Awake!, December 8, 1969
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-Can It Help You?
A Day Without the Police
Look What's on Phonograph Records
DECEMBER 8.1969
THE REASON FOR THIS MAGAZINE
News sources that are able to keep you awake to the vital issues of our times must be unfettered by censorship and selfish interests. "Awaken!" has no fetters. It recognizes facts, faces facts, is free to publish facts. It is not bound by political ties; it is unhampered by traditional creeds. This magazine keeps itself free, that it may speak freely to you. But it does not abuse its freedom. It maintains integrity to truth.
The viewpoint of "Awakel" is not narrow, but is international, "Awakel" has its own correspondents in scores of nations. Its articles are read in many lands, in many languages, by millions of persons.
In every issue "Awake!" presents vital topics on which you should be informed. It features penetrating articles on social conditions and offers sound counsel for meeting the problems of everyday life. Current news from every continent passes in quick review. Attention is focused on activities in the fields of government and commerce about which you should know. Straightforward discussions of religious issues alert you to matters of vital concern. Customs and people in many lands, the marvels of creation, practical sciences and points of human interest are all embraced in its coverage. "Awake!" provides wholesome, instructive reading for every member of the family.
"Awakel" pledges itself to righteous principles, to exposing hidden foes and subtle dangers, to championing freedom for all, to comforting mourners and strengthening those disheartened by the failures of a delinquent world, reflecting sure hope for the establishment of God's righteous new order in this generation.
Get acquainted with "Awake!" Keep awake by reading "Awake!"
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CONTENTS
The Growing Popularity of Astrology 3
What Does Astrology Offer? 4
Something Better than Astrology 11
"A Voice of Sanity" 14
Life with Rikki-Tikki-Tavi 15
Ulrich Zwingll and the Word of God 17
A Day Without the Police 21
Look What's on Phonograph Records 24
Home of Abraham's Youth 26
"Your Word Is Truth"
Transmigration of Souls—
Is It Logical? 27
Watching the World 29
London, England, December 8, 1969
THE GROWING
POPULARITY
of
ASTROLOGY
HAVE you noticed lately that neighbors, fellow workers and even people on radio and television are speaking about astrology more than they did a few years ago? Terms related to it fall from their lips frequently and in a matter-of-fact way. You may also have noticed an increase in the number of books, magazines and published articles on astrology. There can be little doubt that it is experiencing an upsurge in popularity.
In the United States alone approximately ten million persons are zealous followers of astrology, and about forty million more, a great many of whom are women, dabble in it. In Britain about two-thirds of the population read horoscopes, a feature of astrology. In Germany approximately eighteen million persons are its followers, and in France people pay more than $650 million annually to fortune-tellers and astrologers. A recent poll found that 58 percent of the French people know their own sign of the zodiac and that 53 percent read their horoscopes daily.
Twenty years ago in the United States there were barely one hundred daily newspapers that carried horoscope columns. Today there are approximately twelve hundred. Astrology magazines that once gathered dust on newsstand shelves now are greatly in demand. They are sold by the millions annually in the United States. In France, one of these magazines has a circulation of 400,000. Bookstores that cater to college students have enlarged their sections on astrology because of the growing interest that these students are showing in it.
When the New York television station WPIX-TV began putting horoscopes in its station breaks, it found them so popular that it hired an astrologer to produce a weekly program of thirty minutes. Still another evidence of its popularity is the astrological symbols appearing on various types of merchandise. Perhaps you have seen them on glassware, jewelry, children's clothing and writing paper.
The demand for astrological services is enough to keep a computer busy. In 1966 a company was formed to turn out horoscopes and written analyses by computer. The analyses run to about 15,000 words, and the success of the business reflects the increasing public interest in astrology. The company's service is sold through 350 department stores in the United States and has 15,000 persons a month obtaining horoscopes and analyses from it.
A single store that ran an advertisement of the service made 500 sales of astrological service in the space of a week.
A customer pays $20 for the service and receives in ten days a write-up that tells him what astrology supposedly reveals about his personality, health, romantic relationship and the year ahead of him.
The service has been such a financial success that the three-year-old company has an annual sales rate for 1969 of about $1.8 million. It is planning to expand its service to Canada and England.
Astrology has proved to be a lucrative business for some practitioners. One, for example, who is a favorite of movie stars has an income that is estimated to be well into six figures.
In India astrology continues its age-old popularity. It is deeply embedded in the Hindu way of life. Even some communists in India seek astrological advice by consulting their horoscopes for the most auspicious day on which to file their nominations.
In Ceylon, where newspapers daily carry advertisements placed by families looking for suitable mates for their daughters, astrology plays its role. As in India, families customarily require a suitor to bring his horoscope so it can be compared with that of the daughter to see if the match would be "favorable."
Throughout the Far East astrology holds a prominent place in the lives of the people. But why are increasing numbers of people in the West manifesting keen interest in it? What does astrology offer them? Is it compatible with God's written Word, the Bible?
ASTROLOGY
THE popularity of astrology is undoubtedly due to the common desire of people to know the future. Have you not felt that desire? Is it not especially strong when one is confronted with feelings of insecurity, confusion and uncertainty as to what would be the best thing to do? But can you depend on astrology to give you reliable information about the future?
Astrology claims that the heavenly bodies—the moon, planets and stars—control human affairs. Adherents of astrology believe that you can ensure the success of a thing if you time it for when the movements of these heavenly bodies are "favorable" for you. They also believe that you can avoid un-
pleasant happenings by not undertaking a thing when their movements are "unfavorable."
Perhaps you read about the Far Eastern prince who postponed his wedding for one year because astrologers said that the signs were not favorable. This was Prince Palden Thondup Namgyal of Sikkim. Astrologers persuaded him to postpone his wedding from 1962 to 1963. Then, when he inherited the throne upon the death of
AWAKE!
his father, they convinced him that he should postpone his coronation for one year for the same reason.
In the Western world there are people who will not sign a contract, open a business or start a new project of any kind without first consulting an astrologer. According to the New York Times Magazine of December 15, 1968, the fashion industry in New York and Paris would not think of bringing out a new collection of dresses at a time designated by astrologers as being unfavorable for them. On what basis are these "favorable" and "unfavorable" times determined?
The Zodiac
Astrologers call that portion of the sky above the earth through which the sun, moon and stars seem to move the zodiac. The name comes from the Greek and means "circle of animals." Each of these is named for a star constellation, called a "sign" of the zodiac. Thus one of the twelve signs, Scorpio, is depicted by a scorpion and stands for the period from October 24 to November 22. Taurus, another sign, is depicted by a bull and stands for the period from April 21 to May 21. People born during any one of the periods covered by these twelve signs are supposed to have certain characteristics that are different from those possessed by people born in other periods; so astrology claims.
On the basis of the zodiac an astrologer can draw up a person's horoscope. This is a diagram showing the relationship of the heavenly bodies at the precise time of the person's birth. Whichever stars happened to be rising at the time are supposed to influence his personality.
It is claimed by astrology that certain planets have conflicting or complementary influences and that the interplay of these influences can mean either good or bad for you. Due to this claim many persons will
not make an important decision without first consulting an astrologer. But how dependable is his advice?
How Accurate?
Do you remember the claim made by astrologers in India that a dire calamity was due in 1962? They got excited when five planets were going to conjoin, that is, be in such locations that an imaginary line from earth into space would intersect them. Simultaneously the sun was due to be eclipsed by the moon. This rarity in the movement of these heavenly bodies was due to happen in an area of the zodiac that is regarded as unfavorable.
The astrologers stirred up the people into a fever of excitement by warning them to be ready for earthquakes, floods, wars, and the like. The fateful day, February 3, 1962, came and went without the foretold calamities. What the astrologers regarded as a bad omen really had no significance at all. Some persons say that the astrologers merely misinterpreted the signs. Whether they did or not, the fact remains that astrology was not an accurate revealer of future events.
Another example of failure was when Apollo 8 orbited the moon. Before the trip began, some British astrologers warned: "The probability of personality changes among the astronauts during orbit is very high." Why? Because "Jupiter and Uranus," they said, "are in conjunction for the first time in fourteen years—and the influences are very strong." The conjunction of these planets, however, had no ill effect upon the astronauts.
Still another recent failure of note was when two astrologers separately predicted that Jackie Kennedy would not remarry in the near future. Her marriage to a Greek shipping tycoon proved them wrong. Although one of the astrologers argued that he did not regard this as a marriage because of the age of Mr. Onassis, the fact remains that they are legally married and she is no longer single.
It has been said that Hitler had five astrologers advising him on the auspicious times for carrying out his decisions. Despite his reliance on astrology, it failed him. He and his plans met disaster.
Ambiguous Language
The language of astrology, as you may know, is usually ambiguous. This allows for different interpretations. A person might be told that "a relationship with a friend will undergo a chastening" that on a certain date there will be a "pleasant development" in one's life, and so on.
Regarding the predictions of Nostradamus, a famous astrologer of the sixteenth century, The World Book Encyclopedia observes in its edition of 1966: "His prophecies were intentionally obscure and vague and are open to many interpretations."
Since a prediction is usually phrased in an ambiguous way, no matter what happens, the astrologer, more often than not, can make it appear that he was correct. For example, if a person is injured when the astrological signs were "good" for him, the astrologer points out that he was fortunate to escape what might have happened had the signs been "bad." If the signs are "bad" and a person goes against them without any bad results, the astrologer claims that he was subconsciously careful because of having been forewarned.
In India an astrologer gets a substantial part of his income from prescribing ways to overcome the bad consequences he predicts. When the things he predicts do not take place, he credits the propitiiary devices that he sold the person. These may consist of precious stones worn in rings, amulets containing consecrated herbs, mystic incantations written on bark and
written hymns to Kali, the Hindu goddess of destruction.
Form of Divination
It is the claim of astrology that it offers a person insight into the future regarding himself. Similarly, the ancient idolaters looked for omens of the future in markings in the liver of animal sacrifices. They considered these markings as miniature reflections of the stars, which they thought influenced their lives. They also looked for omens in the flight of birds and in the movement of the stars and planets. These are all forms of divination.
Linking astrology with divination, the book Standard Dictionary of Folklore, Mythology and Legend by Funk & Wagnalls states: "Astrology is one of the most ancient forms of divination, and prevailed among the nations of the East (Egypt, Chaldea, India, China) at the very dawn of history. . . . The astrologer as a diviner eventually uses supplementary means of determination, and we find close connection between astrology on the one hand, and Chinese geomancy [divining by figures or lines], Near Eastern hepatoscopy [divining by inspecting animal livers], Chinese and Japanese tortoise shell divination, and Gipsy palmistry on the other."
Began in Babylon
When looking into history you will find that astrology was always closely associated with superstitious and idolatrous people. In fact, it apparently had its beginning in ancient Babylon, the source of deceptive, degrading, false religious practices. The book Religion of Babylonia and Assyria by Jastrow tells of the "profound impression made upon the ancient world by the remarkable manifestations of religious thought in Babylonia and by the religious activity that prevailed in that region." Another book, The Worship of the Dead by J.
Garnier, remarks that "the researches of modern writers . . . uniformly regard Babylon and Assyria as the cradle of ancient Paganism."
Indicating that astrology had its beginning in Mesopotamia, where Babylon was located, the book The Ancient Gods by E. O. James states: "A complicated astral science was developed there by a highly organized body of augurs, seers and astrologers with
gods and, therefore, could influence human lives. In this regard Beacon Lights of History by John Lord states, in volume one, page forty-seven: "There was still another and inferior class of deities among the Assyrians and Babylonians who were objects of worship, and were supposed to have great influence on human affairs. These deities were the planets under different names."
To the largest
an extensive omen literature comprising long series of tablets dealing with every aspect of augural phenomena. . . . Every celestial phenomenon, in fact, was held to have its counterpart in human events, and every individual was at length brought under the influence of a planet or a fixed star which deter-
The Music of Christmas.
Balanced View of Air Travel.
Your Appendix—What Is Its Value?
In the next issue.
planet, now called Jupiter, they gave the name of their god Marduk. The Babylonians regarded the bull as a symbol of Marduk. This animal became one of the most important signs of the zodiac and is called Taurus by astrologers today.
Dewey celestial movement and phenomena
of a planet of a fixed star which determined his fate from the cradle to the grave. . . The stars acquired a more personal significance, and together with the sun, moon and the planets, they determined human destinies with an elaborate astrological lore which reached the eastern Mediterranean and the Aegean in the wake of the conquests of Alexander the Great in the fourth century B.C."
Clay tablets with astrological expressions that are thousands of years old have been found near the site of ancient Bab
Every celestial movement and phenomenon, such as the rising and setting of the sun, the equinoxes and solstices, moon phases, eclipses and movement of meteors, were thought to be the doings of these gods. So, elaborate charts and tables of these movements were made in the belief that they would reveal what would happen in the future in human affairs.
Now, do you honestly think you can gain an accurate knowledge of the future by turning to the false gods of ancient Babylon? Even if you do not regard the
ylon. Astrology was so closely linked with Babylon that astrologers in ancient times were often called Chaldeans, another name for Babylonians. From Babylon astrology spread to Greece, Rome, and all over the earth.
Rooted in Paganism
It was the belief of the Babylonians that the heavenly bodies were the homes of
planets and stars as gods, by putting trust in astrology you would be putting trust in those gods. Why? Because they were the foundation upon which astrology was built, the reason for thinking that the stars and planets influence human lives.
Since the ancient gods are no longer pointed to as an explanation for why a person thinks astrology works, the contention has been made that the heavenly bodies give off "emanations" that affect people.
No emanations strong enough to affect the characters and destinies of men have been detected by scientists. So to what does such a person attribute the power behind astrology? He must think in his heart that there is some supernatural force connected with it just as other persons think such a force works through a fortune-teller. In actuality he is trusting
in spiritism whether he wants to recognize it or not.
We have seen that astrology is not a dependable foreteller of future events, that it is a form of divination, that it was devised on the erroneous belief that the planets and stars are gods, and that its roots are deep in Babylonian paganism. In view of this, do you think it is something in which a Christian should be interested?
branch that grows from a tree still part of the tree?
Learn from Ancient Israel
Much is recorded in the Bible about the ancient nation of Israel and its becoming involved with the practices of false religions. Consider what happened to their rela-
popularity among people who profess to be Christians, what attitude ought a Christian to take toward it? When he
is in need of guidance, would it be all right for him to turn to astrology? Or, perhaps just out of curiosity, might he have an astrologer cast his horoscope?
Since astrology is essentially an offspring of polytheistic religion, how could a true Christian who believes in only one
tionship with Jehovah God when they engaged in practices that he
condemned. Their experience can help you to see how astrology ought to be viewed by Christians.
Because the Israelites allowed themselves to become involved with false religious practices, God permitted their two kingdoms to be destroyed and the people to be taken away into exile. Among their
a true Christian, who believes in only one God, turn to it for advice? Would the Creator regard him favorably if he did so?
You might say that astrology is no longer associated with polytheistic religion and the stars are no longer viewed as gods. That may be so among most educated people, but the practice originated with such religion, and its basic concept stemmed from the false religious belief that the stars and planets were gods. Is not a
sins was the worship of the heavenly bodies as gods. King Manasseh of the king-dom of Judah, for example, is mentioned as leading the nation in the worship of such gods. "He began to bow down to all the army of the heavens and to serve them."—2 Ki. 21:3.
Later good King Josiah tried to stamp out the bad influence of false religions from among the nation. The record says:
"He put out of business the foreign-god priests, whom the kings of Judah had put in that they might make sacrificial smoke on the high places in the cities of Judah and the surroundings of Jerusalem, and also those making sacrificial smoke to Baal, to the sun and to the moon and to the constellations of the zodiac and to all the army of the heavens."—2 Ki.
23:5.
Josiah is mentioned favorably in God's Word for his actions. Note that he put out of business those who were making sacrificial smoke to the sun, the moon and the "constellations of the zodiac." Since God approved of what Josiah did, is it reasonable to expect that today God would look favorably upon persons who practice astrology, which involves looking with awe to the "constellations of the zodiac"?
Through the prophet Zephaniah Jebovah God denounced the Israelites for their false religious practices as "those who are bowing down upon the roofs to the army of the heavens, and those who are . . . making sworn oaths by Malcham [Molech]." (Zeph. 1:5) Astrology and the worship of Malcham or Molech were closely related in ancient times.
The first Christian martyr, Stephen, referred to these bad practices of the Israelites when he said: "So God turned and handed them over to render sacred service to the army of heaven, just as it is written in the book of the prophets. 'It was not to me that you offered victims and sacrifices for forty years in the wilderness, was it, O house of Israel? But it was the tent of Moloch and the star of the god Rephan that you took up, the figures which you made to worship them. Consequently I will deport you beyond Babylon.'"—Acts 7:42, 43.
Astrology Outlawed
Since astrology is the child of false, Babylonish religion, is it not understandable why Jehovah God outlawed it for his nation of Israel? By so doing he revealed his view of it, and Christians today are guided by this. In his law to that nation he said: "There should not be found in you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, anyone who employs divination, a practicer of magic or anyone who looks for omens or a sorcerer."—Deut. 18:10.
What does this text have to do with astrology? Notice the reference to "divination." As we have already seen, astrology is a form of divination. Astrology also involves looking for omens in the movements of the planets and stars, and the 'looking for omens' was also included in this divine prohibition.
God's law went on to say: "For everybody doing these things is something detestable to Jehovah, and on account of these detestable things Jehovah your God is driving them away from before you." (Deut. 18:12) Since God does not change, can we not expect him to have the same attitude now toward all forms of divination? Would he not find astrology just as detestable today as in ancient times when it was part of Babylonish religion?
Spiritism
Being a form of divination, astrology can get you involved with spiritism. It can bring you into contact with "wicked spirit forces in the heavenly places." (Eph. 6:12) Would you want that to happen? God emphatically condemned the seeking of guidance from such forces. He told the nation of Israel: "As for the soul who turns himself to the spirit mediums and the professional foretellers of events so as to have immoral intercourse with them, I shall certainly set my face against that soul and cut him off from among his people."—Lev. 20:6.
Wicked spirit forces can maneuver events so that it may sometimes appear to you that astrology is a dependable foreteller of events. By following it you would be brought into their clutches. But do you want to look to wicked spirit forces for guidance? Are they going to lead you in a way that is for your good? Should not a Christian rather be seeking guidance from God?—Isa. 8:19, 20.
The Bible foretold that people at the time in which we are now living would be "paying attention to misleading inspired utterances and teachings of demons." (1 Tim. 4:1) So the growing popular interest in spiritism or the occult arts is understandable. But spiritism, which is contact with wicked spirit forces, is actually one of the unclean works of fallen flesh.-Gal. 5:19, 20.
Christian View of Astrology
What, then, is a Christian to do when he sees astrology growing in popularity? He can benefit from the example of those early Christians who lived in the Roman Empire.
Astrology was popular in the Roman Empire. As the book Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics by James Hastings says, in Volume IV: 'The most influential of these exponents of exotic divination were the Chaldael, on, as they were subsequently styled, mathematici, i.e. the professors of Babylonian astrology, who presaged the destiny of individuals by means of the horoscope . . . and gave information regarding the future according to the movements of the heavenly bodies. These astrologers were banished from Rome and Italy for the first time in 139 B.C. . . These measures, however, brought about no considerable deimulation of their activity, as their clientele included people of the
highest rank, and even Emperors themselves made use of their art."
Despite its popularity among the Romans the early Christians would have nothing to do with it. Many had been involved with divination and other forms of spiritism before becoming Christians. When they became Christians they separated themselves from spiritism and all appendages of false religion. We are told that "quite a number of those who practiced magical arts brought their books together and burned them up before everybody." (Acts 19:19) Very likely books on astrology were among those burned because of its having been a popular form of divination at that time.
They did the right thing. How could a Christian 'eat at the table of demons' by indulging in divination and also 'eat at the table of God' by claiming to be identified as a Christian and to be a partaker of the spiritual food he provides in his written Word?
If a Christian were to trust in astrology, would he not be putting himself in the same position as the disobedient Israelites? Would he not be placing his trust in false Babylonian star gods that were the basis for astrology? Would he not make himself a follower of an offshoot of an idolatrous, false religion for which his Creator expressed hatred?—Rev. 22:15.
In view of the roots that astrology has in Babylon's idolatrous religion and its link with spiritism, how could any true Christian view it with approval? One of the early Christians, the apostle Paul, pointed out the proper course to take when he said: "Do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers. For what sharing do righteousness and lawlessness have? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?
' "Therefore get out from among them, and separate yourselves," says Jehovah, "and quit touching the unclean thing." "'—2 Cor. 6:14, 17.
People who want to be Christians must
avoid astrology. However, this does not mean they cannot seek to know the future. Actually they have a far more dependable way of learning about these important matters.
DESIRING to know what the future will bring is natural and proper. You are interested in your own welfare and that of those close to you, and you want to make decisions now that will be in the best interests of all later. Possibly you have often said: "If I had known then what I know now I would not have done this or that." It is always easier to look back and see where you made mistakes,
but it is quite another matter to try to foresee what is coming.
It is for this reason that many people turn to astrology and other forms of divination. There is nothing wrong with their desire to know the future, but astrology is not the source from which to seek the information.
Turn to the Creator
Rather than trying to foresee the future by drawing conclusions from the movements of the planets and stars, is it not more reasonable to turn to the living Creator of these heavenly bodies? If you want to know something about marriage, could He not tell you more about this human relationship than inanimate stars,
since He originated marriage? In his Word, the Bible, you will find what he has said about it, and if you follow his counsel you can avoid serious mistakes.
The amorous young man, for example, is warned in the Bible not to go after an immoral woman, and he is told why. (Prov. 7: 6-27) By heeding the warning he can avoid mistakes that he would later deeply regret. Husbands and wives
are given counsel that can be the basis for a long, happy marriage if heeded. (Eph. 5: 22-31) They are also told how to avoid mistakes in rearing their children so that there is no heartache later on.—Eph. 6: 1-4.
Calamitious circumstances can often be avoided if a person will heed the Bible's advice on human relations in general. Principles are laid out in it that can help him avoid violent arguments and the injuries usually resulting from them. (Eph. 4:31, 32) Astrology may try to tell a person what type of individuals he can best get along with, but God's Word shows him how to get along with all kinds of people. It also shows him how to gain loving friends and a peaceful future. Is this not better than the questionable advice of astrology?
By following what God's Word tells you, there is much you can do now about your future. You can shape it to a large extent by the way you live, making it either good or bad for yourself. Of course, there are calamities that cannot be avoided. The Bible acknowledges this, saying that "time and unforeseen occurrence befall them all."
zar what is to occur in the final part of the days."—Dan. 2:27, 28.
Was not this experience evidence that Daniel had a source of information that was better than astrology? You can benefit from that Source, Jehovah God, if you look to the Bible for information about the future. The true God, the Creator of man, is a much more reliable source of knowledge about the future than is any
(Eccl. 9:11) But when such things do happen the Bible can help you to cope with them. It can, for example, help you bear up under the shock of losing a loved one in death by an unforeseen accident.—1 Thess. 4:13; Acts 24:15.
Future Foretold by Jehovah's Prophets
As a dependable source of information about the future, God's word by means of his inspired prophets is unsurpassed. They foretold events far in advance of their day. Because of this forknowledge
occult art.
Astrology Failed Babylon
Was the city of Babylon able to avoid disaster by trusting in astrological guidance? No; in fact, under inspiration by God, the prophet Isaiah foretold that its astrologers would not even be able to save themselves! He said: "Let them stand up, now, and save you, the worshipers of the heavens, the lookers at the stars, those giving out knowledge at the new moons concerning the things that will come upon
they are far superior to astrologers.
When the prophet Daniel was living in Babylon he was found to be ten times better than all the magic-practicing priests, conjurers and astrologers in King Nebuchadnezzar's realm. (Dan. 1:20) This was made evident when the king requested his astrologers and magicians to tell him what his dream had been one night, as he had forgotten it. The Chaldean diviners said: "There does not exist a man on the dry land that is able to show the matter of
concerning the things that will come upon you. Look! They have become like stubble. A fire itself will certainly burn them up. They will not deliver their soul from the power of the flame."—Isa. 47:13, 14.
The Babylonian astrologers failed to foresee the fall of their mighty city to the Medes and Persians in 539 B.C.E. On the other hand, Daniel did foresee it. On the very night it happened Jehovah God caused a mysterious handwriting to appear on the wall of King Beishazzar's palace. The king and his grandees were feast-
the king." (Dan. 2:10) Daniel, however, was able to fulfill the king's wish.
He revealed how he was able to know what the king had dreamed when he said: "The secret that the king himself is asking, the wise men, the conjurers, the magic-practicing priests and the astrologers themselves are unable to show to the king. However, there exists a God in the heavens who is a Revealer of secrets, and he has made known to King Nebuchadnez-
ing, feeling secure behind the mighty walls of the city. When the handwriting appeared, he called for his astrologers and conjurers to interpret it, but they could not.—Dan. 5:7, 8.
Daniel was then called in, and he was able to read it and give the interpretation. The writing was interpreted to mean: "God has numbered the days of your kingdom and has finished it. . . . you have been weighed in the balances and have been
found deficient. . . . your kingdom has been divided and given to the Medes and the Persians."—Dan. 5:26-28.
Later that very night the Medes and Persians broke into the city and took it. Astrology failed to warn the Babylonians of the dire calamity that came upon them. Once again this prophet was shown to have a better source of information about the future than astrologers.
What Will Come upon Our Generation?
A calamity is foretold to come upon our generation that will be far greater than that which came upon ancient Babylon. It will take untold millions of lives as well as wipe out the present system of marmade governments. In the Bible this disaster for the political nations is called "the war of the great day of God the Almighty." (Rev. 16:14) It is the time when Jehovah God will pour upon them his indignation because of their calloused disregard for his laws.—Zeph. 3:8; Dan. 2:44.
It will be a disaster for those who put their trust in astrology. None will survive, because they practiced what is detestable to God. Thereafter he will not permit astrology or any other form of divination to be practiced at all.
Following the coming disaster for the nations will be one thousand years of
peace and security, with plenty for all mankind. One righteous government, the kingdom of God, will rule all mankind. People will no longer die as they do now but will have the opportunity to live indefinitely. These are some of the things that the inspired prophets of the Bible, not the astrologers, foretell for our future. The Bible's
prophets have proved to be reliable with regard to other prophecies that have been fulfilled, so what sound reason is there to doubt that the remaining things will also come true? Their source of information was our Creator, who cannot lie.—Ps. 37: 11; Rev. 21:4; Isa. 55:11.
Benefits Now
By following the guidance of the Bible Jehovah's witnesses as a whole are enjoying many benefits now. It has helped them to enjoy peace of mind, happiness and unity. They do not share the world's anxiety about the future, because they know what the future will bring. They do not turn to astrology for information about their personality, marriage, or such matters. The principles set out in the Bible guide them. In fact, the results of their Bible-guided way of life have deeply impressed observers.
A woman who was impressed with the happiness, peace and unity of a family of Jehovah's witnesses living next door went to them and said: "I want to study the Bible with you. I have watched your family for two years now, and I have decided that you are the Christians in this neighborhood. I want to be just like you."
By heeding the counsel and principles of God's Word, the Witnesses have found that they are able to avoid a great many of the unpleasant things regarding which other people seek astrological advice. They also have the happy prospect of surviving the earth-wide disaster due to come upon the nations and of enjoying the peaceful life in the new order of things that will follow it. Thus they know what the future holds for them.
So instead of turning to something as unreliable as astrology, something that is detestable to God, why not rely upon his inspired Word, the Bible? Its forecasts of the future have never failed. It is a true and dependable guide.
Is it not better to trust in God's Word than in astrology, which has failed so many persons, including the Babylonians who originated it? Does it not make more sense to seek guidance and knowledge of the future from the One who made the
stars and planets than to imagine that their movements can tell you something about yourself and the future? Does not the living Creator know more about you than do masses of inanimate matter floating in space?
It is proper to want to know the future and to get guidance for your life, but why not seek both in God's Word, where you will find reliable information? If you permit it to do so, it will act as a lamp to your foot and a light to your roadway. Its wisdom will open up for you roadways of peace, pleasantness and eternal life. —Ps. 119:105; Prov. 3:13-18.
Only Jehovah God, not astrology, can preserve you through the calamity coming upon our generation. Only he can give you a future of peace and security in his new order of things. So by relying upon God's written Word you will find knowledge about yourself and about the future that is far superior to that offered by astrology.
"A Voice of Sanity"
The editor of a newspaper in Toronto, Canada, commenting on the publications that reach his desk, recently said:
"Among the interesting plethora of publications, some come regularly from the Watchtower Bible Society, better known as Jehovah's Witnesses. This is an organization which, by any man's standards, must command respect. The magazines are well written, with plenty of research, and quite apart from the special religious theories advanced, with which many may disagree, the society touches on every aspect of human life and the world God gave man. It upholds Biblical principles, and Inculcates in its adherents the ideas of honor and purity, good citizenship, and impeccable behavior, which a world rent by the distortions of so-called freedom would do well to read.
"On morals and ethics, the ideas advanced are unimpeachable on any grounds. There are other good publications. We are thankful that the ideas that come in print, new or old, are predominantly sane. But all things considered, Watchtower publications stand head and shoulders above most for sanity of approach and thoroughness of discussion. There may be food for thought for others who are less successful in doing it, that the arguments for standards of conduct advanced in these publications always have a reason why. Arbitrary rules are being rejected nowadays. Here at least are publications which give solid reasons for any course of conduct. They are a refreshing tonic in the midst of a generation which has gone sex mad, and has sullied its publications with the same."
By "Awake! correspondent In Liberia
PERHAPS you have read Rudyard Kipling's tale of the courageous mongoose, Rikki-kiki-tavi. Encountering an Indian cobra, Kipling's Rikki deftly dodged the reptile's repeated strikes until the opportune moment, and then the mongoose swiftly sprang and clamped its jaws on the tired snake's head! How would such a potential snake-eliminator serve as a house pet? My husband thought it worth a try and so one day returned home with a small 'goose' affectionately cradled in his arms.
Optimistically we named our new pet after Kipling's hero. Our Rikki was an African variety of mongoose, being about fourteen inches from nose to tail tip. He was thus quite small compared to the three-footers found in India. His face was long and pointed, with small rounded ears, and his thick tail just about equaled the length of his body. Very short legs supported his slender frame, which was covered with coarse gray hair. Cuddly? With some misgivings I held him close to me. He loved it, just like a baby.
Actually, Rikki more than made up for his rodent-like appearance by his affectionate ways. Every evening as a welcome-home gesture he would stretch and rub himself all over my husband's stockinged feet. Our 'goose' enjoyed having us rub our feet up and down his back as if he were a doormat. Wriggling free, he would spring up to investigate every pocket with
his long pointed snout, pulling out pens, pencils or keys. Suddenly off he would race with one of these. As often as not it would be too late to see where the swift little 'goose' had hidden his plunder.
Rikki loved to burrow. Once, jumping up onto a visitor's lap, the little beggar nosed his way under the guest's sweater and quickly moved up to his shoulder and then across his back, finally emerging at the startled man's chest. Our new pet demanded attention, and we found ourselves acceding to his wants and wondering what to do for him next.
Soon after his arrival, Rikki appropriated to himself a drawer in the kitchen cupboard. Unlike most household pets, our 'goose' was not nocturnal. To the contrary, his time for retiring was 7 p.m. If no one disturbed the drawer, he would sleep soundly until the family stirred about 6 a.m. Then, after a performance of stretching and yawning in a most leisurely manner, Rikki would partake of his morning tea and often go back to sleep again.
Once wide awake, Rikki's day was one round of activity, investigating everything, chasing anything that moved, burrowing in the garden, and generally annoying any visitors to the house. Ruefully I realized the value of putting things high out of his reach, especially after he pulled out the middle of a newly baked cake and upset the milk and sugar before darting behind the refrigerator to hide until danger passed.
Reappearing after a time, affectionate as ever, he soon made me forget my wrath.
Ordinarily Rikkl's chatter approximated the sound of "rikki-tik-rikki-tik" interspersed with low tremulous whistles. But when annoyed or angry, he would growl like an angry cat and even spit. And it was not infrequently that he would voice complaints. For example, once he came poking around while I was baking a cake, only to slip and fall into the flour bln. The sight of the emerging 'goose,' white from head to tail and furious at his mishap, brought forth peals of laughter!
Rikki distinguished himself as a charming and intelligent pet. Being young, he did not have a strong animal odor, which, however, would become more noticeable with age. He was happy to be treated as part of the family. When my husband decided that Rikki should spend more time outside the house and built a cage for him, he was most displeased. This was downright damaging to his ego.
Insatiable is about the best word that describes a mongoose's appetite. Rikki's diet at our house included meat, raw or cooked, all kinds of vegetables, cake, eggs, fruit, and even the peelings of raw potatoes and cucumbers. In addition, the voracious 'goose' never passed up lizards, frogs, grasshoppers, and all kinds of insects.
From books I learned that a mongoose is quite a predator of birds, crabs, spiders, rats, mice and small snakes. It is interesting to watch a mongoose break open an egg or a seashell. It will hold the object between its forelegs and, like a football player, pass it vigorously through its hind legs against a stone.
House Protector?
wondered what would be the outcome of such an encounter. Rikki was good at driving off unwanted cats and dogs, but I never witnessed a confrontation with a snake. Research on the matter turned up some enlightening facts.
If a dangerous snake were to come into our home, could we depend on Rikki to kill it or at least to drive it off? I often
The Indian or Asiatic cobra that Kipling's Rikki defeated is regarded by experts as a somewhat sluggish reptile. According to Curator of Reptiles James A. Oliver of the New York Zoological Society, the Indian cobra's strike from a high position downward is only about one-sixth as fast as that of a North American rattlesnake or a West Indian fer-de-lance or bushmaster. Also, whereas a cobra's venom is situated so as to make it difficult to use effectively, the latter reptiles have poison fangs pointing straight out toward their victims as they plunge their heads forward with considerable force. For these reasons it is felt that a mongoose would come out second best in an encounter with a good many dangerous snakes.
In one staged contest between a mongoose and a large cobra, both creatures fought for fifty minutes to a state of exhaustion, with neither being the victor. In Trinidad boa constrictors are actually used to keep the mongoose population in check. All things considered, then, it would be a mistake to believe that mongoose are the natural nemesis of all kinds and sizes of snakes.
Of course, a hungry mongoose will not pass by a small or sluggish snake. After killing a venomous snake, the head is swallowed first. A 'goose' can swallow poison fangs without ill effects, although it is not immune to venom injected through fangs.
I learned, too, that mongoses had been imported into Jamaica in 1872 to deal with rats on sugar plantations. Later they were brought to Hawaii to become the islands' most common mammal. Rodent populations were substantially reduced in some areas, although never completely exterminated.
On the other side of the ledger, the depredations of mongooses resulted in the total liquidation of certain species of birds. Regarded, therefore, as an undesirable menace to wildlife and poultry, mongooses are strictly prohibited from entering the continental United States.
The day finally came for us to decide the
fate of Rikki-tikki-tavi. Rikki was growing fast, and keeping him as a mature mongoose would present problems. So sadly we sent Rikki away and filled the gap as best we could with a more conventional animal. But no furry friend had ever made us so constantly aware of his presence as did Rikki the mongoose. As a playful pet, he exceeded our expectations.
WINGLI YEAR—that is what 1969 has been named in Swiss Protestant circles. Why? Because 450 years ago Ulrich Zwingli, a priest of the Roman Catholic Church, entered upon his labors at the cathedral-church of Zurich. That was on the first day of the year 1519. As he mounted the pulpit he astonished his parishioners by the solemn declaration that he would preach the Bible from "A" to "Z." The very next day he commenced the Christian Greek Scriptures with Matthew, chapter one.
Strange sentiments these, coming from the lips of a Roman Catholic priest. But then, Zwingli was no ordinary priest. Born in Wildhaus on January 1, 1484, he was one of a large family fathered by a respected citizen, sheriff for the alpine valley community in which he resided. His uncle, a priest, got him started early in a course of schooling—a course that took him first
to Basel, then to Bern and Vienna, where he matriculated in 1498. Finally, he gained his degree of doctor of philosophy in Basel and was ready to undertake his first assignment as teacher in a church school.
Zwingli soon became interested in those scholars of his day who were pushing for more attention to the classical languages of Greece and Rome, and even the ancient Hebrew. He was deeply influenced by one Thomas Wyttenbach, who had come to the conclusion that "the death of Christ is the only ransom for our souls." We have but to reflect upon the darkness of ignorance that had fallen over Christendom during those Dark Ages to realize how enlightening this conclusion must have seemed.
Monkish superstitions and the extreme worldiness of the church disgusted the young teacher Zwingli. He knew that there was a great cleansing needed. Eventually he came around to the point of realizing that all the philosophizing of the scholars must give way before the sole authority of the Word of God.
He also professed that the Bible was its own interpreter and that the riches of its content would become the prize of those giving themselves up to its reverent, prayerful study.
In 1516 the Greek Scriptures published by Erasmus came into his possession. He was now teacher and priest at Glarus. With voracious appetite he began the reading of this book. His sermons took on a new form. Each day a passage of the Holy Scriptures was read and commented on, gradually replacing old fables and superstitions with truth. He became so well known as a teacher of the Scriptures that when a vacancy occurred in Zurich he was invited to fill it.
Social and Political Reformer
While it is true that Zwingll thus announced himself to be a champion of Bible truth, it must also be noted that his activity was by no means limited to peacefully disseminating the Bible's message. Unlike Christ Jesus and his apostles, he interested himself in the political questions of his day. Not only did he demand reforms within the church, but he sought to make over the ruling authorities in the secular field.
At that time Swiss nationals were greatly in demand as mercenary soldiers to fight for whoever would offer the highest pay. Zwingli rejoiced when Zurich by law forbade foreign mercenary service. He fiercely withstood the pope's enlistment of Swiss soldiers for his war campaigns. Here is a translation of his words relative to this issue: "Rightly they wear red hats and cloaks; if you shake them, then the ducats and crowns fall out, and if you wring them, then the blood of your son, your brother, father and friend flows out."
Had they newspapers in those days like ours, then the headlines would have looked much like this as this Catholic priest proceeded to push reforms: "Zwingli Clears Out Indulgences and Relics; Refuses Papal Pensions; Bitterness of Opponents!" "1522 Zwingli Violates Holy Fast. Froschauer Printing House Involved. Bishop Horrified. Zwingli Retaliates with First Printed Sermon." "Heated Controversy on Celibacy of Priests." "Zwingli Ignores Celibacy Rule; Marries Widow Anna Reinhard, 1522."
Then came the assembly, called on January 29, 1523, of the Zurich Town Council—a momentous one, for its aim was to clear up the multiplying causes for dissension in the church. Zwingli presented a list of sixty-seven points for debate. From all sides came ecclesiastical charges against Zwingli. But there he sat at a table in the midst of the Hall, flanked by town councilors, the Greek, Hebrew and Latin Bibles within easy reach.
A stir, then, in the assembly as Zwingli's hour arrives—the time for his answer to the many charges. Many see him for the first time now—of medium height, sturdy, lean, red-blond hair and ruddy complexion. He is quiet-voiced and deliberate in speech, as he looks over his audience and commences: "Gentlemen! If you find anything heretical in these points of discussion—well, in the name of God, here I am!"
Already by the noonday recess many of the councilors were convinced that Zwingli was no heretic. And by next day the word spread swiftly among the people. Zwingli had won out handsomely and was authorized to carry on with his Job. Joachim Vadian, burgomaster of the canton of St. Gall, was deeply gratified. Sebastian Meyer, Bern's fiery supporter of the reformation, was overjoyed. He described this development as 'a sounding victory for the evangelisation of the whole [Swiss] Confederation.'
AWAKE!
What Zwingli Accomplished
Things moved fast then. Like the hot, dry foehn wind that sweeps down the mountains into the Swiss valleys, the revolution in church matters rushed ahead. Adopting the example of Israel's prophets, disciples of Zwingli invaded churches and forcibly removed and smashed images, crucifixes and other "sacred" articles. Unknown or ignored were the inspired words of Jesus Christ's apostle Paul telling Christians that "a slave of the Lord does not need to fight, but needs to be gentle toward all, qualified to teach, keeping himself restrained under evil." (2 Tim. 2:24) Forgotten, too, the reminder that the weapons of our warfare are not fleshly," not even the arm of flesh being needed to 'overture the strongly entrenched things' of false religion.—2 Cor. 10:3-6.
In Zurich the cathedral-church was locked up and then completely renovated. Step by step the reformation proceeded. Mass was replaced by the Lord's Supper, with both bread and wine being offered to participants. Nuns and monks began to desert the monasteries. Cloisters were converted into hospitals, infirmaries and schools. Nuns were marrying or taking up social work. Priests forsook the celibate life. And this was in the year 1523—not the aftermath of Vatican Council II!
It should be noted that Zwingli had no intention of starting something new. His aim was to clean up thoroughly the form of worship and the superstitious and worldly practices that were rife in the Roman Catholic Church. He methodically planned his reformation of the church step by step within the framework of prevailing authority. He enlisted the support of the councilors and city fathers. He worked from the top down, and within six years achieved an extraordinary religious and political reformation.
Another very significant accomplishment was the production of his Bible, prepared with the assistance of his old friend Leo Jud of his Basel days. This Bible, in the German dialect of that time, appeared before Luther's Bible. Though somewhat inferior in quality to Luther's translation, it nevertheless had a telling effect on the people as they began to read God's Word in their own tongue.
Other Highlights
In the early days of his labors Zwingli rejoiced to see eager listeners to his sermons moving out into other parts of the Confederation to spread such Bible knowledge as they had. But several cantons held strongly to the authority of Rome. Efforts were made to silence Zwingli and bring his labors to nothing. He was invited to a disputation in one of the strong Catholic centers, but the Zurich town councilors refused him permission to so expose himself dangerously to his bitter enemies. They doubtless recalled how the Bohemian reformer, John Huss, had been tricked and burned at the stake in the previous century.
Bern and Zurich were two of the strongholds of the reform movement. And it was to Bern that Zwingle willingly repaired in 1528. There was to be argument on a number of matters, notably his views on the Lord's Supper. Success attended him on this occasion, too, and he followed up by going to the Bern Cathedral to give a sermon. At the conclusion the aged man laid aside his vestments and solemnly declared: "If that's how things stand with the mass, then I will not celebrate it today or any other time." That meant the end of Rome's domination in the Bern Cathedral.
Perhaps another outstanding point in Zwingli's career was his first meeting with Martin Luther. By this time his earlier enthusiasm for the Wittenberg reformer had abated.
True, Luther's bold stand had stimulated Zwingli to a similar course. However, he later declared: "I did not learn Christ's teachings from Luther, but out of God's Word itself." The two men were basically opposites. Luther had a hard youth and tended to pessimism. Zwingli, on the other hand, was a happy child of the Alps, jovial and optimistic. The issue of the Lord's Supper and its signification finally loomed as the main point of contention between them.
To avert dissension, Prince Philip of Hesse invited the chief representatives of both views to a disputation to be held in his castle of Marburg. This was in 1529. Zwingli and Oekolampad from Basel represented one view, while Luther and Philip Melanchthon took the opposite side. Back and forth the argument went, but Luther remained adamant. From the start he had emphasized his view when, with firm hand, he chalked up the words "This is my body."
Explaining his conviction, Zwingli declared that Christ Jesus never meant that the emblems of bread and wine were his literal body, no, not even in a mystical sense. Rather, said the Zurich reformer, Jesus intended to convey the idea that the emblems mean or represent his body as symbols in commemoration of his great sacrifice. But Luther insisted otherwise. To save the day, Philip of Hesse persuaded them to draw up a statement of those basic doctrines on which they did agree.
A Choice of Swords
Meantime ominous clouds of hatred and opposition were gathering over the Confederation. The five Catholic cantons of primitive Switzerland bitterly resented the two powerful cantons of Bern and Zurich. In spring of 1531 the leaders of Bern determined to bring pressure upon the Catholic cantons by denying them food supplies.
Zwingli worked feverishly to avert disaster and sought for peaceful arbitration of the dispute. But things got out of hand and Zurich belatedly mobilized for defense. The Catholic forces took the offensive and the Zurichers were forced to join them in battle at Kappel before the Bern troops could reinforce them. Defeat of the Protestant force was inevitable.
But what of Zwingli? He took the field to serve as an army chaplain. In doing so he gave countenance to those who chose the literal sword rather than "the sword of the spirit," which is the Word of God. (Eph. 6:17) He must have read in his own Bible translation the warning by Jesus to his followers that "all those who take the sword will perish by the sword." (Matt. 26:52) And that is exactly how the Zurich reformer met his end. In the morning light his body was recognized on the battlefield by the jubilant enemy. It was cut in pieces, one for each of the five Catholic cantons, and given to the flames.
In Retrospect
It must be conceded that Zwingli had a deep respect for the Word of God insofar as he could grasp its message. However, the time had not then arrived for the clarification of the Bible teachings as foretold in the Bible. He did not see that worldly political problems are in nowise the responsibility of a true follower of Christ. (John 15:19; 17:16; Jas. 4:4) He did not grasp the need to keep separate from worldly ways and movements and 'seek first the kingdom and God's righteousness.' (Matt. 6:33) Even within the reformed congregations pagan ideas and attitudes again settled in. Human tradition still stifled and made void the Word of God.
Were Zwingle alive today, he might well be blessed by the enlightening power of God's spirit as it opens up the Word of God to our understanding.
He might see that all false religion is part of "Babylon the Great," which Jehovah God now dooms to an early end. Beyond reformation and
utterly false to God's holy Word, Babylon the Great will be rooted out and thrown down by God's almighty power.—Rev. 18: 1-4, 20.
WHAT if the police in your city went off duty for a day? What would happen? Would citizens obey the law even though they knew there were no police around to apprehend them for criminal acts?
Citizens in a large
city had such questions answered for them recently when both their policemen and firemen went on strike. But what occurred in that city could also happen elsewhere. How so?
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