Divination in Theology

[Mithrea]

This could probably go in Divination and History as well, but I'm hoping that putting it here will make it more likely that I'll get the answers I'm looking for.

My understanding of the fear (or sin) of divination is that it gives us access to knowledge only god should be privy too. But at the same time, I have heard that this is contradictory to the history and scripture in the Judeo Christian tradition--that there are examples of divination described in the Bible and not in the context of it being wrong.

What I am asking is this: Can anyone come up with evidence of the use of diviniation in the Bible and Torah (when it is not considered wrong) and then also, what specifically is outlawed and why?

[Mithrea]

Here are a couple of links to get a discussion started for those of us who don't already know examples. :)

http://www.mindspring.com/~bassenco/dotsretu.htm
http://www.mindspring.com/~bassenco/dotsbib.htm

[Illuminatus]

Originally posted by Mithrea
Here are a couple of links to get a discussion started for those of us who don't already know examples. :)

http://www.mindspring.com/~bassenco/dotsretu.htm
http://www.mindspring.com/~bassenco/dotsbib.htm

Wow, that's tricky. Well, the jewish faith takes a very hard line against diviniation, since it sort of invokes false gods, and that's against the 1st commandment.

Then again, a lot of the kabalah deals with some heavy mysticism. I don't think divination is a big theme in the kabalah, but I could be wrong.

- Illuminatus!

[Mithrea]

Originally posted by Illuminatus
Wow, that's tricky.

. . . which is exactly why I was hoping someone would enlighten me with many details ;) :)


Heck, I'd be happy if someone could even recommend a book on the subject. :)

[Cinnamon Girl]

Mithrea, I'm not personally familiar with the subject myself, but I found a couple sites that give examples of divination in the bible:

http://www.religioustolerance.org/divin_bibl.htm

http://www.searchgodsword.org/enc/isb/view.cgi?number=T2748

It appears that there are instances of it being condoned and also condemned, depending on the type of divinatory method or other circumstances.

[Mithrea]

Thanks MoonOwl. Those are a couple of really great links. :D

(What I'm most hoping for is that Shaz or Flip or Danustouch will come along and share what they know on the subject) ;)

[Cinnamon Girl]

Originally posted by Mithrea
(What I'm most hoping for is that Shaz or Flip or Danustouch will come along and share what they know on the subject) ;) Yes, having some discussion from people who kmow something about the subject (unlike me!) would be, as Martha might say, a good thing. ;)

[Midnight hunter]

All I know is that has been condoned by the church at times in christian history other than that I dont know what to say.

[AmbivalentMirage]

Originally posted by Illuminatus
Wow, that's tricky. Well, the jewish faith takes a very hard line against diviniation, since it sort of invokes false gods, and that's against the 1st commandment.

Then again, a lot of the kabalah deals with some heavy mysticism. I don't think divination is a big theme in the kabalah, but I could be wrong.

- Illuminatus!

Actually, the word in the torah that forbids divination refers to runes and stone-related systems. :) However, casting lots was often used by the priests to make decisions. Scrying, tarot, and other forms are not expressly forbidden. Also, false deities need not be invoked because the knowledge is free to everyone, we simply need to access it. :)

Divination is very important in qabbalah, but it depends on the type of qabbalah. I incorporate it heavily in my "tradition", but many orthodox qabbalists do not.

Just my 2¢ :)