Tell me more ×
Christianity Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for committed Christians, experts in Christianity and those interested in learning more. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote -7 down vote favorite

Use of lunar calendar to foresee future events is a part of astrology, and astrology is a sin against Will of God.

There is research branch of biology called "selenobiology" which investigates influence of moon on human physical and mental abilities also known as lunar effect.

Here is a list of several works for example:

  • Neumann D. Tidal and lunar rhythms//Biological rhythms Handbook of behavioral neurobiology//Ed. J. Aschoff.-New York, 1981 indexed in US National Library of Medicine
  • Tasso I., Miller E. The effects of the full moon on human behavior//J. Psv- chol- 1976.
  • Sievers A., Hensel W. Graviperception in plants.- London: Pitman, 1985.
  • Lieber A. L. The Lunar effect. Biological tides and human emotions.- New York: Anchor Press, 1978.

While a scientific method used here is completely different than esoteric astrology, still in result there may be found a lot of common things.

Also, Wikipedia article states "lunar effect is frequently called a pseudoscientific theory" and that "some academics claim this persistent belief, with respect to humans, has no basis in fact".

What is a position of Church regarding "lunar effect" theory?

share|improve this question
4  
Your logic escapes me. Looking at things is a part of astrology. I don't think the Church (Catholic?) expects you to not look at things. If people make unsupported claims about the lunar cycle affecting people, that may well be nonsense but it's not astrology just because the moon is involved. – Rex Kerr Oct 1 '11 at 8:32
4  
I wouldn't think the lunar effect theory, the moon landing hoax theory nor the homeopathic theory are very relevant to Christianity or to churches. I don't expect there to be any specific church positions. The general question of Christianity's relation to pseudoscience might be interesting, so maybe you'd like to edit this to a general pseudoscience question? As it is now, I think the question is off-topic (Skeptics might be a closer fit for it). I'm voting to close. – dancek Oct 1 '11 at 8:34
@RexKerr: sorry if I wasn't clear in question, but lunar phases calendar is a part of eastern astrology. Eastern astrology also states that different phases of moon have an effect on humans and on their activities, which leads to divination of succes/fault of those activities. – Max Gontar Oct 1 '11 at 8:42
3  
Does that mean your question is really Is lunar effect theory astrology under another name? Marc's answer seems to address this adequately, given what you've presented in the question. – Rex Kerr Oct 1 '11 at 8:52
What church are you asking about? – wax eagle♦ Aug 23 '12 at 17:30

closed as not constructive by dancek, warren, Thomas Shields, wax eagle♦ Aug 23 '12 at 17:30

As it currently stands, this question is not a good fit for our Q&A format. We expect answers to be supported by facts, references, or specific expertise, but this question will likely solicit debate, arguments, polling, or extended discussion. If you feel that this question can be improved and possibly reopened, see the FAQ for guidance.

2 Answers

up vote 4 down vote accepted

Science can purify religion from error and superstition. Religion can purify science from idolatry and false absolutes.

This was a quote from Pope John Paul II.

I think this question gets to another point which is based on definitions and applying those so literally to make decisions.

Astrology was based on superstition and the idea that these celestial bodies can influence our lives, which is why it was considered witchcraft, and following it as being true was a form of idolatry, so a sin.

So, for example, there is a thought that a full moon may lead to an increase in crime. So, by following the scientific method we can test this hypothesis and determine if it is true.

Some animals may be affected by the moon, so again, testing it should be appropriate.

I think the problem with equating selenobiology to astrology is to better define each term, and look at how much of an effect each one has on people. With astrology, if they were told to marry on a certain day, they did, the couple didn't have free will, as the stars ordained this was the correct day, so the stars were the gods. In selenobiology they are working on determining effects, but that won't lead to people making decisions based on orders from the moon.

For a little bit on this you can also read this article:

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/religion-vs-science-can-the-divide-between-god-and-rationality-be-reconciled-955321.html

share|improve this answer
up vote 5 down vote

The first of those (the only one linked as a synopsis) appears to be discussing physiology of creatures that live in areas strongly affected by tidal forces. The tide is a well understood physical phenomenon, and has absolutely no relation to astrology (and is known to be influenced by lunar gravity). Some of the other titles sound (although I have not read even a synopsis) similar, or like they may be based on statistical correlation (in the case of the "human behaviour" one).

Even in the more general sense, seeking to understand the biology/psychology of things like lunar forces is not anything approaching divination. This is IMO unrelated to astrology, and should be of no concern in terms of divination, unless you "divine" the times of high tide. Just ask Canute (Cnut).

share|improve this answer
Thank you for your answer, it is true and obvious, still I'm looking for Church official opinion. – Max Gontar Oct 1 '11 at 8:35
3  
@Max in all honesty, I don't see why the Church would have a position on this at all. Obviously on astrology, since there is overlap/competition/etc. If you mean just the physical aspects, then Andrew and Peter were fisherman; I suspect they understood tidal forces. But expecting a Biblical citation to the biology/psychology studies would be like expecting a Biblical citation on the transistor radio. – Marc Gravell♦ Oct 1 '11 at 8:46
2  
Agreed. (Is this 3?) Astrology is the study of celestial bodies interpreted as affecting personality, human affairs, and natural events. The study of celestial bodies and their actual physical effects is quite distinctly different and no cause for concern. – Caleb♦ Oct 1 '11 at 8:57
@Marc. Not much of a tide in the Sea of Galilee. – TRiG Oct 1 '11 at 17:16
@Mark, thanks again for king Canut story, but Bible citation - should users expect it here in every answer? – Max Gontar Oct 1 '11 at 17:52
show 1 more comment

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.