The absurdity of astrology

1. Entity type Lemma
2. Original titleἩ ἀλογία τῆς ἀστρολογίας
3. Language term Greek, Modern (1453-)
4. lemma author Koutalis, Vangelis
5. lemma category Modes of interaction > Integration - Orthodox Anthropology - Orthodox theological tradition and practice > Patristic studies
6. Publication date 26-02-2017
7. lemma work Metallinos, (Protopresbyter) Georgios [Author]. The absurdity of astrology
8. lemma manifestations Η οδός
9. Keywords human free agency - the providence of God - astrology - St. John of Damascus
10. Url Η οδός, φύλλο 4
11. Citations
    1. <p>Metallinos, (Protopresbyter) G. [Μεταλληνός, (Πρωτοπρεσβύτερος) Γ.] (2006). Ἡ ἀλογία τῆς ἀστρολογίας. <em>Ἡ ὁδός</em>, <em>4</em>, 18-19.</p>
12. Lemma body

    1. Astrology in our times has become widely accepted even from people of status and wealth. In a high-technology and space era, certain practices and beliefs that are reminiscent of the pre-Christian antiquity do survive, when magicians and foretellers dominated the scene. Astrology, according to the author, lacks any scientific foundation, and its current popularity indicates that the humanity of our times, despite its achievements, is still held captive in superstition.

       The author is of the opinion that apart from the causal effect of distinctly spiritual factors, such as the influence of the Devil, the very absence of any personal relation with the Gospel truth is principally responsible for the mass appeal of astrology today. Quoting relevant passages from John Damascenus’ monumental work Ἔκδοσις ἀκριβής τῆς Ὀρθοδόξης Πίστεως (Exact exposition of the Orthodox Faith), where the scientific knowledge of the natural movements of the stars that was at that time available complements the theological argumentation, he shows that from an ecclesiastical and Patristic standpoint, God’s providence and human free agency constitute the two pillars upon which the Christian criticism against the fallacy of astrology rests.