of India“, said in an interview,
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Hey Philip,
Do you really believe in astrology as most of the people don’t know about such things.However it’s very nice to see blog post on this topic it’s very rare that people share about astrology.
Regards,
Raj Roshan
Hi Philip,
This is really an interesting subject to me. Astrology for some it is a science but for many, it is just a belief or faith.
Your perspective on this subject is really interesting reading. You very well presented it in a spiritual aspect. I appreciate your views in this regard.
Keep writing such inspiring and insightful contents. Indeed it is worth reading.
Marvelous post great content I enjoyed a lot. Thanks Its interesting
Marvelous post great content.
You very well expressed your views on the basis of Holy Bible. Appreciate your time. Keep writing.
Thanks for share this informative content It was really amazing intresting thoughts about astrology.
This subject is very important for belivers..
Most of the preachers are not talking much on this subject..
May God bless you more ..Brother Philip Varghese.