End of World and Astrology

[Aussie Pete]

I heard on the radio tonight that the world is supposed to end Sunday. I made the mistake of reading up on this, to disprove the prediction which led me to something about a famous late astrologer, Jeane Dixon, who predicted that Armageddon is supposed to be this year. I read that while she was often wrong, many of her predictions came true.

I know this sounds stupid but, the world won’t really end this weekend, will it?
What is the LCMS opinion on astrology and astrologers?

Many people into astrology and new age spirituality (not Christians, to be clear!) say that we have started the “ascension” and are moving from a 3rd dimension to a 5th dimension. The “old world” is essentially dying, and with it the hate, separation, and fear.

So much for accurate predictions. There is more hate, separation and fear than ever.

 

[tampasteve]

By and large Lutherans don't really "do" eschatology, astrology, etc. That is not to say that we don't look forward to the coming of Christ, but our general worldview is to make the best of this life, not focus on a nebulous time in the future or try and predict the second coming. Christ will come when the time is set, we don't need to waste our time with counting the days or trying to divine out of Revelation and Daniel of exactly when that will be.

Trust in Christ for your salvation and live the best life you can now - be the light of Christ in the world here and now.

 

[eleos1954]

I heard on the radio tonight that the world is supposed to end Sunday. I made the mistake of reading up on this, to disprove the prediction which led me to something about a famous late astrologer, Jeane Dixon, who predicted that Armageddon is supposed to be this year. I read that while she was often wrong, many of her predictions came true.

I know this sounds stupid but, the world won’t really end this weekend, will it?
What is the LCMS opinion on astrology and astrologers?

No ... there is still prophesy that must yet be fulfilled.

 

[Sparagmos]

So much for accurate predictions. There is more hate, separation and fear than ever.

That is all part of the predictions....The current upheaval is supposedly indicated in the stars

 

[LizaMarie]

Stay far away from that stuff.
It is not of God.
I recommend Fr. Seraphim Rose: Orthodoxy and the Religion of the Future.
Also there are good apologetics books on the LCMS and WELs WEbsites I believe I would read up on those.

 

[FaithT]

Thanks everyone, you’ve been very helpful!

 

[LizaMarie]

I wanted to add Constance Cumby's "Hidden dangers of the Rainbow".

 

[Aussie Pete]

That is all part of the predictions....The current upheaval is supposedly indicated in the stars

It's indicated in the Bible. Satan can read.

 

[J_B_]

She predicted JFKs death.

Doubtful. Maybe guessed it, but "knowing" it would happen - I really doubt it. If that were true, then she was complicit in his death for not stopping it.

Anyway, stuff like this deserves some time spent with Dr. Matrix.

 

[tampasteve]

Stay far away from that stuff.
It is not of God.
I recommend Fr. Seraphim Rose: Orthodoxy and the Religion of the Future.

I like him a lot.

To the OP though, the reality is that there is really no reason for us to bother with these matters to any great extent. I mean, really, why does it matter if Christ is to return next month or next millennium? Would you live your life differently? If so, how? This is probably a better question to ponder than trying to divine dates or future events.

 

[FaithT]

I like him a lot.

To the OP though, the reality is that there is really no reason for us to bother with these matters to any great extent. I mean, really, why does it matter if Christ is to return next month or next millennium? Would you live your life differently? If so, how? This is probably a better question to ponder than trying to divine dates or future events.

We’re all still here. I wouldn’t live my life differently, I don’t think, but I’m happy with the way things are and the whole end of the world thing just freaks me out. Always has.

 

[twin.spin]

What you heard on the radio comes from Millennialism theology, the attempt to predict the Second coming of Jesus or other related events described in Scripture.

Historically:

• The Augsburg Confession the 17th article alludes to the origin of this error
• Luther held the position that Millennialism is a heresy (sermon preached in 1539)
• John Calvin wrote that the doctrine of the millenarians is a "fiction too puerile to require or deserve refutation"

A WELS pastor once answered in a q\a about the very same topic which in part read:

"Such predictions are the result of the crass literal reading of the OT\NT of Jesus' return...

Millennialism is to outright deny the church's hope of Christ's only return to judgement
and those who " transport it into the stratosphere of their own esoteric speculations"
belonging to the scoffers who, Peter warned, would come, "scoffing and following their own evil desires" (2 Peter 3:3)​