A book I read recently on systems from antiquity had several chapters devoted to astrology and numerology (as well as other studies). Reading ancient beliefs on these ideas reminded me much of the idea of predestination from the Judaic Christian belief system. An idea that really never set well with me from an early age. When I was a member of a church as a youth, the teachings were from a fundamental nature. And despite the claims that new age systems (which aren't that new as they have their roots in antiquity) such as astrology are from the devil, I had to admit the bible itself says that the stars are for signs.
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).
Without going to far into why the idea of predestination seems offensive to me, I will posit that the idea that predestination suggests there is no such thing as free will. A variation of this stance is also taken by astrology and numerology. A suggestion that we are all imprisoned by invisible forces locking us into certain paths and behaviors.
One of the quotes from the book says:
Some mathematicians believe that numbers were invented by human beings. others, equally competent, believe that numbers have an independent existence of their own and are merely observed by sufficiently intelligent mortals. Quoted from The Magic of Numbers.
While it seems obvious to me that numbers would exist independent of human observation, some of the extrapolations made my learned men of antiquity doesn't sit well with me either. Such as the belief that even numbers are female and evil, odd numbers are male and good. Much like the astrological assumptions that your birth moment locks you into a path of certain choices and outcomes, numerology would suggest this to also be the case. Based on their systems (like with astrology, there are multiple disagreements on the correct structure to use), one is destined to easy or hard paths from which there is no escape.
The defeatism of such systems would seem to create a self defeating or success catapulting road for those who would embrace such notions. The argument such a belief would demand being why bother, the outcome is preordained? The argument being our actions hold no value as they can't truly originate from our heart, will and intellect.
Based on my observations, I reluctantly will concede that there do seem to be some characteristics that allude to the idea we are chained to certain reactions that coincide with the projections these systems predict. However, I'm unsure to what extent this might be programmed into us subtly by people whose manipulation behind the scenes of society lead us into these paths. Or, perhaps there is some truth to these structures leading our tendencies on some animistic level.
I refuse to concede defeat to this idea that we are destined to do what we do before we even begin our journey. Refuse to concede that one can't use their will, intellect and heart to be more than their tendencies/proclivities would demand them to bow to. One of the ideas I witness many in the Christian community demonstrate is that they can act as they wish and ask for forgiveness. The idea that one can only be good enough due to the sacrifice. This defeatist attitude always offended me. It always seemed to me that if one believes God wants certain things, that one would strive to do that to the utmost of their ability. Not concede defeat because their natural condition was one of failure. The power of the cross/burden a responsibility that suggests one can rise above their natural animal/sinful nature and shine brightly.
When I have talked with other Christians who have made the claim that Jesus was the only perfect man, I always wonder if they even read the old testament. The very first sentence of Job says he was a perfect upright man. Now while I can't lay claim to being a perfect man, I can say with surety a person can choose to do the right thing. A person can choose to walk hardships today to create foundations for tomorrow. We are not slaves to some predestined path that is inescapable.
I choose to be more than some pre-written story who is bound to being little more than a leaf at the mercy of the wind. I hope for those of you reading this, you too choose to shine brightly and refuse the shackles of predestination. Tendencies are not set in stone. Stones are worn down from constant pressure and focused action.
