Info at a Glance – Astrology

By: Dr. John Weldon

By: Dr. John Ankerberg, Dr. John Weldon; ©1999
Come on now, admit it. You’ve looked at your horoscope in the newspaper, maybe as recently as today? Surely that’s just an innocent pastime, isn’t it?

Info at a Glance: Astrology

(excerpted from The Encyclopedia of New Age Beliefs, Harvest House, 1996)

Description: Astrology is based on the assumption that the stars and planets mysteriously influence people’s lives. It teaches that this influence begins at birth and continues throughout a person’s life. The Shorter Oxford English Dictionary defines astrology as “the art of judging the occult influence of the stars upon human affairs.”

Founder: Unknown

How does it claim to work?: Because the heavens allegedly influence or determine our future, astrology claims to be able to “read” how the heavenly bodies affect people’s lives, and so offer helpful counsel about the present and the future.

Scientific evaluation: Discredited

Examples of occult potential: Spiritism, in particular. However, a large number of occult practices are associated with astrology including cabalism, numerology, magic, and witchcraft.

Major problem: As an ancient pagan system of divination, astrology easily traps people in occult practices and philosophy.

Biblical/Christian evaluation: Astrology is prohibited by name (Isaiah 47:13) and function (divination, idolatry—Deuteronomy 4:19; 18:9-12; Jeremiah 19:13; Acts 7:42).

Potential dangers: The consequences of false predictions in all areas of life (finance, relationships, health, and so on), spiritistic influence, spirit-possession, or even death.

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Dr. John Weldon

Dr. John Weldon (born February 6, 1948) went to be with the Lord on August 30, 2014 following a long-time battle with cancer. John served for more than 20 years as a researcher for The John Ankerberg Show. During his tenure, he authored or coauthored more than 100 books, including the best-selling Facts On Series of books that has sold more than 2.5 million copies in 16 languages. His final book, published in July 2014 with Harvest House Publishers (coauthored with John Ankerberg), is especially fitting. How to Know You’re Going to Heaven offers a biblical and personal look at the way God has provided salvation through Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12) and the confidence the believer can have of eternity with Him in heaven (1 John 5:13). John’s life and work have touched countless others seeking to grow spiritually and better understand the Bible. His friends describe him as genuine, humble, and passionate to share the hope of eternal life with everyone he met. His work will continue through his many books, his online writings at The John Ankerberg Show website (JAshow.org), as well as through the many people John has personally influenced through his ministry.