The ancients worshiped the stars, and so does today's culture

The ancient practice of star worship and idolatry continues to resonate in our modern world and culture, albeit in subtle and often concealed ways.

The ancient practice of star worship and idolatry continues to resonate in our modern world and culture, albeit in subtle and often concealed ways. Just as the ancients looked up to the celestial heavens with reverence, we, too, find ourselves drawn to the cosmic mysteries that unfold above us.

Look no further than the excitement, preparation, and anticipation of the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8 for modern-day celestial worship.

Archaeological wonders like Stonehenge, the Egyptian pyramids, and Mexico's ancient structures reveal alignments with celestial bodies. These civilizations, too, worshipped the sun, moon, and stars. Their awe transcended time, bridging the gap between ancient and modern.

Early church fathers identified the sin of worshiping God's creation rather than the God who created all things, including the heavens and the stars, and denounced it, garnishing the wrath of the godless.

In Book 1 of The City of God, Augustine of Hippo critiques the pagans who attributed the world’s calamities, including the recent sack of Rome by the Goths, to the Christian religion and its prohibition of pagan god worship. He highlights that both good and bad people experience blessings and ills in life, regardless of their religious beliefs. Augustine's work contrasts the cosmic struggle between the City of God (God's kingdom) and the Earthly City (the world's kingdom), emphasizing the clash between good and evil. 

Therefore, Augustine emphasizes the City of God represents the ultimate destination for believers, where virtue, justice, and love of God prevail. The Earthly City represents the transient and imperfect realm where human desires often conflict with divine order. 

The Romans and Greeks set up their pantheon of deities and traded gods with other cultures. 

In Acts 17:22-34 we read where Paul preaches to the Greeks in Athens. Athens was the cultural and educational capital of the Greco-Roman world. It was also the idolatry capital. It has been said that Athens had more idols than people. The days of Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Epicurus, and Zeno lived on in the idols and temples. It was in the marketplace that Paul encountered and began a dialog with, some Epicurean and Stoic philosophers.

In Romans 1:25, the Apostle Paul highlights a profound spiritual truth. He writes, "For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen." 

Let's unpack what Paul was saying in his inspired words:

The Exchange of Truth. Humanity, in its fallen state, made a grievous exchange. Instead of embracing the truth about God – the One who created all things – they turned away. This truth encompasses God's existence, His character, and His divine attributes.

Worshiping the Created. The heart of the issue lies in misplaced worship. People shifted their focus to created things rather than directing their reverence toward the Creator. These could be idols, nature, or even their desires. Essentially, they elevated the finite above the infinite.

The Lie. The lie mentioned here isn't merely a falsehood; it's a distortion of reality. It's the belief that something other than God deserves ultimate devotion. Whether it's material possessions, fame, or ideologies, these become false gods when they replace the true God.

Creator vs. Creature. The contrast is stark. The Creator – the eternal, all-powerful, and benevolent God – deserves our worship. He sustains the universe, orchestrates life, and offers salvation. In contrast, creatures (including ourselves) are finite, flawed, and dependent on Him.

Blessed Forever. Paul emphasizes that the Creator is "blessed forever." God's nature is unchanging, and His goodness endures eternally. Our worship should align with this truth, recognizing His majesty and sovereignty.

In summary, Romans 1:25 warns against idolatry – the act of exalting anything above God. Whether ancient pagans or modern individuals, when we prioritize created things over the Creator, we miss out on the abundant life found in true worship of the One who made us and sustains us.

So, when we marvel at a solar eclipse, perhaps it is more than an astronomical event. It is a thread connecting us to our pagan ancestors, who gazed upward with wonder and allowed their focus to be on something other than God the Creator.

How churches are using the eclipse to point people to the Creator God

Churches in the path of the solar eclipse are creatively leveraging it as an opportunity for fellowship, outreach, and gospel proclamation. Whether through viewing parties, special services, or community engagement, they are attempting to connect with people and point them to the Creator behind this awe-inspiring event.

In the 15 states where the total solar eclipse will be visible, evangelical churches of all stripes are planning a variety of events. Churches are holding weekend festivals with worship services, choral performances, personal evangelism, offering free parking to eclipse watchers, and hosting other community-based events like block parties with games for children, food, and other activities.

Churches that recognize the eclipse as an avenue to share the good news of Jesus Christ with those who gather to witness the celestial phenomenon are using the event to bring glory to the Lord.