NASA space flights, faraway galaxies, and Pluto’s demotion to “dwarf planet” status—is that what comes to mind when you hear the word “astronomy?” Well, did you know traditional astronomy—or skywatching—is a way of appreciating God’s glory in natural creation? Psalm 19:1 tells us: “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows his handiwork.” Tune in to today’s Home School Heartbeat to hear Michael Farris and Jay Ryan explore this topic.
Mike Farris:
Jay, for some homeschool parents, the topic of astronomy is confusing because of the influence of myth and folklore—why is astronomy so often confused with astrology?
Jay Ryan:
Mike, basically, astronomy is a science and astrology is a superstition that steals from science.
Astronomy is the actual study of the Sun, Moon and stars—objects that the
Lord has placed in the heavens. Classical astronomy includes predicting the
motions and positions of these celestial bodies. This information has
always been used for telling time and for finding direction.
However, astrology is nothing more than a thief that steals from astronomy.
Astrology uses terminology and elements from legitimate astronomy in a
failed attempt to find meaning in the positions of the Sun, Moon, and
planets. This is an ancient deception based on the pagan philosophy and
flawed pseudoscience of the ancient Greeks.
The fact is, it doesn’t mean anything when, say, Saturn or Venus lines up
with the Moon. This is simply the view we see from the Earth as these
bodies follow their God-ordained motions.
Nonetheless, these sights can be very beautiful and can fill us with praise
for the Creator who placed them in the night sky.
Mike:
Jay, thanks so much, I look forward to talking to you tomorrow. I’m Mike Farris.
