More Foolishness From Seattle

There are times when one can only marvel at the extraordinarily dumb things that periodically happen in churches. This one comes from the same diocese where an Episcopal priest proclaimed to the world that she was also a Muslim, and received a pat on the back from her bishop. This time, it’s astrology that’s hunky-dory, with a workshop from a “practicing astrologer” appearing on the diocese calendar:

They Followed a Star: Astrology and Christianity as Allies on the Journey
7-8:30 PM Mondays, Dec. 3, 10, 17. St. Andrew’s, Seattle.

Just as the Magi followed a star to find Jesus, we can look to the stars for help in discerning God’s plan for us. Drawing on biblical theology, psychology, music, poetry and more, explore the connections between astrology and Christianity, and look at how astrology can support and deepen our journeys as men and women of faith. With instructor Dan Keusal. For more information, visit www.dankeusal.com or www.saintandrewsseattle.org.

The above is from the course description on the Web site of the teacher, Dan Keusal, where he further explains:

I see many disciplines—psychology, spirituality, astrology, the arts, and more—as “cousins in soul-making” that have become alienated down through the centuries. This class is part of my ongoing effort to help facilitate the “family reunion,” to find the common threads—in this case between astrology and the Judeo-Christian tradition.

And who is the teacher, and what does he do?

Hello! I’m Dan Keusal, a licensed Counselor and Astrologer in private practice in Seattle. Thank you for your interest in my work.

I help you find your purpose, heal your pain, and live with passion; I do this using a unique integration of psychotherapy, astrology, spirituality, and the arts.

Do you have questions about your life’s purpose? I use astrology to help deepen your self-understanding, awaken you to the opportunities and challenges of your soul’s unique journey through life, and empower you to respond with creativity, vitality, and hope.

I practice “Evolutionary Astrology,” which asserts that your soul is on a journey of growth and discovery, that you are responsible for your own choices, and that no “planet” or “sign” pre-ordains a specific fate. Evolutionary Astrology offers valuable guidance, yet always respects the power of your own freedom, consciousness, imagination, and will to shape your life’s path. In the River of Life, it’s wise to learn about the currents–and how to steer!

He’s got serious qualifications for this work, too:

Dan Keusal is an astrologer and counselor in private practice in Seattle. He holds a Master’s Degree in Marriage & Family Therapy from Seattle Pacific University and is a Washington State Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. He has studied Analytical Psychology at the C.G. Jung Institue of Chicago. He is Past President of the Seattle Counselors Association. He holds a degree in Theology from the University of Notre Dame and has completed basic training in shamanism with The Foundation For Shamanic Studies. After two years of study with local astrologers Sheila Belanger and Laura Gerking, Dan completed a five-year apprenticeship with Steven Forrest, an internationally respected astrologer, author, and teacher. For more than 20 years, Dan has led workshops on astrology, spirituality, and personal development for a wide variety of organizations, including Microsoft, Seattle University, The Northwest Astrological Conference (NORWAC), and dozens of other churches, businesses, and community groups. [Emphasis added.]

The church that is welcoming this star-gazing shaman is about what you’d expect. In their statement of what they believe, I noticed this:

We believe that the Bible is the Word of God reflecting the many centuries and writers in their experience of God. Episcopalians hold the Bible to be the most important Book of the Faith. However, Episcopalians are not Fundamentalists and tend to look at Sacred Scripture within its historical context, allegorically (as did the early Church) and as metaphor. We would say that the Bible is true without always being historically or scientifically accurate. [Emphasis in original.]

I think the Diocese of Olympia should get together Ann Holmes Redding and Dan Keusal. Between them, I’ll bet they could bring about a harmonic convergence in the Great Northwest that would blow the top off of Mt. Rainier–or at least the roof off the diocesan cathedral.

(Via T19.)

Merry Alonemas

From Philadelphia comes word of an atheist group that, having no holidays of their own, wants to horn in on those of others. According to DailyLocal. com:

For the first time a regional atheist group will display a holiday tree on the Chester County Courthouse lawn during the winter holidays, potentially setting a seasonal model for other communities.

County commissioners have allowed groups to display a Christmas tree and menorah on the lawn. But last year, The Freethought Society of Greater Philadelphia, an atheist group, asked the commissioners to either let any group set up a seasonal holiday display or ban the displays entirely.

This fall, the commissioners approved a policy that allows any group to put up a seasonal display if it meets design, insurance and safety requirements.

“This is a very rewarding step in our citizenry of Chester County, where we are now being recognized as an integral part of the community.

And it makes us feel like whole citizens to be able to participate in this way,” said Margaret Downey, president of the Freethought Society.

The group’s display, “The Tree of Knowledge,” will include a 15-foot evergreen with color copies of book covers as decorations. Some of the book covers will include the Holy Bible, the Quran, “Ethics Without God,” “Why I Am Not a Christian,” and “Freethinkers: A History of American Secularism.”

Downey said she hopes the Chester County display will be a catalyst for displays across the nation. And she said her priority will be displaying a similar tree in Philadelphia next year.

Why aren’t they putting one up in Philly this year, rather than going to the suburbs? Are they afraid they’ll get beaten up by rampaging gangs of Phillies fans? (Admittedly, when talking about Phillies fans, anything is possible.)

Now, I have no objection whatsoever to them doing this. I think Chester County has the right idea–instead of stripping the public square clean, load it up with any and everyone who wants to participate. If atheists are so devoid of events to celebrate (Robert Ingersoll’s birthday won’t do?), then fine, let them put up a tree with a seriously unclever name slathered with book covers (because they read and think and us religious baboons, you know, don’t). If it makes them feel like they are more a part of their community, wonderful–because they are, and shouldn’t be treated as outsiders, or with hostility. I would even suggest that, just so they aren’t perceived as party-crashers, they should start a holiday of their own: Alonemas, the festival of celebration that we are adrift in the universe.

(Via Hot Air.)