Hollywood Bias? Finding Faith on Big & Small Screens

Published August 27, 2005

IN THEORY

Finding Faith on the Big and Small Screens

Q: There's a new movement underway to train Christians to be film and television executives. The move is apparently in reaction to a perceived bigotry in Hollywood toward Christianity. A new program called Act One, run by Barbara Nicolosi, trains Christians to become television and film executives. It includes a three-month-long program that places Christians in entertainment internships while hosting lectures by industry professionals. First off, do you think there is a bias in Hollywood that works against Christians? And if so, can a program like this reverse that bigotry?

A: It is more than a perceived bias against Christians and I don't think there's any other group that would tolerate the blatant stereotyping that goes on against them on the big screen.

Unfortunately, we're caught in a vicious circle where the right is defining Christianity and the left is reacting to that definition and the middle is lost.

There is more to Christianity than what the right represents, but for obvious reasons of profit and greed, the sensational messages get the space and time media. Case in point, last week the Pope made an historic trip to Germany and spoke of respect and tolerance. Meanwhile, here in the states, Pat Robertson called for the assassination of the Venezuelan President. When all the dust settled, what is remembered by the press? Which message becomes the topic of the media and the people? Whose Christianity is taken to task?

I'm pleased that Barbara Nicolosi has taken the step to form Act One. In particular, I appreciate her approach, because the message of Christ is not one to be compromised. It is not a message that belongs only to Christians, but a message that can have global implications for peace. Films and television shape and define much of our society and the need to abandon stereotypes for messages of hope and the good is essential.

FATHER VAZKEN MOVSESIAN

Armenian Church Youth Ministries

Finding Common Ground in Church Attendance

Published August 19, 2005

IN THEORY

Finding Common Ground in Church Attendance

Q: In his book, "Why Men Hate Going to Church," author David Murrow says that though 90% of American men say they believe in God, only two out of six attend church. His theory is that even though some could argue religious leadership is dominated by men, attending services is seen as a feminine endeavor -- with services and messages that cater to feminine values. Ultimately, Murrow calls for leaders to seek more men, or reap the consequences of religious institutions losing a generation of boys -- which will lead to the downfall of churches. Is there a dearth of men in your church? Do you agree with Murrow?

A: I haven't noticed a lack of men in our particular church, neither on a given
Sunday morning nor in the active administrative life of the church. Quite honestly, though, we haven't studied this dimension of our congregation make-up in our church.

However, I won't hesitate to say that Murrow's on target with his observations, mostly due to the manner in which religion is understood these days. The strength of religion is found in terms of its calming and pacifying ability, rather than as a vehicle to effectuate change in our lives and in society.

In the Christian tradition, Jesus Christ is in fact a revolutionary who bucks the system and taps into an inner power to overcome the greatest of difficulties. His message, "Courage, I have overcome the world" (John 16) is a victory declaration. He is a masculine role model who can be very attractive to males in their quest for power.

Many times these days, however, he's presented as a victim of circumstance, with very little control over what the fates would dish out to him. You're more inclined to pity him than mimic. This is hardly a masculine role model: a male giving up control? The Christian church has fallen lax in its presentation of Jesus.

Think of the anti-war and civil rights movements of the 60's, where the Church was at the forefront of the challenge to bring peace. Yet today, sadly, the Church is staying silent, not really defining itself as an institution with the ability to bring about true and lasting peace. More than blaming its inability to attract a male audience, its loss of relevance in the lives of people, is the greater downfall for the institution.

Let people understand that religion taps into the deepest and most sensitive parts of human consciousness and watch the pews fill with men and women, because you've offered something that goes beyond gender.

Fr. Vazken Movsesian
Armenian Church Youth Ministries

Should "Intelligent Design" be taught in school?

Published August 12, 2005

IN THEORY

Should "Intelligent Design" be taught in school?

Q: President Bush last week told reporters that "intelligent design" -- that life is so complex that a higher power must have created it -- should be discussed alongside evolution when teaching about the origins of life. Do you agree?

A: Intelligent design should not be taught in schools. It should, however, be introduced and explained as the means by which people have answered the questions: Where did we come from? And, where are we going? The same should hold true for other systems of definitions, such as Creation.

"Intelligent design" is a politically correct way of saying God.

It is a matter of faith whether one believes or does not believe in a creator.

Personally, I believe that the world as we know it today, with its various species and life forms, has evolved from primitive times. I do not accept that this same life happened purely by chance. Neither do the great scientists and thinkers of our time. It was Albert Einstein who mentioned that God "does not play dice with the universe." Alexander Solzhenitsyn challenged the greatest scientists of our times to the impossible task of creating even one single feather in a test tube!

Yes, there is a design and there is a motive. I feel comfortable referring to the Creator as God. I arrive at this conclusion, not because it was taught to me in school, but rather I had the opportunity to know, learn and come to my own conclusions. I wish the same for our children today.

FATHER VAZKEN MOVSESIAN

Armenian Church Youth Ministries

Is summertime good for the soul?

Published July 30, 2005

IN THEORY

Is summertime good for the soul?

Q: In a new book, "Summer: A Spiritual Biography of the Seasons," editor Gary Schmidt and illustrator Susan Felch present writings from several authors about the cathartic value of summertime -- its ability to spiritually heal and renew, and to allow people to value time.

Do you agree? Is there something about summertime that can renew us, even in a spiritual sense?

A: The warmth of the summer months lends itself nicely to a period of renewal.

It is during these months that we seek recreation, that is, a means to re-create ourselves and our lives.

Interestingly enough, in the ancient Armenian Church the summer months are dedicated to renewal and rejuvenation. It is the season during which we celebrate the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, recalling how she was assumed into a new and everlasting life. As the "Life-bearer," St. Mary holds a unique spot in the tradition of the church. She gives humanity a chance to renew itself in its quest for peace.

Unique to the Armenian Church liturgies is a tradition of blessing grapes.

This ceremony takes place during August. The fruits of the fields and the products of labor are blessed. During this service, families are invited to renew themselves internally and to their community. Following the biblical metaphor of a branch producing fruit only when it is united to the vine, in the same manner people find the fullness of life only when connected to the source of their spirituality, that is, God.

These traditions have their roots during the hot summer months for many reasons, primarily because of the intensity of heat and light which comes to us during summer. Happy re-creation!

FATHER VAZKEN MOVSESIAN

Armenian Church Youth Ministries

Recliners or pews?

Published July 23, 2005

IN THEORY

Recliners or pews?

Q: A new form of worshiping God is emerging. It involves using images that flash across big video screens and flashy music that caters to young evangelicals -- reportedly called "the Emerging Church." In one reported case, church members meet in the round and sit in couches and recliners instead of pews. The movement has been called an effort to spread the gospel to those who feel alienated from current and traditional forms of worship. But some worry that this movement, which is finding new ways to "experience" faith and interpret its tenets, could lead to people leaving faiths and the tenets of those faiths altogether. What do you think?

A: Mine is not to criticize another person's form of worship. Means by which people approach the sacred vary and, like all art forms, find their validity in the eye (or soul) of the beholder.

Forms of worship do not change or alter the message. The Christian message was, is and will always be the same: Love is the path for our physical and spiritual salvation.

The Armenian Church as an ancient Orthodox church has been criticized from within for its long liturgical worship forms. Contemporary means and approaches to worship have long been debated within the church ranks. And as a youth outreach leader I am especially sensitive to the issues of liturgical reform.

In our experience, we have found the answers in our roots. We are called an "Apostolic" church because we trace our lineage to the Apostle Thaddeus, but even more important, we celebrate our Christian experience in the same manner as the Apostles. That is, the worship and community life are centered around the sacrament of the Eucharist, which is the outward expression of love.

Through the years, we've discovered what we all have always known. People don't choose one church over another because of music, décor, programs, etc. Rather, they are looking for a place where they are loved and can love.

Jesus Christ was the first pastor to offer this in his church. The apostles did the same. The challenge is now passed along to us. If flashing videos, projected pictures and deejay music are the lure, their enduring power will be tested by the message they herald. There is no alternative to an environment based on love.

FATHER VAZKEN MOVSESIAN

Armenian Church Youth Ministries

Reconciling Death in the Name of Religion

Published July 16, 2005

IN THEORY

Reconciling Death in the Name of Religion

Q: How do you reconcile death from terrorism -- terrorism in the name of religion -- with religion? That is, how can we believe in a religion, when so many have died in the name of it?

A: Religion celebrates life. It does not destroy it. Religion fills the emptiness in life as the soul looks for companionship with something higher than itself. To believe that religion advocates the destruction of life contradicts the very definition of religion and ultimately humanity.

Yes, even the myths that make up so much of religious folklore, need to be placed in context of their times and circumstances. To believe that a god will destroy the crowning point of his creation is archaic. These stories give rise to justifications for hatred, judgment, rape, slaughter and murder.

Our world has never had the means and the technology available, as it does today, to resolve every issue in a peaceful manner. It is the spirit of pride and hatred that moves people to eschew peaceful means and opt for violence.

Love has to be, and can only be, the guiding force behind all religion.

Where there is love, there cannot be violence. Violence can never be called in the name of religion.

FATHER VAZKEN MOVSESIAN

Armenian Church Youth Ministries

Should clergy shape war policy?

Published July 9, 2005 - Glendale News Press - Los Angeles Time

IN THEORY

Should clergy shape war policy?

Q: The National Council of Churches, an ecumenical group of Christian denominations, this week announced a declaration urging President Bush to develop a timetable for the withdrawal of troops from Iraq and to reevaluate his policy on Iraq, which they say has failed. They also urged him to listen to a wider pool of religious advisors on the issue.

Do you agree with their declaration? And can/should religious advisors play a role in war policy?

A: Better late than never.

Religious leadership must always present the highest of ideals and ask/demand that society strive for them. If religious leaders took on the task of speaking out for justice, yes, President Bush -- and even more, our country -- would be better served with an expanded pool of religious advisors.

The saddest people in life are those who have no hope for tomorrow. Religion weaves the dreams of hope and it is up to society to wake up to actualize those dreams.

The most pressing dream of our day is that of peace. War robs the world of hope and, therefore, religion must talk the language of peace. It behooves every religious leader to guide and direct people toward the ideals -- truth, justice, freedom -- that bring peace.

It is about time the National Council of Churches came out with this call.

FR. VAZKEN MOVSESIAN

Armenian Church Youth Ministries