The Gospel in the Stars Controversy
By Steve Lagoon
In this article I wish to address a subject that has of late stirred up not a little bit of controversy. It has been called the "gospel in the stars controversy" (hereafter referred to as GIS).
The Christian Research Institute reports that the GIS theory was originally formulatedby "Miss Frances Rolleston, a nineteenth-century English classicist
and linguist" who "popularized the theory with her book,Mazzaroth - The Constellations, published in 1863" (The "Gospel In the Stars' Theory," Christian Research Institute, Statement DG 205,available at this web address:
GIS was further popularized in the second half of the nineteenthcentury by E. W. Bullinger, Witness of the Stars, Grand Rapids, MI:Kregel, 1893, 1967 and J. A. Seiss,The Gospel in the Stars, GrandRapids, MI: Kregel, 1882, 1979.
Dr. Kennedy's Support for GIS
Unfortunately, one of the major proponents of this theory today,Dr. D. James Kennedy, is well known to evangelicals. Dr. Kennedy isone of the great Christian leaders of our day, and has done excellentwork in the area of apologetics. His support of GIS is disappointing inthat it tarnishes his otherwise outstanding reputation and ministry.
Dr. Kennedy has promoted the GIS theory in his book The Real Meaning of the Zodiac, and on his radio broadcast as well. Dr.Kennedy is just one of many proponents of GIS, both past and present.An Internet search yields a large number of sites, both critical andsupportive of GIS.
What is "The Gospel in the Stars" Theory?
In brief, the theory claims that mankind can learn the "gospel" byobserving the constellations of the zodiac. For instance, Dr. Kennedystates, "...the fact remains that there was a God-given Gospel in thestars which lays beyond and behind that which has now been corrupted"(Kennedy, The Real Meaning of the Zodiac, as quoted on theApologetic Index Website:
Proponents of the theory, therefore, believe thatconstellations of the zodiac present a "gospel" message consistent withthe Bible, which message has been corrupted by pagan peoplesthroughout history.Dr. Kennedy claims that the Zodiac and its constellations wereknown by the time of Job. He says:
I would call your attention to Job38:32a: 'Canst thou bring forth the Mazzaroth in his season?'Mazzaroth is a Hebrew word, which means 'the Constellations of theZodiac.' In what may be the oldest book in all of human history, wefind that the constellations of the zodiac were already known andunderstood (ibid.).
Proponents of GIS believe they have recovered the original meaningof the zodiac (the gospel) that had been distorted by pagan cultures.
A Chart Explaining GIS
In an article on the website called Christian Answers Network,
( a helpful chart is provided which I repeat in substance:
Constellation Picture Interpretations
Virgo Virgin Mary
Libra Scales Sin not paid for
Scorpio Scorpion Sin brings death
Sagittarius Archer Demonism
Capricorn Goat-fish Earth corruption
Aquarius Water pourer Living water or Noah's flood
Pisces Fish God's remnant
Aries Ram Sacrifice
Taurus Bull Resurrection
Gemini Twins Christ's dual nature
Cancer Crab Gathering of the redeemed
Leo Lion The King
We are informed that this chart is a fairly representative exampleof the "Gospel in the Stars" theory.
Further Examples of GIS
Furthermore, another proponent produced a chart entitled: "The 48Zodiacal Constellations and Their Fulfillment in the Gospel Story," inwhich he gave both the "pagan" meanings of the constellations andtheir alleged real gospel meanings. 48 constellations are listed,four in each of the twelve houses of the Zodiac.
As an example, in the house of Scorpio, the pagan meaningof the constellation of Hercules is said to be "wounded in his heel, the otherfoot over the Dragon's head, holding in one hand the Golden Applesand the three-headed Dog off [sic.] hell, and in the other the upliftedclub." The "true" gospel meaning is then given as "Christ, the true Hercules, the toilingVanquisher of evil, wounded in His heel (the cross) but crushingSatan, the head of evil."
One GIS proponent gives the alleged real meaning to a number ofstars in the constellation of Orion and actually suggests that, "Orionis only one of 48 constellations that can be expounded upon in thissame manner." I shudder to
think how much time can be wasted studying and learning the "true"meanings of hundreds and hundreds of stars.Note the author’s names were left out of this last section at the request of the original authors.
Problems with the Theory
This theory is interesting and provocative on the face of it.Nonetheless, when one digs below the surface, a number of objectionsarise which seem fatal to the theory.For example, if the real meaning of the zodiac had been corruptedby pagan peoples and lost to mankind, how was it recovered? Howwould we know if we have recovered it accurately? Has a copy of anancient document containing the original or real meaning been foundsomewhere?
Also, if the Gospel was already written in the stars from the beginningof creation, then it follows that Adam and Eve would have understoodit, even before their fall into sin. It seems strange that Adamand Eve would be able to understand that man would fall into sin andneed a redeemer, before they in fact, fell. It would also mean that anyonecould have known about the virgin birth long before it was
"revealed" by the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 7:14) and fulfilled in the birth
of Christ (Matthew 1:22-23).
And before it was allegedly lost, how did earlymankind learn it’s "true" meaning in the first place? Did God tellAdam and Eve Himself? There is no mention of this in the Bible, andhence it is mere conjecture to suppose that ancient man had such anunderstanding. In fact, there is not the slightest bit of solid evidencethat anyone in ancient times believed this gospel in the stars theory.
Another option could be that the "gospel in the stars" message wasso clear that Adam and Eve (and the rest of mankind) could understandit without needing God to explain it to them. But if this is thecase, how could it have ever been lost or corrupted? Anyone, at any-time,should be able to read it!
Is GIS "Natural" or "Special" Revelation?
This leads to the problem of how to classify this "gospel revelation."
Theologians normally distinguish between two types of revelation: "Natural" and "Special." Special revelation is a specific verbalor written (or both) message from God to man such as the variouswritings that make up the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Natural (alsocalled "general") revelation is a more general message from God that man can (andshould) receive by observing the created order (Romans 1:18-23).
I would like to know how proponents classify the "gospel in thestars." Is it natural or special revelation? With "special" revelation,hermeneutical principles are used, so that anyone can arrive at thecorrect interpretation of a passage. Through the use of sound exegeticaltools, the reader can arrive at the meaning intended by the originalauthor (and by God). This removes the subjectivity from theprocess. However, the GIS theory is loaded with subjectivity. Eventhough it claims to give a very specific message, it is fraught withinconsistencies. It is not a specific verbal message given through aprophet or other messenger that can be written in an inspired, infallible,and inerrant text, and therefore cannot be classified as special
revelation.
On the other hand, proponents claim that GIS is a very specific(gospel) message. So much so, that they can fill pages with detailedexplanations of the 48 constellations found in the 12 houses of theZodiac. This seems to go way beyond anything that could be classifiedas natural or general revelation.
Is GIS Salvific?
Further, GIS supporters should tell us if this "gospel in the stars"is salvific. GIS proponents claim that the zodiac constellations tellmankind of his lost and sinful condition (Scorpius the Scorpion), thatour sins must be paid for (Libra the Scales), that there would need tobe a sacrificial death (Aries the Ram), that the one who would die forour sins would be born of a virgin (Virgo the Virgin), that he would
have a dual-nature being both God and man (Gemini the Twins), thathe would rise from the dead (Taurus the Bull), as the victorious Kingof Kings (Leo the Lion).
This seems to be a rather explicit presentationof the Gospel, similar to that presented in Scripture. Do GIS supportersbelieve that observing this gospel in the stars alone can savepeople, or do they need more? Do they need the message of the Bible?
Scriptural Arguments Used by GIS Proponents
At this point, let us consider the alleged scriptural support for GISby its proponents.One of the most often used passages is Psalm 19:1-6 which says:
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim thework of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech;night after night they display knowledge. There is no speechor language where their voice is not heard. "Their voice goesout into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. Inthe heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun, which is like abridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. It rises at one end of the heavensand makes its circuit to the other; nothing is hidden from itsheat (Psalm 19:1-6).
Despite the efforts of GIS adherents, this passage says nothingabout a "gospel in the stars." It is describing the wonders of the universeand how this natural phenomenon brings glory to God. It isdescribing "natural" revelation as was discussed earlier. Some GISsupporters point to the description of the sun as it makes it's "circuit"and suppose this is evidence for the zodiac. Such an interpretation is too clever by half. The passage merely describes (in a poetical way)the daily course of the sun as it advances from sunrise to sunset.
Romans 1:19-20
In the Book of Romans, the apostle Paul said:
Since what may be known about God is plain to them,because God has made it plain to them. For since thecreation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternalpower and divine nature—have been clearly seen, beingunderstood from what has been made, so that men arewithout excuse.
GIS advocates believe that this passage supports their claim.There is no doubt that the natural order does "tell" mankind something,but it is merely conjecture to suppose that Paulwas referring to the idea that the Gospel message was spelled out inthe stars.Theologian Charles C. Ryrie gives an overview of what man can learn through "natural"revelation:
The relevant biblical passages tell us authoritatively whatcan be learned from general revelation. This is not to saythat everybody will understand all or any of these things,but these are what God has communicated through thevarious avenues of general revelation. 1. His glory (Ps.19:1). 2. His power in creating the universe (v. 1). 3. Hissupremacy (Rom. 1:20). 4. His divine nature (v. 20). 5.His providential control of nature (Acts 14:17). 6. Hisgoodness (Matt. 5:45). 7. His intelligence (Acts 17:29). 8.His living existence (v. 28) (Charles C. Ryrie, BasicTheology, Scripture Press Publications-Victor Books,Wheaton IL, 1986, 33).
The GIS theory goes well beyond these basic things that one canreason or deduct from nature and claims that the stars give a detailedand explicit description of the "gospel." Unfortunately, simply wishingit to be so does not make it so. What we need is evidence, scripturalevidence, and yet we are finding any.
Genesis 1:1-18
GIS advocates also point to Genesis 1:14-18 which says:
And God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of thesky to separate the day from the night, and let them serveas signs to mark seasons and days and years, and letthem be lights in the expanse of the sky to give light on theearth." And it was so. God made two great lights—thegreater light to govern the day and the lesser light to governthe night. He also made the stars, "God set them inthe expanse of the sky to give light on the earth, to governthe day and night, and to separate light from darkness.And God saw that it was good.
Again, GIS advocates note the statement in verse 14 "and let themserve as signs" and argue that the stars are a sign of the gospel message.As has been pointed out in the past, such an interpretation isexegetical malpractice. All this passage actually says is the obvious.Man can use the heavenly bodies (the sun, moon, and stars) as markersfor determining the passage of time through a day, and through
the seasons of the year;nothing more and nothing less.
God Named the Stars!
GIS supporters often string together Psalm 147:4 with Isaiah40:26 to prove that God himself named the stars of the zodiac. Psalm147:4 says, "He determines the number of the stars and calls them byname." Isaiah 40:26b reads, "He who brings out the starry host oneby one, and calls them each by name." They note that God callsthe constellations by the same names as are found in the zodiac (see for
instance Job 38:31-32; Amos 5:8).
The GIS conclusion then is that Godis responsible for giving the constellations and stars of the zodiac theirtraditional names. In other words, they see this as proof that God isresponsible for the zodiac.I must disagree for the following obvious reasons. Take a constellationlike Orion which God referred to in Job 38:31. The World BookEncyclopedia gives this background on Orion:
Orion was a handsome and energetic hunter in Greekmythology. He was a giant with the power to walkthrough the sea and on its surface. Orion had a troubledlove life. His wife was sent to Hades after she boastedthat she was more beautiful than the goddess Hera (seeHades). Because Orion seduced his fiancee, Merope, herfather, King Oenopion, blinded him. Helios, the sun god,restored Orion's sight. According to one myth, Artemis,the goddess of hunting, killed Orion because he tried torape her. Another myth says that Artemis consideredmarrying Orion, but her jealous brother Apollo tricked herinto hitting Orion with an arrow while he was swimming.In her sorrow at his death, Artemis placed Orion in thesky as a constellation (The World Book Encyclopedia,Vol.14, p. 862, World Book, Inc., Chicago, IL, 1993).
GIS proponents would like toargue that the Greek mythology about Orion is a corruption of its originalmeaning. But this mythological meaning is the meaning it hadat the time the books of Psalms and Isaiah were written and given tomankind.
It seems more reasonable to conclude that God referred to the starsand constellations by the names they were known on earth, ratherthan the names He had given them, so as to avoid confusion. This could be considered a variation on the anthropic principle in which God communicates to man in a way that condescends to their understanding like speaking of a sunrise rather than the earth spinning on its axis.So God didn't use the traditional or zodiacalnames of the stars to endorse the mythological ideas associated withthem, but rather to avoid confusion as he taught about his divine sovereignty.
Job 38:32 and the Name "Massaroth"
Probably the biblical passage most often appealed to as supportfor GIS is Job 38:32. Especially important is the Hebrew word"Mazzaroth" found there (Canst thou bring forth Mazzaroth in hisseason? — KJV). There is no agreement as to its meaning. The NewInternational Version translates it simply as "constellations," and theNew American Standard has it as "constellation." Because of the difficulty
in translation, some translations such as the RSV, ASV, KJVand the NKJV leave the word (Mazzaroth) untranslated.
However,there is a significant body of scholarship that favors a translation suchas is found in the New English Bible that has it "Can you bring outthe signs of the zodiac in their season?"In agreement, Keil-Delitzschcomment that, "The question in ver.32a therefore means: canst thou bring forth the appointed zodiac signfor each month..." (KeilDelitzsch, Commentary on the OldTestament. Vol. 4, p. 324, "Job," Eerdmans: Grand Rapids, MI,Reprinted 1975).
Albert Barnes' commentary on this passage is informative. Hesaid:
[Canst thou bring forth Mazzaroth in his season?"], margin, "thetwelve signs;" that is the twelve signs of the zodiac.There has been much diversity of opinion about the meaning ofthis word. It occurs nowhere else in the Scriptures, and, of course, itis not easy to determine its signification. The Septuagint retains theword maxsuroothwithout attempting to translate it. Jerome rendersit, "Luciferum-Lucifer," the morning star. The Chaldee, "sh-T-r-y m-z-1-y - the constellation of the planets."Coverdale, "the morning-star;"and so Luther renders it.Rosenmuller, "signacelestia" - the celestialsigns, and so Herder, Umbreit, Gesenius, and Noyes, "the zodiac."Gesenius regards the word mazaarowt(OT: 4216), as the same asmazaalowt(OT: 4208), properly "lodgings, inns;" and hence, the "lodgings"of the sun, or the places or "houses" in which he appears in theheavens, and thus as meaning the signs in the zodiac. Most of theHebrew interpreters adopt this view, but it rests on no certain foundation,and as we are not certain as to the meaning of the word, theonly safe way is to retain the original, as is done in our common version.I do not see how it is possible to determine its meaning with certainty,and probably it is to be regarded as a name given to some constellationor cluster of stars supposed to exert an influence over theseasons, or connected with some change in the seasons, "which wecannot now accurately understand" (from Barnes' Note, ElectronicDatabase, Copyright © 1997 by Biblesoft).