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This same article gives us an example of a prediction based on astrology. "A few weeks before the first orbiting of the moon by the Apollo 8 crew, the Federation of British Astrologers made this prophecy- "The probability of serious personality changes among the three astronauts during this voyage is very high. Jupiter and Uranus are in conjunction for the first time in 14 years, and the influences of these planets are very strong" Space officials ignored the warning. The mission was a success." The conclusion of these scientists was related as follows. " The whole system of astrology is self destructive. Imagine if every decision of your life were made by the flip of a coin. That's how much chance you have of making a right decision by using astrology." Considering that astrology has no scientific bases and has proven itself unreliable. Isn't it more logical to make decisions by using common sense and reasoning?
2. Is Astrology & Psychic phenomena condoned in the Bible? There are 2 examples that I have heard used trying to support these practices with the Bible. A. What about the wise men that followed the star to find the child Jesus? The claim is if a star actually leads someone to a person, this is practicing Astrology. B. Some have claimed that Daniel used Psychic powers to know what King Nebuchadnezzar dreamed in Daniel chapter 2.
(A.) The word Magi as we find in Matthew chapter 2 is also translated "wise men". This word can indeed by definition be ascribed to an astrologer. This is not to say that all "wise men" practiced astrology. Many people have tried to make an educated guess as to exactly who these men were. But it remains just that an educated guess nobody really knows for sure. Still the fact is the Bible does condemn astrology and the context of this passage neither condones nor condemns astrology. This also does not seem to be an ordinary star. When we study this passage in Matthew chapter 2 we find (1) The star actually moved so the Magi could follow it. (2) The star came to a stop and was able to indicate the exact place where Jesus and his parents were staying. (3) The star apparently was lost from site for a period of time, and then became visible again. (4) The star seemed to be visible only to the Magi, as apparently no one else noticed it including Herod and the religious leaders in Jerusalem.(5) What ever these men's past history was like, we do not know. We do know they came to find the King of the Jews so they could worship him. This would seem unlikely for an astrologer, considering God condemns astrology. (6) The fact that they expected a star to lead them to the King of the Jews seems likely that the Magi interpreted Numbers 24:17 as a sign to find him. Why else would they expect a star to lead them to the King of the Jews? If they were aware of this passage in the Old Testament it is likely they also knew the Old Testament condemned the practice of astrology. How could an astrologer study a star that was not there beforehand? We are told the star "appeared" Mat.2: 7-10. The evidence shows this was not a normal star but a miracle from God to direct the Magi to Jesus. This temporary phenomenon seems to have no other purpose than the one stated. It certainly had no astrological meaning.
If one were to attach a meaning to it, the meaning would have to be to worship Jesus. That is precisely what the Magi did.
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