The King Among Men (Martin Luther King Holiday)

Published January 21, 2006

IN THEORY

The King Among Men

Q: On Monday, we remembered Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for his commitment to human rights. But as Lewis Baldwin, professor of religious studies at Vanderbuilt University, has reportedly pointed out, King's life as a pastor needs to be more emphasized so we can truly grasp his legacy. Do you agree? Do you have some thoughts on how King's spiritual life influenced his life as a civil rights leader, and in general, how religion is tied to civil rights? Did King influence you? How?

A: The only way to fully understand Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s message is to recognize him as a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. What he did and stood for was grounded in sound Christian teachings, whether it was his call for equal rights for all people, aiding the poor, opposition to the war or fighting evil through nonviolent means. Even more, he demonstrated a trust in God, who, he knew, would never fail him.

Even in the end, the concluding words of the "Mountain top" speech have him witnessing to "the glory of the coming of the Lord!"

King has had a great impact on my ministry. He has taught with his words and with his life. He challenges us to see ourselves as citizens of the world, feeling the pain and suffering of others as our own because consequences today are global. In his words, " ... injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." This is why, at our Armenian Youth Ministries' Center in Glendale we dedicate so much time to learning about Dr. King. Our programs are based on outreach and walking "in the shoes" of those who suffer. Dr. King's message is of particular importance to us, who once were oppressed, but now have an opportunity to reach out to others.

FR. VAZKEN MOVSESIAN

Armenian Church

He's Not Getting a Pat on the Back

Published January 14, 2006

IN THEORY

He's Not Getting a Pat on the Back

Q: Jewish leaders and critics of the religious right have criticized religious broadcaster Pat Robertson for his Jan. 5 remarks suggesting that Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's recent stroke had something to do with God's ill-will for Sharon's deal with the Palestinians to pull out of Gaza. What do you think of such remarks, and as people of faith, has this been a topic of discussion within your congregations? If so, how do you deal with it?

A: This is what gives religion a bad name. Of course, in the context of the Middle East, Robertson is in line with all the other distorted views of the divine. But looking at it from the orthodox camp, he and his teachings have always been out of line with the essence of Christianity because of the hatred it spews. In the body of faith, he is neither "religious" nor "right."

The second part of the question is critical: What are we - the religious community - saying about this? It's easy to dismiss Robertson's message, but you can't dismiss the people who watch and support the propagation of his twisted message. A few weeks ago, it was his warning to Philadelphians because of the court verdict on Intelligent Design. Before that, it was a case against the gays whose lifestyle whipped-up hurricane Katrina. And the list goes on.

This weekend we celebrate the life and accomplishments of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. One of his most poignant messages comes in a letter sent from Birmingham jail in which he remembers clergy who have lost positions and favor because of their alliance with justice. At the same time, he sharply criticized the Christian church for its complacency and non-action in the face of injustice. This can serve as a message and challenge to all people of faith today.

At our church and youth center we are actively working toward exposing the types of myths that will have God favoring one person over another. We bear witness to the Good News that we are all children of God. The consequences of ignoring the hatred or remaining silent are devastating. In the words of Dr. King, "We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the hateful words and actions of the bad people but for the appalling silence of the good people."

Fr. Vazken Movsesian

Armenian Church Youth Ministries

Television in the lion's den

Television in the lion's den

Q: The American Family Assn. is protesting a new NBC series, "The Book of Daniel," which portrays a family that includes a 23-year-old homosexual Republican son, a drug-dealing daughter, and an alcoholic mother as models of the Christian faith, led by a drug-addicted father -- also a priest -- who is trying to be good. NBC says the show highlights the story of people, such as the father character in the show, who, even with all of the sin around him, has an ongoing dialogue with Jesus. But the association says the show demeans the Christian faith. What do you think?

A: I'm writing this before the show premieres, so I don't want to remark on the content; but I have no problem making some general comments.

NBC, or any entertainment outlet, provides programming based on one consideration: money. To believe they have altruistic, evangelical or diabolical motives in their presentations is to miss the point. They are providing programming that has the largest appeal. And, like it or not, dysfunctional families are in. Add an element of religion for a world seeking spirituality, a couple of good actors and you've got the possibility of a hit show, good ratings and more dollars.

The American Family Assn. has every right to protest "The Book of Daniel." It's commendable that some organizations still value the right to protest. It would be nice if there was a degree of consistency in their actions, particularly in regard to the war and the death penalty, but such is the freedom granted them in America.

What we're missing as religious organizations and institutions is the view of society from the vantage point of the entertainment marketers. They are selling what people are buying. It would be a utopian dream to believe the entertainment industry has a conscience or even cares about the spiritual welfare of people, but that's not going to increase their stock value.

Immediately following the Resurrection of Jesus, we read in John 21, that the apostle Peter is consumed with the fate of another disciple. Jesus tells him to focus his attention to his own ministry: "If you love me, feed my sheep." This is the mission of the sacred institutions -- to tend and feed the spiritual needs of the people. Hollywood will continue to make dollars, but we have to believe that the value given to the consumer of our product is much greater.

FR. VAZKEN MOVSESIAN

Armenian Church

Youth Ministries