I want to be very clear that I am not attempting to discredit or malign Mr. Robinson in any way. One of the missions of God Discussion, where this showed aired, is to open dialogue concerning different religious or spiritual beliefs. What one believes on a personal level is none of my business, but when one makes their views public and is professing to teach, then I feel I have a duty to challenge those teachings. Also this essay is only concerning a portion of what he presented, primarily his introduction to cyclical numerology and my call placed during the show.
Second, I like to play devils advocate. I attempt to explore topics from as many differing POV as possible. Therefore, please do not assume that what I am stating is what I believe, in actuality I may believe the exact opposite. One issue with writing about such topics is terminology and to avoid numerous parenthetical thoughts I am using some words in a general manner. It is more likely I am stuck between the two extremes. The more that I read and study the more my personal views are morphing. I end up down more rabbit holes than most but it is the only way to learn and gain understanding.
I am in no way an expert on any topic, I just read and listen and absorb as much information as possible. My goal, so to speak, is an attempt to weld my atheism with personal, anecdotal experiences of paranormal events in hopes of something coherent. My explorations are part of my personal journey. In other words I'm trying to avoid the nut house!!
And finally, a disclaimer: These are my views and my views only. I am not writing for God Discussion or any of its affiliate media outlets.
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Kirby Robinson's recent show (7/3/13) concerning Cyclical Numerology (CN) presents a marvelous platform for a discussion concerning differing spiritual beliefs. In all honesty I want to better understand his POV and since his POV is different from mine, maybe we can learn something from each other; even if we disagree.
"Numbers don't lie," says paranormal investigator Kirby Robinson, host of Eye on the Paranormal. In this podcast, he talks about the lighter side of things, showing you how you can do cyclic numerology.
Cyclic numerology is based on your birthday, which is the day that starts a cycle that will run repeatedly throughout your life.
"This is not a divination tool," Kirby explains. "It won't predict who you'll marry, what kind of career you'll have or the number of kids you'll have. What it can do is help you in deciding when to make a any type of decision … or not. You'll know when to be more careful and when you can throw caution to the wind. It can tell you what your lucky days are, and can help explain why you live for the weekends or why Tuesdays may be your most creative day of then week." [1]",,,talks about the lighter side of things,,,"
I would not consider divination something to take lightly. Many believers of the Christian faith [2] believe that all in the spirit world is governed by God. From a former Christian perspective, I hold to the belief that all forms divination are a part of that world as it is a means to discover "hidden" knowledge. The mistake, thinking that it is a simple tool, a guide or a fascinating activity that might also provide some entertainment as well as an element of mystery and excitement. Many within the paranormal world, Christian or otherwise, believe that some divination tools are an open invitation to the dark elements (bad juju), and God will allow negative experiences. Or, a spirit might be “from God,” and yet it might be a bad thing. This is because of the judgment of reprobation. Why? Because God as a "father" and "parent" will allow mankind to learn a lesson. Delving into the spirit world with the attitude and intention of entertainment is a wrong headed means of asserting our freewill and is counter to God's divine plan. Consider the case of Ahab being deceived by 400 prophets. Only one prophet, Micaiah, had a different message.
And he said, Hear thou therefore the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his left. And the LORD said, Who shall persuade Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramothgilead? And one said on this manner, and another said on that manner. And there came forth a spirit, and stood before the LORD, and said, I will persuade him. And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith? And he said, I will go forth, and I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he said, Thou shalt persuade him, and prevail also: go forth, and do so. Now therefore, behold, the LORD hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these thy prophets, and the LORD hath spoken evil concerning thee. (1Kings 22:19-23 KJV)
Divination is a means of contacting spirits and some may contend that there is no contact with the spirit world when using numerology. That may be true, but divination also deals with hidden knowledge and prediction. Using the phrase "when to" places CN squarely in that camp. It is condemned in scripture where divination is defined as any technique used to gain secret information that God has not chosen to reveal. Using funky formulae, charting and interpretive meanings behind numbers is a technique to reveal something hidden, hence divination.
WHEN = FUTURE = DIVINATION
Numerology, when, what and ",,,a little tool to help improve your future." Which Robinson did clarify to some degree when confronted, I get the sense that Robinson does not understand what divination is or the meaning. Looking for cyclic patterns, trying to determine the "when, the what or the why" of a situation is seeking hidden knowledge; and that is the simple definition of occult.
Div·i·na·tion [div-uh-ney-shuhn], noun
1. the practice of attempting to foretell future events or discover hidden knowledge by occult or supernatural means. 2. augury; prophecy: The divination of the high priest was fulfilled. 3. perception by intuition; instinctive foresight.
Origin: 1350–1400; Middle English divinacioun (< Anglo-French ) < Latin dīvīnātiōn- (stem of dīvīnātiō ), equivalent to dīvīnāt ( us ), past participle of dīvīnāre to soothsay ( dīvīn- divine + -ātus -ate1 ) + -iōn- -ion
Word Origin & History: late 14c., from O.Fr. divination (13c.), from L. divinationem (nom. divinatio) "the power of foreseeing, prediction," from divinatus, pp. of divinare, lit. "to be inspired by a god" (see divine (adj.)). [3]Regardless of technique, divination is the practice of making decisions or foretelling the future by means of reading signs and omens; and numbers are signs. All societies, ancient and modern, practiced divination. Various techniques were developed, and these techniques persist because they do work to some extent and the "spirits" are all to willing to provide their deceptive information.
When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee. Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God. (Deuteronomy 18:9-13 KJV)
Cyclic Numerology is Bio-rhythms
When I confronted Robinson with my concern that what he was "teaching" was divination, he compared cyclic numerology (CN) to the 80s fad of bio-rhythms (BR); again in my opinion a form of divination. Robinson states, "That's all cyclic numerology is, it looks at cycles, doesn't make predictions,,, what this simply does is helps you look at your cycle,,,when you should do things, when you should maybe pull back from things. It's just a guide to,,,"
If it doesn't make predictions, then why keep saying "when." That is circular in reasoning, Robinson's overall conclusion is derived from his premises based on his conclusion. For example,
P1 not divination, it's looking at cycles - False it is looking at cycles which show trends, which are predictive
P2 not divination, not making predictions - False, cycles are being charted, making a decision based on "when"
P3 not divination, a little tool; a guide to - False, "a guide to,,," making a decision based on "when"
therefore not divination - Invalid conclusion based on false premises
We all have ups and down, that is a part of life. Some days are better than others from an emotional or physical standpoint. Cognitively we may function at a higher or lower capacity at different times of a day, week, month or year. BUT when one charts these cycles [4] to determine a pattern, it becomes predictive. (A good example, using a line graph to chart a favorite stock, looking for standard predictive patterns or trends in order to do a market analysis; buy sell, or hold.)
Robinson equates CN to BR which is predictive. Simply stated, BR is an attempt to predict various aspects of a person's life through simple mathematical cycles. Its history is based in natal astrology, the idea that our life path is determined by date, time and location of birth. It wasn't until the early 1900s that it was "discovered" and it took another 70+ years to gain popularity. [5]
Stating that some industries (airlines was the example Robinson cited for the use of BR) used and may still use BR to give credibility, creates a false authority. To state that the airlines used it in determining when the best time for their pilots to fly shows that it has, as some believe, predictive qualities. By equating CN to BR, he puts CN in that same predictive camp. In essence, Robison is stating,
P1 BR charts cycles
P2 CN charts cycles
therefore CN = BRTaking the above one step further, why I believe CN is a form of divination:
P1 CN = BR
P2 BR is predictive
therefore CN is predictive
P3 divination is a means of future prediction
therefore CN is divinationP3 not divination, a little tool; a guide to,,,when
Just as cyclical numerology is a tool so to is astrology:
And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years,,, (Genesis 1:14)
And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring,,, (Luke 21:25)Many Christians use the above verses in support of the use of astrology. They hold that astrology was never truly occultic (it was never hidden or secret on its own) and that it was actually practiced openly in biblical times and it was a tool used by the ancient civilizations. Does this look familiar?
Most astrologers (again Christian and non) and those that utilize the services of astrologers, believe that the energy of the planets impacts life on earth. They believe that God created the heaven, the sun, moon and stars but they state that astrology is not their God; only that the energy impacts us here on earth. They cite that fact that astrological symbols are found throughout the Bible and are considered hidden and mysterious because there is much to be left to interpretation.
Some believers feel that astrology validates their experiences and even explains why certain experiences happened to them. Many feel more connected to God and their Christian faith after having an astrological consultation. They feel that they are not alone and that there is a purpose in their life and that God’s plan is validated to them when they hear about their natal chart.
Taking into consideration this viewpoint, and extrapolating that similar views are held in regards to other forms of divination, why do I feel God forbids divination. [6]
1] The Bible forbids divination because it involves enthusiastic seeking of/for secret knowledge not revealed by God. "The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law" (Deuteronomy 29:29). Which is rooted in the temptation narrative of Genesis 3:5-6 where the serpent tempted Eve with a desire to know what God had not chosen to reveal and thus transgress the boundary between Creator and created. What is forbidden is secret information, not available through ordinary means of learning and not revealed by God. Divination involves various techniques to gain this information.
2] "And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them" (Isaiah 8:19, 20 KJV). Seeking secret "spiritual" knowledge characterized by "peep and mutter" is the equivalent of failing to consult God. To many, that can be considered rebellion against God.
3] I'm not sure how familiar my readers may be with the story of Balaam. He was considered and occultist and condemned in the Bible for being so. Although considered a false prophet, his prophecies were accurate. Another character, Balak tried to hire Balam to curse Israel but,
And when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he went not, as at other times, to seek for enchantments, but he set his face toward the wilderness. And Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel abiding in his tents according to their tribes; and the spirit of God came upon him. (Numbers 24:1-2 KJV)Balaam blessed Israel though he was hired to curse them. And this brings up a conundrum of sorts. Given the fact that God spoke to and through Balaam, how can it be that he was a false prophet? By the three tests of prophets given in Deuteronomy: 1) if they use forbidden methods they are false (Deuteronomy 18:10-12), 2) If they make a prediction that does not come to pass they are false (Deuteronomy 18:22), and 3) If they make a true prediction yet lead the Israelites away from faithfulness to God they are false (Deuteronomy 13:1-5).
Balaam failed two of the tests given in Deuteronomy. He was a false prophet according to Deuteronomy 18 because he used forbidden methods. He also failed the test of prophets given in Deuteronomy 13; a prophet may give an accurate prediction or do a sign that would indicate he has power from God, yet still lead the people astray. Balaam, after failing to directly curse Israel through divination, taught Balak how to lead Israel astray and thus get them cursed.What is at issue from a secular POV is this. There are as many proof-texts in support as there are in condemnation. [7] How is one to discern which is correct? In my opinion, solely based on what Robinson presented in this episode there is an impasse and it is issues such as this that caused me to leave the church. Currently teachings that are questionable (Nephilim, Ancient Aliens, Prosperity Gospel, Deliverance Ministries, Dominionist Theology) can be dangerous and that is what I have issue with even as an atheist. Instead of being discerning, to many individual are becoming "sheeples" of doctrines and dogmas solely based on personal predilections. They becomes followers because what is presented to them through various sources fit their already held views.
Regretfully too many people are leaving the church due to dissatisfaction. Their spiritual needs are not being met and they feel lost and confused, but at the same time craving something more. The problem is that many are falling into the trap of Christian Mysticism or what some call quantum spirituality. They are forgetting that the doctrines of the Bible are based upon Christ redeeming mankind from original sin. The Bible is the plan of redemption of mankind. The Old Testament is the story of God bringing salvation through a rebellious, unbelieving people by having a Messiah born through their line in fulfillment of a promise to Abraham. The narratives presented in the Bible focus on/about Israel's unbelief/belief and disobedience/obedience.
Do I believe divination is wrong? As a secular thinker yes, no, maybe. Approached unprotected from a spiritual POV yes it can be dangerous. Just as a Christians needs to be wary of incorrect teachings, so to does a spiritual non-believer and for the same reasoning. There is good and bad, positive and negative. Depending on where one stands in regards to belief in individual energy fields, being attacked or led astray by one of negative energy can be just as dangerous as the biblical false prophet.
No. The ole debate of does it work? Are any of the psychic arts including astrology based on fact? All I have is personal anecdotal evidence, some supportive some not so much; I have "met" good and bad practitioners. I try to remain open minded, but I do not base my life decisions on those readings. Here is why:
I have been fiddling around with some thoughts surrounding this episode. If you remember Kirby equated cyclic numerology to biorhythms (something I was heavily into during the 80s). So out of curiosity, I ran my chart for April 10th, 2010, the day I tried to "kill myself."
BR is an attempt to predict various aspects of a person's life through simple mathematical cycles. It looks at the emotional, intellectual, and physical aspects of our lives and each cycle is of varying length running from positive to negative as a sine curve would . The "critical" day(s) is defined as the day in which a cycle changes from a positive to negative phase or the reverse. This occurs on the first day of each cycle, respectively and the two days in each cycle are considered potentially dangerous.
Now based on my chart, I was high positive physically and emotionally and a low negative intellectually. In other words based on the premise behind BR what happened should not have happened. Based on my chart I was 5-8 days away from critical in all three cycles.Maybe. See above!!
Divination tools are fun to kick around (although some would disagree as they believe it opens a doorway for the demonic), but basing life choices and decisions on such is a dangerous game and discernment is needed both from a secular POV and a religious POV. Choose wisely!![8]
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[1] Show description, http://www.blogtalkradio.com/god-discussion/2013/07/04/a-christian-lesson-in-cyclical-numerology
[2] Just to clarify, although I am an atheist, I was raised in a fundamental evangelical Christian home. I did all the "normal" things one would do, church, bible study, Sunday school etc. At 17 I accepted Christ as Savior and felt led to go into the ministry thereby studying theology and Bible in college although I do not have a college degree. In some regards a regret, but my theology and the theology of the college I attended didn't agree.
I led a Christian life for many years before I de-converted to agnosticism and eventually atheism. Although I left the church comparative religion and mythology, history of the church/religion, theology, philosophy and spirituality have been a life long study. My views concerning religious beliefs are based on that knowledge and my personal experiences. I try to be as open-minded as possible. My generalizations are not meant to condemn, but used as examples as I realized that individual beliefs vary. I am well aware that not all believers think in the same manner. But, considering today current religious climate, are you the "right" kind of Christian?
[3] "divination." Online Etymology Dictionary. Douglas Harper, Historian. 04 Jul. 2013.
[4] Cycles for the most part are hidden. Even taking into consideration the seven stages of human life first devised by Ptolemy, the issue still remains one of divination. Ptolemy believed that the structure of the universe is dominated by spheres and therefore associated the classical planets with stages of life. The association of each planet and stage of life relates closely to the speed of their movement around the zodiac. The fastest sphere is associated with birth, and the slowest is associated with the last years of life.
Both numerology and bio-rhythms look at cycles. Within numerology there are 3 Life Period cycles; cycle changes bring life changes. The first numerology Life Period cycle starts at birth and lasts 25-33 years. It is a learning period, finding our true nature and learning to cope with our environment. The second period last 27 years. It is a period where we find our place in the world and master a greater degree of influence on our environment. The third period lasts until end of life. Self-expression, certainty, and personal power are at their height. Accumulated knowledge and experience make wise decisions more likely.
Bio-rhythms, as mentioned above is based on natal astrology and delineates our cycles based on physical, emotional, and intellectual. The functioning of the physical cycle lasts for 23 days and it controls how much physical energy, strength, and stamina you will have every day. The emotional cycle counts of 28 days and rules the nervous system; governs your feelings and how you react to certain situations. The intellectual cycle counts of 33 days. It governs mental responses: memory, creative thinking, cognitive learning, and decision-making abilities. (From Wikipedia articles concerning bio-rhythms and numerology)
[5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biorhythm
[6] This section is actually based on a word/topic study conducted 20+ years ago whilst in college. I was "caught" using bio-rhythms and in attempt justify my use, I set out on this topic study. Though the original paper and proper citations are long gone, the "lessons learned are not. There are many well written articles concerning divination and Christian beliefs available. Many present much of the same thoughts but go much deeper than what I have the space for. My original paper was 25+ pages, what is presented here is a condensed version based on memory.
[7] I have a follow up post or 3 coming as an addendum to what is presented here listing the verses pro and con concerning divination.
[8] From a posting I made a few days after the episode aired.
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