You may have heard that astrology, the practice of divining meaning from the stars and planets, is considered a sin by many Christians. As an evangelical Christian, you likely want to understand why astrology is viewed as incompatible with your faith. This comprehensive blog post will examine the biblical basis for viewing astrology as sinful and provide key reasons Christians should avoid astrological practices.
Introduction
Astrology has become increasingly popular in modern culture. Horoscopes can be found in many magazines and newspapers. More and more people are consulting with astrologers and using zodiac signs to guide their lives. However, as a Bible-believing Christian, you know that God’s word is the only reliable source of truth and wisdom for life. The Bible contains no positive references to astrology. In fact, astrology is condemned in several biblical passages.
For Christians, the most important reason to avoid astrology is that it is idolatrous. Astrology ascribes power and knowledge to created things (the stars and planets) rather than the Creator. Christians worship the one true God, not the creation. Astrology fails to give glory to God for His sovereignty over all things. Additionally, astrology attempts to predict the future and provide hidden knowledge about people’s lives. But the Bible teaches that only God knows and controls the future. When Christians look to astrology, they are doubting God’s power and wisdom.
As you continue reading, you will see several biblical reasons why astrology is incompatible with Christian faith. This post will reference multiple Bible verses from the New King James Version (NKJV) to help explain the theological problems with astrology. The key takeaways from this article are:
- Astrology is idolatrous and fails to give glory to God
- Only God knows and controls the future
- Astrology provides false guidance compared to God’s wise counsel
- Astrology relies on divination and occult practices condemned in the Bible
- Christians have the Holy Spirit to guide their lives rather than horoscopes
Let’s explore what God says about astrology and why it has no place in the life of a Christian seeking to faithfully follow Jesus.
Astrology is Idolatry
The first and most fundamental biblical objection to astrology is that it is idolatrous. Astrology exalts created things instead of the Creator. Horoscopes treat the heavenly bodies (planets, stars, etc.) as having power over human lives and destinies. But the Bible makes it clear that the creation points to the glory of God – not itself. In Romans 1:25, Paul criticizes those who “worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator” (NKJV). Practicing astrology serves the creation rather than God. Even if someone does not literally worship the stars and planets, looking to horoscopes and zodiac signs for truth and guidance gives them a higher priority than reliance on God. This violates the first commandment: “You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3, NKJV).
Christians worship the one true God who created all things for His glory. The psalmist proclaimed, “The heavens declare the glory of God” (Psalm 19:1, NKJV). The universe is meant to reflect God’s attributes, not reveal hidden mysteries about human lives. In Isaiah 47:13-14, God mocked Babylonian astrologers who thought they could predict the future from studying the stars. Astrology attempts to divert worship and trust away from God towards created things. As Christians, our faith and devotion belong to God alone. We cannot rely on horoscopes while claiming to follow Jesus Christ as Lord.
Only God Knows the Future
Another key biblical objection to astrology is that it claims to predict the future. Astrologers cast horoscopes and read birth charts in an attempt to forecast events in a person’s life. However, the Bible clearly teaches that only God knows and controls the future. Isaiah 46:9-10 declares, “Remember the former things of old, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done” (NKJV).
Practicing astrology reflects a lack of trust in God’s perfect knowledge and sovereignty. When Christians consult their zodiac sign instead of seeking God in prayer, they exchange faith for superstition. We are called to live by faith in God’s plan for our lives, not predictions from horoscopes. As Jesus said, “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34). Attempting to peek into the future through astrology demonstrates a lack of faith. It fails to acknowledge that our lives are in God’s hands.
Furthermore, astrological predictions are false. They offer no genuine insight about the future or a person’s life path. Isaiah 44:24-25 states, “I am the Lord, who has made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by myself…who foils the signs of false prophets and makes fools of diviners” (NKJV). Astrologers claim prophetic knowledge but are false prophets. Their predictions are ultimately inaccurate and unreliable. As Christians, we should reject their false claims and rest in God’s sovereignty over time. The future is God’s domain.
False Guidance Versus God’s Wise Counsel
In addition to predicting the future, astrologers claim to provide guidance about the right decisions and actions by revealing the movements of celestial bodies. However, the wisdom and counsel offered by astrology is fundamentally flawed and misguided. It fails to acknowledge God as the true source of wisdom and understanding. The Bible consistently contrasts the wisdom of the world with the greater wisdom that comes from fearing the Lord (See Proverbs 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:20-25, 3:19). Isaiah 47:13 warns, “Let your astrologers come forward, those stargazers who make predictions month by month, let them save you from what is coming upon you” (NKJV). Astrologers cannot truly guide people or save them from God’s judgment.
Christians have a direct line to divine wisdom through prayer and God’s Word. We do not need to consult the zodiac for direction. God promises to give wisdom generously when we ask in faith (James 1:5). Joshua 1:8 says meditating on Scripture day and night enables wise living in obedience to God. Why seek wisdom from created things when we can receive it directly from the Creator? The guidance provided by horoscopes is inferior and unnecessary for those who belong to Christ. God’s perfect and loving plan for our lives surpasses anything the stars could reveal.
Proverbs 3:5-6 summarizes the biblical view: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (NKJV). We are called to trust in God rather than created things or our own limited perspective. He promises to guide those who acknowledge Him. Astrology cannot replace a relationship with the all-knowing, loving God of the universe.
Astrology Involves Divination and Occult Practices
Most biblical references to astrology place it in the context of pagan divination and occult practices. Along with sorcery, interpreting omens, witchcraft, and spirit mediums, astrology was prohibited in ancient Israel because it relied on magical thinking and demonic influence rather than God. Deuteronomy 18:10 states, “There shall not be found among you anyone…who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead” (NKJV). Astrologers who claimed to read the stars to predict destinies and guide people were lumped together with practitioners of the occult.
In the New Testament, Paul includes astrology among the “works of the flesh” contrary to the Spirit. Galatians 5:19-21 warns: “Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like…that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (NKJV). Sorcery in this text can refer to occult practices like astrology. Christians must reject these works of darkness.
Even if astrologers today do not literally worship planets or engage in incantations, the spiritual roots of astrology lie in pagan divination that is at odds with biblical faith. Consulting your horoscope puts you in the realm of forbidden occult practices. As Christians, we do not need to dabble in astrology or other methods of predicting the future. We have the Holy Spirit living within us to guide and direct our paths each day.
Christians Have the Holy Spirit as Their Guide
Not only does astrology fail to align with God’s truth, it also has no benefit for Christians who have the very Spirit of God living within them! John 14:26 describes the Holy Spirit as our divine Counselor and Guide. 1 Corinthians 2:12 says, “we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.” Christians do not need astrological guidance because we have direct access to the all-knowing Spirit of the living God.
With the Holy Spirit, we have no need to consult external sources like horoscopes. His presence supersedes any claims astrology makes to unveil hidden mysteries and direction for your life. Jesus said the Holy Spirit guides us into all truth (John 16:13). We have everything we need spiritually through our relationship with Christ. The Spirit produces wisdom, discernment, and growth from within. He frees us from reliance on counterfeit sources of guidance like astrology.
Conclusion
To summarize, astrology is incompatible with biblical Christianity due to:
- Its idolatrous nature that fails to worship the Creator
- Attempting to predict the future when only God knows what is to come
- Offering false wisdom rather than relying on God’s truth
- Being rooted in divination and occult practices condemned in Scripture
- Being unnecessary because Christians have the guidance of the Holy Spirit
Rather than putting your faith in the alignment of celestial bodies, put your faith in the sovereign God who created the stars! As a Christian, commit to seeking His will, truth and direction for your life in prayer and Scripture. Avoid astrological temptations and influences. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, not horoscopes. He is the author and perfecter of our faith. May you find true wisdom and purpose from God alone!
