Was astrology forbidden in the Bible so no one would see the astrological symbolisms?

Question

I was watching Zeitgeist and its was interesting how much of the Bible has to do with astrology. Is that why astrology was forbidden? So no one would figure it out?

Answer 1

Catholic Church teaches:

God can reveal the future to his prophets or to other saints. Still, a sound Christian attitude consists in putting oneself confidently into the hands of Providence for whatever concerns the future, and giving up all unhealthy curiosity about it.

All forms of divination are to be rejected: recourse to Satan or demons, conjuring up the dead or other practices falsely supposed to "unveil" the future.

Consulting horoscopes, astrology, palm reading, interpretation of omens and lots, the phenomena of clairvoyance, and recourse to mediums all conceal a desire for power over time, history, and, in the last analysis, other human beings, as well as a wish to conciliate hidden powers.

They contradict the honor, respect, and loving fear that we owe to God alone.

For more information, see the Catechism of the Catholic Church, sections 2115 and following: http://www.nccbuscc.org/catechism/text/pt3sect2chpt1.htm#2115

With love in Christ.

Answer 2

Seems like it doesn't it?

It would be fairly easy to say that the it was forbidden because the future is in the hand of God and that it would lure us away from trusting God our creator etc. But honestly (and am not trying to stir up anything by saying so) if its a means to a solution or more beneficial to humanity why not? Humans have always been evolving (no pun intended) which is why we tend to favor what suits us better, or what seems like a more beneficial solution. We created our Gods and Goddesses to our conveniance. Astrology may have lost out on importance because it somewhat comes down to sience and math, and there was no one to fear or blame (perhaps that why planets began to personify/trickle-down into religions?)

Astrology put our destiny on our hands. We know when there are negative influences in our life and when there are positive, we would not be blaming/fearful of a God who is punishing or blessing us, as we would know why it was occurring and what we can do to make our lives better or more fruitful.

Theres a reason horoscopes have been popular for a while now, and from almost the dawn of man -i haven't watched what you have, but i suppose were talking about the same thing, and im sure you would have seen the significance of astrology in most major ancient and modern religions.


I am not saying there is no God (that would be silly of me because...), someone had to put this clockwork into motion. Is the Bible truly the only way to this Person/Being? Now, thats the question!

EDIT: Studious, to my knowledge of astrology, its much more than the dailies you see near the comics. Those are very general, which is why majority if readers find that theirs dont apply. Rather than enslaving, i would use the term enriching, if you know what you're going up against, you can handle a situation better.

Peace

Answer 3

The Hebrew Bible is full of astrology. Many of the prophets were great astrologers such as Daniel. Astrology was preserved and practiced by the Hebrew Priesthood for thousands of years. The difference between Jewish astrology and other astrological systems, particularly in the ancient world was that the nations around Israel ascribed godhood to the stars, planets and constellations. Jews see the celestial bodies as "signs" as the Creator signifies their intention during their creation. Within the Jewish tradition there is a lot of astrological teachings: Ramban, Ari, Zohar, Talmud, etc.

If you would like to learn more then I recommend visiting our forum:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/kabbalah_institute/

Answer 4

I think you are confusing mans idea of the stars and such with Gods creation of them.

God tells us in his word (the bible) all about starts and when certain people were told to follow them. The bible also speaks of following the pattern of stars in the sky to keep going the right direction in the nighttime.

Astrology is not forbidden at all. Now, when it comes to man assigning a star or cluster of starts a different meaning and creating a false God that controls that star or cluster, now you are embarking of false gods and this is forbidden in the bible in all forms of falseness, astrology or other means of creating false Gods.

Answer 5

Astrology is an ancient practice, and it is strewn throughout the Bible because human beings have used it for ages. When Jesus came to reveal the Loving Heavenly Father; the One true God for who He is, it became necessary to expose Astrology for its inadequacies and errors. God does not write the destiny and daily plans of people in the movement of the stars and planets. While sophistocated, it is not of God, it is of human creation. Basing your life on the movement and position of the planets and other space bodies is a mistake. While some Astrological daily predictions can be uplifting and positive messages, it can be equally and wholly inaccurate and disastrous to the believing individual - even enslaving. Human being can choose their daily doings far better if they follow their inner spirit which is From God. The religion of Jesus liberates man from any and all false and enslaving notions that equate to more than humans have a fate written in stone; planets... humans are to be free of these things to choose and live life more abundantly, to grow and mature in the true spirit as Sons and Daughters of God the Father. Astrology would rob the believer of the divine liberty to be Sons and Daughters of God who created them to make their own choices. No loving Father would set his child's destiny according to the planets positioning. This is debasing the purpose of life itself. Astrology is fundamentally adrift of truth.

Answer 6

Nope, this is the official answer:

2116 All forms of divination are to be rejected: recourse to Satan or demons, conjuring up the dead or other practices falsely supposed to "unveil" the future. Consulting horoscopes, astrology, palm reading, interpretation of omens and lots, the phenomena of clairvoyance, and recourse to mediums all conceal a desire for power over time, history, and, in the last analysis, other human beings, as well as a wish to conciliate hidden powers. They contradict the honor, respect, and loving fear that we owe to God alone.

Answer 7

No, my dear. The reason why astrology was forbidden is because God said to lean NOT in our own understanding, but in all our ways trust in Him for guidance.

When we look to any source of spiritual guidance other than God, two things occur. First, we are not depending on Him who created us and knows us best (so it is, at best, 2nd best, not THE best guidance). Second, the guidance you get is not EVEN 2nd best, because "the devil can appear as an angel of light", so if you're not going the way God says to go, you're following satan! :-O

Remember, you can only go in one direction at a time, and if you're not moving TOWARDS God, you're moving AWAY from Him, or at least, not getting any closer.

In other words, if the guidance you're getting is not directing you closer to God and Jesus, then it is drawing you away from God and you'll be moving towards satan.

Answer 8

I think it was more to do with cutting out the competition.
The Christians preach against every form of superstition and magic working except their own.
edit:
I did not see Johns answer before I posted.
He says it right.

Think politically and watch the money trails, you will figure it out soon enough.

Answer 9

That's there interpentation! the bible has nothing to do with
astrology. Astrology is a man made belief system! Don't put your faith in it, but only in Jesus Christ.


God loves you....God bless

Answer 10

No, it was forbidden because it was a 'competing religion'.

What you'll find, typically, is that as a religion displaces another religion it will vilify that earlier religion.

That is why Christianity labels things like astrology as 'evil'.