A Critical Review of the Introduction (pp.xi-xvi) to...

Introduction Franz Cumont’s introduction in Astrology and Religion Among The Greek and Romans, the Dover 1960 edition of the unabridged and unaltered original work published, by G P Putnam in 1912, is aimed at the general historical and theological audience. On reading Franz Cumont introduction it is obvious he is scathing in his comments towards the practise of astrology. Along with his contempt of the continuing growth in the belief of astrology and how, throughout humankind, intellects, academics and ordinary folk continue to show interest in it.1 It will be argued that Franz Cumont is outdated with his thoughts on the decline of astrology. He makes reference to the scientific discovery of the†¦show more content†¦This was difficult, but it was not impossible. 4 Therefore showing how Cumont’s comment; that the planets and their influences made no sense or difference to humanity after this new scientific discovery, can be considered as outdated. Nicholas Campion, author of Prophecy, Cosmology And The new Age Movement: The Extent and Nature of Contemporary Belief In Astrology†, also argues against this theory of the decline of astrology by explaining Patrick Curry’s distinction of a three tiered astrology in Power and Prophecy. A ‘high’ variety of astrology for the academics and Philosophers, a ‘middling’ astrology based on horoscopes cast for individual clients and a third the ‘low’ form of astrology mainly mass-produced chronicles. Campion suggests that Curry demonstrated that only the ‘high’ form of astrology declined and the ‘middling’ astrology dwindled in isolated cases, whereas, the ‘low’ form of astrology continued to grow.5 Illustrating once again that astrology did not necessarily decline or die with the scientific discovery of the heliocentric theory as Cumont suggests. Cumont continues to show his contempt for ancient astrological roots by suggesting that astral mathematics had been wrapped up in ancient primal superstitions and he is astonished it could be linked with intellectual