Remember the story about the astrologer/shaman who’s doing a workshop at a Seattle Episcopal church? Well, the rector of said church has been roused to defend having the event, according to The Living Church:
The rector of the Seattle church that is offering a three-session course this month titled “They Followed a Star: Astrology and Christianity as Allies on the Journey, ” said he sees the class as being no different than having a Muslim or Jew come to the church to explain those faiths.
The Rev. Peter Strimer, rector of St. Andrew’s Church, said that everyone from all religious backgrounds are welcome at St. Andrew’s, including traditional Anglicans. He said he has previously referred people to Dan Keusal, the licensed counselor and astrologer in private practice who is leading the workshop, with good results. Mr. Keusal holds a degree in theology from the University of Notre Dame and worked for years as a parish and campus minister.
“Of the 35 people signed up for the class, nearly half have not been in our church or any church before,” Fr. Strimer said. “We are using Raymond Brown’s The Birth of the Messiah.” Fr. Strimer described the course as “a fun, captivating approach to the Christmas story” which draws upon Mr. Keusal’s training in Roman Catholicism and astrology.
I’m sorry, but that doesn’t wash. This is how the church advertises the workshop on its Web site:
As the Magi followed a star to find Jesus, we too can look to the stars. Nurture your spirit during this busy season by exploring—through scripture, psychology, music, poetry—the connections between astrology and Christianity and how astrology can support and deepen our journeys as men and women of faith.
This doesn’t propose showing astrology as a different form of religion, akin to Islam or Judaism; it purports to show syncretistic connections between the two. It also says that astrology can be used to “support and deepen” our spiritual lives during Advent, if not at other times. We aren’t talking comparative religion here–we’re talking about mixing unbiblical, even anti-biblical, spiritual practices with Christianity.
Bishop Gregory Rickel of Olympia did not comment directly on the class at St. Andrew’s when contacted by a reporter.
“If our faith is strong, we should have nothing to worry about in sharing it, and in putting it up against some other paths in which others claims to find their salvation,” Bishop Rickel said. “If we are not willing to engage them, we will miss a chance to share the good news we do have.”
Does the bishop really think that the members of this church are going to witness to Keusal? What in the name of Edgar Cayce is he talking about?
Bishop Rickel added that “our salvation can never be found through karma, or any other philosophy, scientific or otherwise. Not being God, I can’t explain it all, but I know Christ is our Messiah and that is where I put my hope and my salvation.”
Glad to hear it. It’s always good to know that leaders in Christian churches actually have some idea of the source of salvation.
Posted by David Fischler 
