Researchers have been cataloging moonlight’s effects on animals for decades and continue to mark new connections. https://www.sciencenews.org/article/moon-animals-light-behavior-lunar-phases So the natural question to ask is, “Does the moon have any effect on people?”
First, the Biblical evidence: Psalms 121:6 – the sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. We can all understand how the sun can smite us, but the moon? How does that work? or Matthew 4:24 – And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick (Grk “those who were moonstruck,” ), and those that had the palsy; and he healed them. How are we to understand this? Unfortunately, the commentators fall all over themselves trying to explain away such references. For example, the notes in the NET Bible state: “It is likely that the verse reflects an ancient, primitive belief that the moon could have an adverse effect on the mind (note the English expression “moonstruck,” which reflects such a belief)”.
Second, the scientific evidence: According the the Science News article already referenced above: “Scientists have investigated possible connections between the moon and a broad mix of human experiences, such as conceptions, births, emergency room visits, cardiac events, psychiatric episodes, sports injuries, aggression and crime, and even the ups and downs of the stock market. Much of the evidence is inconclusive or contradictory.”
Third, anecdotal evidence: As I’ve traveled around the world as the BJU Science Ambassador, I’ve encountered mental health workers, educators and law enforcement personnel who all testify to a connection between the light of the moon and how people behave. After this post has been published I’m sure I’ll hear from more of you in this regard:)
My conclusion is that even though we don’t know how the moon affects people, it is always a bad idea to vote against Biblical evidence. I’m fully expecting that the scientific evidence will follow at some future date.