The Bible speaks out heavily against divination, sorcery, astrology and witchcraft. It is through its emphatic disapproval of these practices that one can make a clear conclusion on what The Bible says about them.
What does the bible say about Astrology and Witchcraft?
In The Old Testament, astrology, divination, sorcery and witchcraft are referred to as the practice of “abominable acts” (2 Chronicles 33:2-6) and to follow them is to “bow down to other gods” (Deuteronomy 17:2-5). In the New Testament, God reveals that the practice of these dark arts is “borne from the corrupt hearts of mankind” (Galatians 5:19-21).
The practice of witchcraft is particularly abhorred in The Bible, being described as a “sin against God” (Exodus 20:2-3). This is further described in Revelation 21:8 as one of the many sins that could warrant a person to experience punishment in the “lake of fire”. It could be assumed then, that The Bible regards the practice of witchcraft as something serious to be avoided.
Astrology is also referenced in The Bible, with Isaiah 47:13 referring to it as something that will not help the person engaging in it. In the New Testament, it is even more strongly discouraged (Acts 16:16-18) due to its links to idols and pagan worship. As astrology is firmly rooted in the belief and worship of idols, it could be assumed that The Bible does not allow for any type of respect or leniency when it comes to its practice.
Divination and sorcery are two more practices that The Bible strongly speaks against (Deuteronomy 18:10-11, Acts 16:16). Divination was seen as an attempt to try and discover hidden information or truth and sorcery was seen as an attempt to manipulate people or the environment which is not God’s desire. By regarding both of these practices as something against God’s will, one can assume what The Bible states about them.
The Bible contains explicit instructions on how to live a life that honours God. This includes avoiding any practice associated with dark arts, such as astrology, divination, sorcery and witchcraft because ultimately, these practices try to usurp the sovereignty of God.
The Bible speaks out sternly against astrology, divination, sorcery and witchcraft due to their links with idolatry and pagan worship. Regardless of what cultural traditions may state, The Bible clearly states that engaging in these practices is a sin against God and His sovereignty. Therefore, it is essential to carefully assess how we handle our spiritual practice, making sure that it is focused on honouring God and His teachings above all else.
Comparison of Bible Practices to Overlapping Cultural Systems
A comparison of the cultural and spiritual practices discussed in the Bible with coastal coast belief systems can illustrate how the Bible’s teachings on the matter were unique from more ancient systems. For instance, the Yoruba people of West Africa had very complex and detailed spirituality focused on a polytheistic system of deities and gods, and many ceremonies and rituals to honour them.
In comparison, the practice of astrology, divination, sorcery, and witchcraft were all formally condemned in the Bible, where the strict monotheism of the Christian God was to be acknowledged and respected. By refuting these practices and emphasizing the importance of a single God, the Bible set itself apart from the cultural systems of the day.
Also, by emphasizing this single, Christian God and actively denouncing these former practices, the Bible was able to assert itself as a dominant belief system and way of life that would later be spread across the world. So, by advocating against astrology, divination, sorcery and witchcraft, the Bible clearly set itself apart from the practices of its cultural counterparts.
Although many other belief systems had already been founded prior to the Bible, its strong adherence to a single Almighty God allowed it to become a powerful influence and to truly stand out from its peers. It also positioned God as the ultimate authority, something that pulled away from the idol-worshipping paganism of many other belief systems.
This comparison of ancient belief systems to the teachings of the Bible further demonstrate how divine truth is continuous throughout time. No matter the context, there are ultimate truths that transcend culture and geography. The Bible, as a cornerstone of faith, was able to identify these universal truths and highlight them for its followers.
Bible Principles Applied to Modern Witchcraft and Astrology Beliefs
The Bible’s teachings on astrology and witchcraft remain relevant to this day. Many people believe in these practices, believing that certain activities can influence their lives or even to commune with evil forces. In modern culture, these ideas are often cloaked beneath the guise of nature-based spirituality, but the Bible still stands firm in its declaration: astrology and witchcraft are not to be practiced.
The principles in the Bible serve as a moral guide for believers, and they warn us against holy practices like witchcraft and astrology. We can apply the teachings of the Bible to our modern society, particularly when it comes to spiritual pursuits. Just as God discourages the worship of idols, He also opposes any attempt to commune with the spiritual world in ways He does not approve of.
The Bible speaks out against free will and self-directed worship and it maintains that ultimate power and authority rest in the hands of God. Therefore, if we are to live according to Biblical teachings, we must resist the temptation of engaging in any practices that seek to usurp God’s authority. Whether this is an attempt to commune with the spiritual world or to find hidden truths, such activities are not endorsed by God.
In addition, the Bible is very clear in its denunciation of idols. Pursuits such as astrology and witchcraft focus on unknown or supernatural forces, which is something that goes against the singular power of God that the Bible teaches. By engaging in these practices, we are allowing something other than God to influence our lives, and that is something that the Bible stands plainly against.
Therefore, The Bible’s teachings on astrology and witchcraft must remain at the interface of our society. As we seek to pursue spiritual and religious truth, we must make sure that we are doing it in a way that is aligned with Biblical teachings and that honours the sovereignty of God. So, although it may be tempting to partake in these matters, the Bible invites us to trust in God and in His ultimate authority.
Summary of Bible Teachings on Astrology & Witchcraft
The teachings of the Bible on astrology and witchcraft are clear. The Bible prohibits anyone from engaging in these practices as well as any other activity that attempts to usurp the power of God. It stands squarely against self-directed worship, idols, and the pursuit of hidden truths or the manipulation of people and situations.
The Bible also specifically condemns the practice of witchcraft. It does not regard it with leniency or respect due to its drastic implication of a “lake of fire” punishment described in Revelation 21:8. Astrology is also not accepted, as it is linked to idolatry and pagan worship. This is further emphasized in the New Testament (Acts 16:16-18).
The Bible speaks out strongly against divination and sorcery, as it regards this attempt to discover hidden truths and manipulate situations as an affront to God’s authority. So, regardless of cultural, traditional, or contextual implications the Bible is airtight in its condemnation of practices such as astrology and witchcraft.
Therefore, seeking out spiritual truth must always be done within the confines of Biblical teachings. Engaging in activities such as astrology and witchcraft therefore cannot be done without going against the word of God. Ultimately, The Bible stands against these activities as it directly relates to its foundational premise of a single Almighty God.
A husband of one wife, father of two beautiful girls, laborer of Lord, Jesus Christ, and a servant to God’s His saints. I hope to encourage you by God’s grace. Thank you for stopping by.
