Rector Defends Astrology Workshop

http://www.livingchurch.org/news/news-updates/2007/12/11/rector-defends-astrology-workshop

[The Livinmg Church] 12 Dec 2007--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.