| 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 | 
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