I only have one key.

The theft light will maintain a slower steady blink even if the key is not in the ignition (which may actually be normal).

When the key is in the on position, all of the cluster lights will illuminate as normal. The theft will also stay lit for about 3 seconds but will then turn off.

When I try to start the car, the cluster will go dead and the engine will not crank.

At no point does the theft light blink rapidly.

I checked all of the fuses (not the relays) both under the dash and in the engine compartment and all are good.

Ive been told I need to have the key (and a 2nd key) programmed but I'm not sure that this is the problem since the theft light comes on then turns off after about 3 seconds when in the on position.

 

Betcha you got dirty or loose battery connections. Clean and check your battery connections first.

 

Had this same problem with my landlords windstar.
It was corrosion under the ground cable where it attached to the chassis. (on the radiator support, iirc)