From Jason:
"My question is with
long range forecast (in terms of several weeks to months out) I seem to
get a feeling almost like trying to tell the future. I relate this feeling
almost to horoscope reading, which as a Christian I don't like or take
part of. I have also heard in newsgroups lately that there is some type
of Astroforcasting taking place.
How do you relate to this
and feel in general about long-range forecast? Is a long-range forecast
much like trying to tell the future, something the bible adheres us not
to do?
Thank you for the working
in the field you do and being a strong witness! If you are able a response
would be greatly appreciated!"
Very interesting question.
Forecasts, especially short
term, are based on well known fluid mechanic laws (since the air acts like
a fluid and can be predicted using equations if you know its initial state).
These forecasts are not based on anything "etherial." They are based purely
on science and are designed to aid the everyday person in planning purposes.
Who wouldn't want to know
when a major storm is coming? It would save lives. In addition, Jesus makes
referece to forecasting in the Gospel of Matthew chapter 16:
1 ¶ The Pharisees and
Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign
from heaven.
2 He replied, "When evening
comes, you say, `It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,'
3 and in the morning, `Today
it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.' You know how to interpret
the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.
Forecasting is, in fact,
a matter of interpreting the signs the Lord has given us.
Long-range forecasting is
more speculative, but is still based on science. We use ocean water temperatures
globally to try to determine long rainge trends. We cannot get specific
about any single day beyond 7-8 days. This is called trendcasting.
In summary, I do not equate
predicting one's future (strictly prohibited by God) with forecasting weather
(based on science and designed to be helpful to the user, not to dictate
a person's life choices).