Toward a Contextualized Astrological Apologetic,with a Case Study for Booth Ministry Outreach

Abstract

In our post-Christendom Western world, astrology has become popular, as alternative and do-it-yourself spiritualities begin to fill the vacuum left by the demise of Christian adherence. Throughout church history, Christian apologists have responded to astrology in three different ways: “critical rejection,” “qualified embrace,” and “apologetic engagement.” The first part of this discussion reviews these different responses. From that foundation, the remainder of the discussion considers how an incarnational, missiological approach can be applied through dialogue and apologetic engagement with those who adhere to astrology. A brief case study profiles how the authors have interacted with devotees in the context of a booth ministry within alternate spiritual festivals. The dynamics of this critical contextual approach warrants some brief reflections. Finally, using Van Baalen's maxim about the “unpaid bills of the church,” the discussion concludes by pondering what astrology says back to the Church about deficiencies in our present theology and praxis.