| Topic: |
Religions > Atheism |
| User: |
"Sound of Trumpet" |
| Date: |
02 Jul 2006 11:30:57 AM |
| Object: |
Is Astrology Just Harmless Fun? |
Astrology: Help, Hoax, or Harm?
by Hugh Ross, Ph.D.
http://www.reasons.org/resources/apologetics/astrology.shtml
To unravel any possible confusion over what astrology is, I would like
to begin by establishing what it is not. First, astrology is not
science, though a number of its adherents claim it to be. How can I
make such a strong statement?
Consider the following points: Astrology
bases horoscopes on the moment of birth, not the moment of conception
when, in fact, one's genetic characteristics are fixed;
ignores the gravitational forces of non-solar system bodies (e.g., the
pull of gravity by the obstetrician on a newborn child is about six
times greater than that of Mars);
treats the various nuclear, magnetic, and gravitational forces exerted
by solar system bodies (e.g., the sun, planets, moons, asteroids,
comets, etc.) as if they were of the same magnitude. In reality,
differences of many orders of magnitude were long ago verified by
research;
ignores significant solar system bodies, e.g., Uranus, Neptune, Pluto,
asteroids, comets;
fails to take into account tidal forces, also gravitational differences
resulting from the irregular shape of some solar system bodies;
ignores the motion of the sun with respect to other stars and with
respect to the center of the galaxy;
ignores the wobble in the earth's rotation axis, which by now has
shifted the astrological sun signs by one or two constellations (making
a typical Leo in reality a Gemini);
omits two constellations along the ecliptic (the "path" of the planets
and other bodies in our solar system);
fails to provide conclusive evidence of a direct causal link between
celestial positions or "aspects" and human personality and
interactions.
All the counsel you have received has only worn you out! Let your
astrologers come forward, those stargazers who make predictions month
by month, let them save you from what is coming upon you. Surely they
are like stubble; the fire will burn them up.
Isaiah 47:13-14 (NIV)
For these and many other reasons, 186 leading astronomers and
physicists signed a statement published in a 1975 issue of Humanist
magazine denouncing astrology as having "no scientific foundation
whatever."
Second, astrology cannot be considered a harmless pastime. To claim so
is as big a mistake as calling it a scientific discipline. Astrology
does, indeed, produce certain effects in devotees' lives, and the
prophecies it generates may be occasionally or partially accurate. For
some individuals its personality profiles may seem fairly precise too.
Where real power is in evidence, it is supernatural; however, it cannot
be considered good or even neutral. Why not? Consider these points from
both Biblical and empirical studies:
1) Many astrological forecasts become self-fulfilling; people are
tempted to make them come true by their decisions and actions. Thus
individuals open themselves to the influence of a "force" (really a
mind or a personality) outside their reason and conscience. When this
force contradicts what is real or right or best, harmful conflicts can
and do result.
2) As individuals consent to receive revelations and guidance through
an astrologer or medium, they come increasingly under the control of
that medium. They may be lured into becoming a medium. In any case,
numerous studies show that the ultimate impact of involvement in
astrology includes a loss of ability to trust and care for others,
repeated and severe sieges of suicidal depression, and debilitating
fear.
The Lord said to Moses, "Say to the Israelites:... 'I will set my face
against the person who turns to mediums and spiritists to prostitute
himself by following them, and I will cut him off from his people."'
Leviticus 20:la, 6 (NIV)
3) Individuals who open themselves to the influence of astrology expose
themselves not only to the consequences described above but also to
God's judgment, clearly pronounced in the Bible against those who
consult mediums.
4) Tragically, individuals who accept the influence of astrology into
their lives miss out on the blessings and benefits of a relationship
with the God of the universe-a relationship established through Jesus
Christ alone.
Unlike astrologers' revelations, God's revelations in His Word are 100
percent accurate. Dependence on God and His Word lead to ever
increasing love, joy, peace, faith, hope, and other desirable qualities
(see Galatians 5:22), plus the countless delights of eternity with Him.
Since the Scriptures make clear that God's wrath will fall on anyone
who practices astrology or seriously listens to astrologers, what about
the Christian who becomes involved? Many Christians I know have
listened to astrologers or toyed with astrology out of ignorance,
unaware that they were flirting with evil. On discovering the true
nature of astrology, they at once repudiated their former involvement.
God completely forgives such individuals and protects them from any
further consequences.
For the Christian who, despite Biblical injunctions, refuses to
renounce astrology, we have the words of Jesus (Matthew 6:24): "No one
can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other,
or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other."
Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the
fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in
witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who
consults the dead.
Deuteronomy 18:10, 11 (NIV)
Paul reiterates this warning in 1 Corinthians 10:21: "You cannot drink
the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too." In other words, there
is reason to question a person's commitment to Christ, and hence that
individual's salvation, if he or she refuses to sever any and all
connection with astrology.
To the believer who rebels in this matter, Paul gave a more specific
warning in 1 Corinthians 10:9: "We should not test the Lord, as some of
them [the Israelites] did-and were killed by snakes." Ananias and
Sapphira (Acts 4:32-5:11) serve as New Testament examples of the
severity of God's loving discipline.
.... Let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.. .. Be merciful to
those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others
show mercy, mixed with fear....
Hebrews 4:14; Jude 22-23 (NIV)
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| User: "Doc Smartass" |
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| Title: Re: Is Astrology Just Harmless Fun? |
02 Jul 2006 04:40:09 PM |
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"Sound of Trumpet" <sound_of_trumpet@lycos.com> wrote in
news:1151857857.752512.326630@b68g2000cwa.googlegroups.com:
Subject: Is Astrology Just Harmless Fun?
The most fun I've had with astrology was when I read a letter to the editor
of the local paper where some diaper-wearing religious ***** whined
about the horoscope being right next to the billy graham column.
By the way, your horoscope reads: You're still a diaper-wearing religious
*****.
--
Doc Smartass
"I am George W. Fudd, Miwwionaire. I own a mansion, a yacht, and your phone
number."
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| User: "Bush Laugher" |
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| Title: Re: Is Astrology Just Harmless Fun? |
02 Jul 2006 12:53:56 PM |
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"Sound of Trumpet" <sound_of_trumpet@lycos.com> wrote in message
news:1151857857.752512.326630@b68g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
Astrology: Help, Hoax, or Harm?
It's more harmless than the Christian Churches.
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| User: "raven1" |
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| Title: Re: Is Astrology Just Harmless Fun? |
02 Jul 2006 12:02:01 PM |
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On 2 Jul 2006 09:30:57 -0700, "Sound of Trumpet"
<sound_of_trumpet@lycos.com> wrote:
Astrology: Help, Hoax, or Harm?
by Hugh Ross, Ph.D.
http://www.reasons.org/resources/apologetics/astrology.shtml
To unravel any possible confusion over what astrology is, I would like
to begin by establishing what it is not. First, astrology is not
science,
No argument there...
though a number of its adherents claim it to be. How can I
make such a strong statement?
Consider the following points: Astrology
bases horoscopes on the moment of birth, not the moment of conception
when, in fact, one's genetic characteristics are fixed;
ignores the gravitational forces of non-solar system bodies (e.g., the
pull of gravity by the obstetrician on a newborn child is about six
times greater than that of Mars);
treats the various nuclear, magnetic, and gravitational forces exerted
by solar system bodies (e.g., the sun, planets, moons, asteroids,
comets, etc.) as if they were of the same magnitude. In reality,
differences of many orders of magnitude were long ago verified by
research;
ignores significant solar system bodies, e.g., Uranus, Neptune, Pluto,
asteroids, comets;
fails to take into account tidal forces, also gravitational differences
resulting from the irregular shape of some solar system bodies;
ignores the motion of the sun with respect to other stars and with
respect to the center of the galaxy;
ignores the wobble in the earth's rotation axis, which by now has
shifted the astrological sun signs by one or two constellations (making
a typical Leo in reality a Gemini);
omits two constellations along the ecliptic (the "path" of the planets
and other bodies in our solar system);
fails to provide conclusive evidence of a direct causal link between
celestial positions or "aspects" and human personality and
interactions.
All the counsel you have received has only worn you out! Let your
astrologers come forward, those stargazers who make predictions month
by month, let them save you from what is coming upon you. Surely they
are like stubble; the fire will burn them up.
Isaiah 47:13-14 (NIV)
For these and many other reasons, 186 leading astronomers and
physicists signed a statement published in a 1975 issue of Humanist
magazine denouncing astrology as having "no scientific foundation
whatever."
Second, astrology cannot be considered a harmless pastime. To claim so
is as big a mistake as calling it a scientific discipline. Astrology
does, indeed, produce certain effects in devotees' lives, and the
prophecies it generates may be occasionally or partially accurate. For
some individuals its personality profiles may seem fairly precise too.
Where real power is in evidence, it is supernatural;
*Bzzt!* Thanks for playing. Idiot.
<snip remaining crapola>
--
"O Sybilli, si ergo
Fortibus es in ero
O Nobili! Themis trux
Sivat sinem? Causen Dux"
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| User: "Gospel Bretts" |
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| Title: Re: Is Astrology Just Harmless Fun? |
02 Jul 2006 01:04:27 PM |
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On 2 Jul 2006 09:30:57 -0700, "Sound of Trumpet"
<sound_of_trumpet@lycos.com> wrote:
Subject: Is Astrology Just Harmless Fun?
Only if people don't really believe it, and most of them don't. Your
religion, on the other hand, is equally as bogus as astrology, but
infinitely more harmful because morons like you think it's for real.
--
Gospel Bretts
aa Atheist #2262
Fundy Xian Atheist
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whosoever would believe in Him would believe all sorts of
other ridiculous nonsense as well.
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| User: "Spartakus" |
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| Title: Re: Is Astrology Just Harmless Fun? |
02 Jul 2006 06:05:52 PM |
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Sound of Trumpet wrote:
4) Tragically, individuals who accept the influence of astrology into
their lives miss out on the blessings and benefits of a relationship
with the God of the universe-a relationship established through Jesus
Christ alone.
Poor Nancy Reagan.
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| User: "-Alan aa#1608 BAAWA" |
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| Title: Re: Is Astrology Just Harmless Fun? |
02 Jul 2006 04:07:29 PM |
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Sound of Trumpet wrote:
Astrology: Help, Hoax, or Harm?
by Hugh Ross, Ph.D.
http://www.reasons.org/resources/apologetics/astrology.shtml
To unravel any possible confusion over what astrology is, I would like
to begin by establishing what it is not. First, astrology is not
science, though a number of its adherents claim it to be.
Neither is your religion. Why don't you apply the same non-science
standard to it too?
-Alan
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| User: "Leif Erikson" |
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| Title: Re: Is Astrology Just Harmless Fun? |
02 Jul 2006 02:34:59 PM |
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Sound of Trumpet wrote:
Astrology: Help, Hoax, or Harm?
by Hugh Ross, Ph.D.
http://www.reasons.org/resources/apologetics/astrology.shtml
You're a fucking idiot, Young.
Yes, astrology is harmful in the sense that it
encourages and reinforces a tendency to believe in
false explanations. But it is *not* harmful in any
turn-away-from-jesus sense that you, in your primitive
superstition, wish to believe. jesusology is every bit
as pernicious and harmful as astrology, if not more so.
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| User: "Josh Miles" |
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| Title: Re: Is Astrology Just Harmless Fun? |
03 Jul 2006 01:44:20 AM |
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Sound of Trumpet wrote:
Astrology: Help, Hoax, or Harm?
It's childish superstition, and it's harmless.
by Hugh Ross, Ph.D.
http://www.reasons.org/resources/apologetics/astrology.shtml
To unravel any possible confusion over what astrology is, I would like
to begin by establishing what it is not. First, astrology is not
science, though a number of its adherents claim it to be.
No *****.
How can I make such a strong statement?
Why bother? It's HARMLESS.
It's amazing how many little inconsequential, harmless things threaten
the fundies' faith so much.
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| User: "Allan Matthews" |
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| Title: Re: Is Astrology Just Harmless Fun? |
03 Jul 2006 02:46:37 PM |
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In article <7ZGdnbyywv4wITXZnZ2dnUVZ_s-dnZ2d@sigecom.net>,
says...
Sound of Trumpet wrote:
Astrology: Help, Hoax, or Harm?
It's childish superstition, and it's harmless.
by Hugh Ross, Ph.D.
http://www.reasons.org/resources/apologetics/astrology.shtml
To unravel any possible confusion over what astrology is, I would like
to begin by establishing what it is not. First, astrology is not
science, though a number of its adherents claim it to be.
No *****.
How can I make such a strong statement?
Why bother? It's HARMLESS.
No, its far from harmless, particularly when people use it to make
decisions.
Example: Ronnie Reagan used it when he was president of the united
states.
And I'd imagine a lot of people use it to make decisions regarding their
health.
allan
--
=========================================
"And the real lesson of the story?
Don't leave things in the fridge."
=========================================
http://allan.matthews.name
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| User: "Josh Miles" |
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| Title: Re: Is Astrology Just Harmless Fun? |
03 Jul 2006 03:16:55 PM |
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Allan Matthews wrote:
In article <7ZGdnbyywv4wITXZnZ2dnUVZ_s-dnZ2d@sigecom.net>,
says...
Sound of Trumpet wrote:
Astrology: Help, Hoax, or Harm?
It's childish superstition, and it's harmless.
by Hugh Ross, Ph.D.
http://www.reasons.org/resources/apologetics/astrology.shtml
To unravel any possible confusion over what astrology is, I would like
to begin by establishing what it is not. First, astrology is not
science, though a number of its adherents claim it to be.
No *****.
How can I make such a strong statement?
Why bother? It's HARMLESS.
No, its far from harmless, particularly when people use it to make
decisions.
Example: Ronnie Reagan used it when he was president of the united
states.
And I'd imagine a lot of people use it to make decisions regarding their
health.
Astrology doesn't kill people. Stupidity kills people.
allan
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| User: "Allan Matthews" |
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| Title: Re: Is Astrology Just Harmless Fun? |
03 Jul 2006 03:47:49 PM |
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In article <D5mdnf28ZL-C5jTZnZ2dnUVZ_qednZ2d@sigecom.net>,
says...
Allan Matthews wrote:
In article <7ZGdnbyywv4wITXZnZ2dnUVZ_s-dnZ2d@sigecom.net>,
says...
Sound of Trumpet wrote:
Astrology: Help, Hoax, or Harm?
It's childish superstition, and it's harmless.
by Hugh Ross, Ph.D.
http://www.reasons.org/resources/apologetics/astrology.shtml
To unravel any possible confusion over what astrology is, I would like
to begin by establishing what it is not. First, astrology is not
science, though a number of its adherents claim it to be.
No *****.
How can I make such a strong statement?
Why bother? It's HARMLESS.
No, its far from harmless, particularly when people use it to make
decisions.
Example: Ronnie Reagan used it when he was president of the united
states.
And I'd imagine a lot of people use it to make decisions regarding their
health.
Astrology doesn't kill people. Stupidity kills people.
Sometimes with astrology.
allan
--
=========================================
"And the real lesson of the story?
Don't leave things in the fridge."
=========================================
http://allan.matthews.name
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| User: "Lizz Holmans" |
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| Title: Re: Is Astrology Just Harmless Fun? |
03 Jul 2006 03:46:14 PM |
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On Mon, 3 Jul 2006 15:46:37 -0400, Allan Matthews
<allan_matthews@bigfoot.com> wrote:
No, its far from harmless, particularly when people use it to make
decisions.
Example: Ronnie Reagan used it when he was president of the united
states.
And I'd imagine a lot of people use it to make decisions regarding their
health.
I used to chart horoscopes for $10. I told my customers that I didn't
believe in it and thought it was silly.
Didn't stop the demand, though. I quit because I have ethics, and
because I didn't need the money anymore. The customers were convinced
that I was just tired of doing all the math and my colored pens ran
out.
Lizz 'astrology believers will believe anything--I still had the pens'
Holmans
allan
--
Rumpeta, rumpeta, rumpeta
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| User: "Chris Johnson" |
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| Title: Re: Is Astrology Just Harmless Fun? |
02 Jul 2006 12:18:58 PM |
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Sound of Trumpet wrote:
Astrology: Help, Hoax, or Harm?
[]
Dear Troll,
*****.
Love,
Chris
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