BY SHAWN PAUL WOOD

On April 8, a total solar eclipse will capture the sky unlike anyone has ever seen in this lifetime. When the moon glides over the horizon resting between our planet and the sun, its shadow will cover the globe like the Second Coming. (At least, that’s what some people think.)

Of the many eclipses we have seen (224 in this century), 68 are considered a “total solar eclipse.” We have up to 70 and 80 minutes to behold the glorious and natural phenomena. The problem is many people are already dusting off their religious conspiracy theories on what this means to Christians.

Several myths, facts, and even truths help us proclaim what we want to know. But what about those who have no clue what to think?

10. Origin

“Eclipse” stems from the Latin eclipsis, which originates from the Greek word ekleipsis, meaning “an abandonment” or “forsaking.” While the solar eclipse doesn’t mean the moon is abandoning us, what comes to mind when you see the word “forsaking?”

There couldn’t be a more suitable time to discuss the Lord’s redemptive work on the Cross than on April 8.

9. Uniqueness

Christian theorists and other conspiracy enthusiasts believe a Solar Eclipse is God warning us of something. There are thoughts that Earth is alone in experiencing this interstellar occasion. Only not so much.

This image is from Jupiter, which is one of its 92 moons. While NASA has shown us Mercury and Venus don’t have moons, other planets do. Yet, the moons have to be large enough to block the sun. Mars’ two planets can’t do that. But Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Earth do.

God is real. The thought that He uses an eclipse as the Batphone for Earth exclusively is not.

8. Death

Spooky eclipse during Halloween

A looming warning. (Credit: Vino Li via Unsplash)

Different cultures throughout time have equated a solar eclipse to mean death. When the moon’s shadow precedes the sun, there is a thought of incoming plague or death. For Christians, that death represents Jesus’ sacrifice for humanity on the Cross.

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/closetohome/2024/03/the-biblist-10-ways-to-witness-for-the-solar-eclipse/