Astrology
While doing some research for an article we’re working on I came across an interesting piece of information in Mormon Doctrine written by Bruce McConkie who was a Mormon apostle. Now while many Mormons discount his encyclopedic work, the Church continues to sell his book and actually quote from it in articles and speeches.
The entry in Mormon Doctrine that caught my attention was on the subject of astrology. Interestingly enough the Church denounces the practice of astrology yet has many carvings on the outside of the Nauvoo and Salt Lake Temple of that very thing.
I wrote an in-depth article on this some years ago and thought it’d be worthwhile to post what McConkie said as well as excerpts from my article. So what do you think? What’s the Mormon to think of this info?
Mormon Doctrine, pg 56; “Astrology. See ASTRONOMY, DIVINATION, FORTUNE TELLING, SORCERY. A form of divination and fortune telling akin to sorcery, astrology is a pseudo science that pretends to divulge the influence of the stars upon human affairs; it is a false science that claims to foretell earthly events by means of the positions and aspects of these heavenly luminaries.”
Continue reading, it keeps getting better…
“… Ancient uninspired peoples were frequently deluded by the snares of the astrologers among them (Isa. 47; Dan. 1:20; 2:27; 4:7; 5:7), but it is difficult to understand why people in modern and supposedly enlightened and civilized nations should submit to these same stargazing absurdities. Enlightened people in and out of the Church shun them for the abominations they are.”
Did you get all that? Amazing stuff wouldn’t you say? I’m wondering why they’d say one thing and do another…what a tangled web we weave…
Now read the following information coming directly from the same source (LDS Church);
“Located directly above the earthstones, the moon is depicted in its various phases around the temple. The changing moon can represent the stages of human progression from birth to resurrection or represent the patron’s journey from darkness to light.”
“Sunstones. Located directly about the moonstones, the sunstones depict the sun—a symbol of the glory of the celestial kingdom.”
FYI: For Your Info”, New Era, April 1993, pgs. 34-37; “Saturn Stones are located directly below the parapet on each side of the six towers. They represent Kolob, the dwelling place of God.”
“Cloud stones — There are only two cloud stones on the temple. They are located on the east center tower and represent the gospel piercing through superstition and the error of the world.”
“Starstones. Six-pointed stars represent the actual stars in the heaven. Upside-down five-pointed stars represent morning stars, compared to the “sons of God” in the scriptures. The large upright five-pointed stars may represent the governing power of the priesthood while the small upright five-pointed stars may represent the saving power of the priesthood for those who attach themselves to it.”
“Big Dipper. High on the west center tower is a depiction of the Big Dipper, a constellation used by travelers for thousands of years to find the North Star. It is an appropriate symbol for the temple where patrons come to get their bearings on the journey home.”
You can read my article on Inverted Stained Glass Pentagrams here.
Reblogged this on Joseph Smith and the Restoration.
Isn’t it interesting that in the Mormon Doctrine entry, McConkie mentions “Divination” and “Fortune Tellining”… Joseph Smith used “peep stones” in a hat that he would place over his face so that a piece of parchment paper would appear with the B of M translation on it… Joseph Smith was deep into occultic practices when “an angel of light” appeared to him and “preached another gospel”…
Being raised in the church, I just accepted the whole B of M story as something that came from God. As soon as I started researching the secret teachings of the LDS church, it became so clear that the whole story (and their view on Gods, eternal progression, and temple works) was nothing more than a delusion sent by the devil himself to lead many astray…
Praise be to our Great God and Savior that He is so much higher in His ways than us sinful men.
Galatians 1:6-9 / Galatians 3:1-3 / Galatians 5:1-14
Amen to that! I was a Mormon also and have come to understand the demonic roots of this system. Many LDS believe that they have moved beyond this. Yet I’m still hearing my relatives interpret dreams, speak of contact with dead relatives, etc. Many believe they will have a second chance or God will overlook “the little things.” This is a grave misunderstanding of our sovereign Lord. Glory to our God Savior! Praise and fear him!
Hi Sarah!
I have to give a hearty amen myself to what you’ve said here! Sadly many Mormons and Christians feel this way and as you said, they are gravely mistaken. Why people would think this is acceptable is beyond me.
And regrettably they’ve kept themselves from such a wondrous relationship they could have enjoyed so much with the Lord. Not doing a full internal inventory of what we’ve done in our past can keep us from the full blessings of what God has to give us.
And by the way – I would LOVE to have your testimony on the blog here and our other site. 😉 Hint, hint! If you’re interested you can e-mail me at michelle@lifeafter.org
I know that we see a lot of people who enjoy reading the exit testimonies of those who’ve left the Church and it gives hope to those who are questioning.
Thanks and God bless!
Michelle
As is the case for many of your postings on this site, the headline misleads and your logic is flawed. Just because celestial symbols are used does not equate to astrology.
“Spawn” or whatever your name is…
This will be your last warning about your vocabulary. If you choose to use words that attack me or anyone else commenting on this blog, you will be banned. My logic is fine, intact and not flawed.
Because we have differing opinions does not equate to me lying or misleading anyone.
If you choose to add discussion and thoughts in a respectful manner you’re going to have to change your tone.
The Bible tells us to defend the faith – which we’re doing – and it warns us how to judge false prophets – which is what we’re doing here.
You won’t read anything on this blog where I or anyone from my ministry will go about doing a character assassination because this isn’t acting in a godly manner. Warning others about false prophets is a godly thing to do.
If you don’t like what we have to say, I understand, totally and by all means feel free not to stay. I get it. I was a Mormon for 30 years and understand the anger and mistrust of Christians.
If you want to learn something about Mormonism and how it compares to Christianity then you’re in the right place. If you’re here solely to attack Christians, then in all Christian humbleness, please leave.
Know that we’re praying for you.
Michelle Grim
1 Cor 1:18