Politicians' anti-God portrayals draw flak

IN THEORY

Politicians' anti-God portrayals draw flak

Q: Senate Republicans have been accused of exploiting religion for partisan gain by aligning with conservative religious leaders against Democrats who have used the filibuster to block President Bush's judicial nominees. Sen. Bill Frist has even taken part in a broadcast with religious leaders reportedly portraying Senate Democrats who used the filibuster against the appointees as anti-God and against people of faith. Even though a compromise on the judicial nominees was reached this week, should religion be used this way? Is this fair ground in the political process?

A: It used to be motherhood and apple pie. God was what you battled and fought wars for. Remember? More people have died in wars waged in the name of God than for any other reason. Obviously, God's agenda was not pushed by those battlefield casualties, and neither is it being advanced today by politicians who need to quench their thirst for power even by sacrilegious means.

The climate is ready for heightened religiosity in this country. Moral and ethical absolutes are gone, and a melding of religion and politics is being sold to fill the vacuum. In a parable, Jesus likens the faith of some to seeds that land on rocky ground. Without much soil, they sprout quickly, but when the sun rises, they are scorched and wither away, because they have no roots.

We have to be incredibly skeptical and careful of politicians who use religion as a means to advance their own agendas. (Let us not forget the tyrants, despots and dictators of history who all rose to power with a god on their side.) They use religion to polarize people rather than to unite them around common themes, which build communities and society. Their roots are superficial, and once scrutinized, they wither away.

God's children include Democrats and Republicans, left and right, young and old. God's agenda is not a political one. It calls for peace. It strives for harmony. It works for justice. It operates with love. This agenda is pushed in the most sacred of institutions: inside the human being. If the agenda can be advanced inside each of us, the politicians can argue and filibuster all they want. Society is strengthened, and we win.

FATHER VAZKEN MOVSESIAN

Armenian Church Youth Ministries

Glendale

The Gospel According to Jedi

Published Mary 20, 2005 IN THEORY The Gospel According to Jedi Q: A deacon at Cincinnati's Covenant-First Presbyterian Church is teaching a Bible study class called "Gospel According to 'Star Wars,' a class that compares themes in the popular film series with ideological themes in the Bible. Russell Smith, the deacon, says there are ideas of truth, beauty and goodness in the story that can bring us back to the Bible. With the opening this week of "Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith," do you agree that these films convey spiritual themes? A: So long as we are surrounded by the mysteries of life, we will continue to ponder and seek definitions. Last century, when moviemakers discovered that they can project an image 20 times the size of life on a silver screen, they understood the potential of its power. The challenge was and currently is how to bridle a sense of responsibility to that power. George Lucas and "Star Wars" have answered that challenge effectively. The magic and success of "Star Wars" is in the fact that it goes beyond entertainment and plays with themes that have been at the hub of humanity's struggle to understand itself. Since humankind has pondered the mysteries of its existence, mythologies have landed it in gardens, on arks and on towers, to name just a few of the venues. Myths unravel and explain truths in terms and frames understood by the audience. And so, the audience is now offered a glimpse from a galaxy far, far away. Why not use "Star Wars" to explain truth and beauty? Jesus expressed the most profound truths of life by comparing them to the simplest forms in nature, including a mustard seed, a grain of wheat and a pearl. He was the master of the parable. He spoke to the hearts of people because he did not distance himself from everyday expressions; rather, he found truth and beauty in all aspects of the universe. If beauty is really in the eye of the beholder, the success of "Star Wars" tells us that today's generation is truly in a quest for truth and beauty. Today the beholder wants to believe that the Force can squelch the Dark Side, that resurrection is greater than crucifixion, and life is more powerful than death. To point to the answers is the starting point of all true religion. FATHER VAZKEN MOVSESIAN Armenian Church Youth Ministries

Poll: Students' biblical knowledge lacking

Published Mary 13, 2005

IN THEORY

Poll: Students' biblical knowledge lacking

Q: A recently released UCLA study of students nationwide has reportedly found that though 79% of college students believe in God, only 40% consider it essential or very important to follow religious teachings in everyday life. More than 60% of the students surveyed believed that one can grow spiritually without being religious. Do you think they are right? And what do you make of the contrast between students who say they believe in God and the smaller percentage that considers the everyday practice of religious teachings essential?

A: Why would we expect religion to be part of life when we've done everything possible to marginalize religion and ensured that reality can exist without the spiritual?

Look what's happened in this country. It seems that the only definition for a Christian these days is one who is opposed to gay marriages and stem cell research and ready to bail out before Armageddon. We've all but forgotten the essential elements of Christ's message to love, to nurture, to forgive and to find the spiritual in every aspect of life.

Genocide is taking place in Darfur, children are dying in Iraq, and Third World countries are bursting at the seams, jeopardizing our nation's security.

In our cities and towns, drugs, sex, AIDS, prejudice and violence are killing our children emotionally and physically. Religion has something to say and do about these ills. Unfortunately, it's much easier to avoid the challenges of life rather than championing them. When some members of the religious community dare to voice themselves, they are marginalized by the press into various religious camps.

So, what do we expect from college students? For them to take religion seriously? No, it is the opium that keeps people pacified and unable to take responsibility. It's the reason why we as a society are so consumed with runaway brides, celebrities and other tabloid news instead of working for justice and peace through the spirit.

There is no question in my mind that the spiritual life is what is lacking in our society. In college communities, students are willing and even eager to partake of the spiritual as long as there is purpose and meaning to their efforts.

FATHER VAZKEN MOVSESIAN

Armenian Church Youth Ministries

Glendale

Poll: Students' biblical knowledge lacking

Poll: Students' biblical knowledge lacking

Q:

The Bible Literacy Project published results last week of a national Gallup survey that found American high school students are deficient in their academic knowledge of the Bible. Why is biblical knowledge important, if at all? Are children better off with such knowledge? Do you agree with the survey's results?

A:

Ever wonder why “Lord of the Rings” was so popular? Or “Star Wars”? Next week its last episode will be released – bringing together three decades of viewers who applaud the victory of good over evil. Well, the Bible has a powerful punch line too. Unfortunately, it gets some bad press because readers choose different scenes to accent, or leave at intermission rather than follow the entire story.

Knowledge of the Bible is necessary to consider any education rounded. A general knowledge of all books that bring people to faith is a must for students, especially to live and function in this global village.

The Bible is the sacred scripture of an institution – the Church – which during the early Christian centuries, compiled many books into the form we have today. The Bible did not fall from heaven all leather bound with red-colored type. In the Armenian Church it is referred to as the “Breath of God.” It is understood in its entirety (not segmented) as a book that offers a glimpse of God’s love for humanity. In other words, it is tied to the institution, which is contrary to popular understanding.

I'm not really sure the Bible can be taught devoid of faith expressions. But that hasn’t stopped us from teaching other literature. After all, students read Victor Hugo's "Les Misérables" and a healthy discussion of the virtues of kindness, tolerance and suffering ensues. Orwell's "1984" or Huxley's "Brave New World" expand the mind of young people to discuss the possibilities of conformity and control. The Bible in its complete form can give students an opportunity to understand concepts of care and hope, of faith and courage, of justice and freedom. Most importantly, it can and should reflect the strength of love in the face of evil and all adversity.

Father Vazken Movsesian

In His Shoes Mission

Armenian Church Youth Ministries