Having Faith in Government

Published September 17, 2005

IN THEORY

Having Faith in Government

Q: Senate hearings were held on President Bush's nomination of John Roberts as the next chief justice of the United States Supreme Court. Should Roberts' religious leanings affect his jurisprudence and/or be a part of the debate over his appointment?

A: Of course we need to be concerned with Roberts' religious convictions.

Each person, whether they sit on the Supreme Court or in the judging booth of the local swim meet, brings their own prejudices to the bench. Some are able to control and even lose themselves, in striving for the ideal of making justice blind. These are the ones we should be calling to the judicial positions. Those that cannot, usually betray themselves and are distanced from making those decisions that affect others. In all of our dealings, our personal prejudices, shaped by our faith and convictions, play a part in the decision making process.

No matter how minute or trivial that influence may be, it behooves us to know what the variables are.

When you look at the events in the world today, it is easy to be critical of religion and religious convictions. After all, we see all the misunderstanding, the intolerance, hatred and distain for one another based on a my-God-is-better-than-yourgod mentality. But by the same token, it is important to remember most of the best expressions of love and care have evolved from religious thought and the faith community.

Blind justice is the ideal. Our goal is to come as close to it as possible.

On a personal level though, I would hope that justice could be dished out with compassion for the weak. That personal prejudice would show throw and rule me out of the justice game.

FATHER VAZKEN MOVSESIAN

Armenian Church

Hurricane Devastation: Why?

Published September 10, 2005

IN THEORY

Hurricane Devastation

Q: Why does God allow such horrors as Hurricane Katrina to happen?

A: I remember in 1988 when a devastating earthquake claimed 50,000-plus lives in Armenia this question was repeatedly asked of me by my parishioners.

Ever since, I've been sensitive to its call in the face of calamity; this year in particular following the tsunami and now hurricane Katrina. Why would a loving and caring God allow pain and suffering?

This would be a legitimate question to ask if we thought of God as the Grand Puppeteer in the sky who plays us as pawns in the everlasting chess game of life. But for us as Christians, the model of and definition of God is much different. We understand God as love. Love is all-powerful, but not in the superman sense. He can't change the course of mighty rivers nor can he bend steel with his bare hands.

We live in an imperfect world. It is plagued with hurricanes, earthquakes and violence. These things we define as manifestations of evil. By the same token we define the outward acts of charity, care and benevolence as manifestations of good. We therefore find the presence of God in these acts.

We find him in the compassion and care that the world is now extending to the hurting children. Look for him in the hearts of people, who are writing checks, leaving their homes to work in the streets of New Orleans, reaching out to help others. Ask not the question, "why evil?" but, "why good?" And you'll find God, as the source of something much more powerful than the tragedies of this world.

FATHER VAZKEN MOVSESIAN

Armenian Church