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.
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.”
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.”
Robert R. Chapman, Jr.
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2 Comments
Why isn't the Sun of Righteous sufficient to satisfy, Mr. Strimer? Why do we have to use our churches as venues to discuss and encourage a fringe element in faith (i.e., astrology)? Why does TEC waste its time on stuff like astrology? The world needs to know that Jesus, who is God incarnate, came to this world and lived and died and rose again (contrary to the faithlessness of far too many people in TEC) to forgive sins.
But that's not enough for sophisticated folks like Mr. Strimer and his congregation. Jesus isn't enough.
Is this the best TEC can do?
My experience of The Episcopal Church has been that we are a church of local faith communities where questions and welcome -- about anything. This does not deny in any way our core beliefs. I've usually found that my own faith grows and expands when I expand my understanding. Not once have I found anything that denies core doctrine of Christianity.
If the gospel narratives are correct, we need not be afraid of exposure to other ideas.