Madonna: Confessing or Crucified

Published August 26, 2006 IN THEORY Madonna: Confessing or Crucified Q: In her "Confessions" tour, pop star Madonna reportedly appears "crucified" on a mirrored cross that rises from the stage during her show as she sings "Live to Tell," while a video counter counts to 12 million, the number of AIDS orphans in Africa. Clergy and church leaders are criticizing the crucifixion scene as blasphemy. Madonna's representatives reportedly say she didn't mean to offend the church, but is instead meant to convey the idea of Jesus embracing the plight of AIDS patients. A: The only thing that Madonna should be "confessing" is her love for center stage and the financial rewards that come with the position. The only thing the Church should absolve itself for is playing into her game. Her show is not about the 12 million AIDS victims, and it cheapens the cause to believe it to be. AIDS is an epidemic which needs immediate attention from people, institutions and governments. I believe there are many organizations - churches included - that are on the center stage of the battle today. Of course it's not enough, but it will never be enough. When kind-hearted people accuse of Madonna of blasphemy, its not because she's climbing a cross. The blas We have to break from the idea that these entertainers who are making millions of dollars off of themes that are exhausted and exhausting FATHER VAZKEN MOVSESIAN Armenian Church In His Shoes Ministries

An Enhancement or An Abasement?

IN THEORY

An Enhancement or An Abasement?

Q: Lots of stuff is sold these days in the name of religion — everything from perfume to golf balls in a multi-billion-dollar retail market. Most of it reportedly is sold by believers to believers. But the effect, according to some, is to prompt some believers to withdraw from reality instead of engaging it, as Christ wanted. Do you have concerns about such commercialization of religion? Is there a point where such marketing becomes counterproductive?

A: I suspect that much of this market is created by well-intentioned souls.

Unfortunately, even the best of intentions succumb to the all-powerful profit-making motive. Let's not forget how the Christmas season began, and its current manifestation as the vital boom to our economy.

There is only one item Jesus Christ "endorsed." It is the cross. Not the kind you wear on a chain or the one manufactured of precious medals (or plastic for that matter). Jesus says, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."

The Christian church could do well to market this sense of sacrifice. We try to do so in the Armenian Church. For instance, on Aug. 13 the Armenian Church celebrated the feast of the Assumption of St. Mary. On this occasion, we bless grapes. The faithful congregants bring the first fruits of their labor as an offering to the church. Grapes become the symbol of giving our very best to God and therefore to others.

Sure, we can easily box, bag and market these items, but we miss the point of sacrifice, which is so needed in the world today.

FR. VAZKEN MOVSESIAN
Armenian Church
In His Shoes Ministry