Who Would Jesus Bomb?

Published July 28, 2007 IN THEORY Is there a Moral Defense for Nuclear Weapons? Q: An ecumenical group of Catholics, Evangelicals, Episcopal bishops and Muslim leaders has signed a statement that affirms the value of diplomacy in talks over stopping the spread of nuclear weapons. Yet, in our own country, such weapons stand as a military defense. Is there a moral defense for nuclear weapons? A: WWJB? Isn’t that what it’s all about? Who would Jesus bomb? And if we can answer that question, then the logical next step is to discuss weaponry, nuclear or conventional? Somehow we want to believe that nuclear weapons are more destructive than other weapons, but they are not. When you factor in the emotional and psychological scaring that goes with the destruction and havoc brought by weapons, you understand that all weapons have the same destructive power. Fall out from nuclear weapons may linger, but the lasting effects of bombs and torture on the human psyche is transferable through generations as hatred is kindled and explodes in a variety of forms of violence and terror. A few years ago, we went on a hunt for “WMD” in Iraq, while it escaped us that the biggest weapon of mass destruction was the totalitarian regime which implemented torture and killings. If you think about it, the actions of that regime, in fact, had both short and long term physical and psychological effects on the victims. The bigger discussion here is that of “just war.” Is there such a thing? St. Augustine introduced the conversation to the Western church. We in Eastern Christianity have not develop this discussion to the extent Augustine did which might explain the proliferation for massacres and even genocide in our pockets of the world. Is there a time when the violence, war and nuclear weapons are justified? The truth is, when we look at this topic from a religious perspective, and in particular a Christian one, there is only one answer. It’s based on the reality that for God all wars are civil wars. Ultimately, we need to go one step further and say there is no defense for weapons of any sort. Unfortunately, we’re not all on the same playing field. This discussion is absurd for too many people. For that reason, the actions of this interfaith group of leaders are truly commendable. These are the first steps toward peace. Our prayers should be with them and for our world. Fr. Vazken Movsesian Armenian Church In His Shoes Mission

The power of forgiveness

Note: This entry includes the comments of other "In Theorists" since the topic is about Fr. Vazken's 7x77 conference. Fr. Vazken's comment appears at the bottom of the entry.

Published July 14, 2007 -

IN THEORY

The power of forgiveness

Q:

Glendale-based In His Shoes ministries, led by your fellow In Theorist Father Vazken Movsesian, held an event last weekend, "A Forum on Forgiveness," which featured guests who have experienced tragedy at the hands of others, but have forgiven them for the terrible acts perpetrated.
Movsesian has said that the world speaks much of war, but not enough of forgiveness. What do you think? And how can forgiveness be a practical force for good?

A:

It is so doggone hard to forgive. Getting even is the natural tendency. Our society is infected with getting even. Imagine this: what if after Sept. 11, 2001, our country had not attacked Afghanistan or Iraq? Instead of getting even, what if we had practiced forgiveness and offered some kind of olive branch?

Regardless of who was president at the time, a Republican or a Democrat, if he had suggested some such peaceful gesture he probably would have been impeached.

Revenge is somehow in our blood. It is so hard to turn the other cheek.

To forgive involves such a loving spirit that not many of us can truly forgive. I personally believe that when Jesus talks about forgiveness, he is putting forth the concept that you need to forgive for your own peace of mind. For you to forgive helps you to get along with your life. If you forgive, then chances are you're not going to give yourself an ulcer or a heart attack.

So to forget about revenge not only reduces the chance for more blood-letting in society; it also helps you to get along with your life.

THE REV. C. L. "SKIP" LINDEMAN
Congregational Church of the Lighted Window
United Church of Christ
La Canada Flintridge

Jewish teachings encourage forgiveness for a person who shows true remorse for their bad deeds. And I believe that in many cases, forgiveness actually does more for the person granting it than the one receiving it. The negative energy generated when we harbor ill feelings toward someone can make our lives miserable; we should strive to release this counter-productive anger and embrace a more positive lifestyle.

We must differentiate between crimes that may temporarily hurt people versus acts that inflict permanent damage, such as murder or rape. For example, a person who misleads another into a bad business deal can't be compared to a murderer who extinguishes someone's life forever. In the prior circumstance, forgiveness would be noble, but in the latter we have no right to forgive.

Do the victims of genocide — such as the Holocaust, the Armenian tragedy or the bloodshed in Rwanda — have a moral right to forgive the human monsters of history? I believe they don't.

The Talmud relates an interesting scenario where a murderer is being led to his execution after showing genuine remorse and receiving forgiveness from the victim's family — who even petitioned the high court for a pardon.
"Should this person be set free?" asks the Talmud. It concludes that the murderer, because of his complete remorse, will merit exoneration in the world to come. But in this world, justice must be served and the execution must proceed.

We should apply the same logic in our own lives — to forgive whenever possible, but not when the crime is deep and irreversible.

RABBI SIMCHA BACKMAN
Chabad Jewish Center

The act of Christ's coming to be crucified was the ultimate expression of God concerning forgiveness. Condescending to become man, God-Incarnate sacrificed His earthly life to pay the debt of evil humanity. It was the only means to make forgiveness available as well as to satisfy justice, since evil cannot be ignored or simply dismissed.

Jesus is known for His teaching regarding personal insult, saying "turn the other cheek" (Matthew 5:39), and if people would grasp the power of small forgiveness, perhaps the larger kind would manifest.

The Bible says "it is to [man's] glory to overlook an offense" (Proverbs 19:11).
Forgiveness has two sides, however. We can pardon instances of mistreatment, or forgive those moments in life where sin gets the better of another person at our expense, but I'm reminded of the fact that God expects repentance from malefactors in order for them to receive forgiveness; "If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him" (Luke 17:3).

Forgiveness on a victim's side is the decision not to even the score or demand satisfaction. But perpetrators receive forgiveness when they turn from wickedness.

Even from the Cross, Christ forgave the temporal sins of his murderers, but unless they repented, they will receive no benefit in eternity. Forgiveness is now. It's for us and between us.

THE REV. BRYAN GRIEM
Senior Pastor
MontroseCommunityChurch.org

This local forum on forgiveness clearly demonstrates a basic Scientology tenet that man is basically good.

L. Ron Hubbard stated, " In all times and in most places, mankind has looked up to and revered certain values. These are called the virtues. They have been attributed to wise men, holy men, saints and gods. They have made the difference between a barbarian and cultured person, the difference between chaos and a decent society. It doesn't absolutely require a heavenly mandate nor a tedious search through the thick tomes of the philosophers to discover what 'good' is. A self-revelation can occur on the subject. It can be worked out by almost any person. If one were to think over how he or she would like to be treated by others, one would evolve the human virtues…. Rather than concentrating on censure and punishment, you would prefer people were forgiving. Correct?"

Each faith tradition today challenges us to forgive in a world where there still exists enough fear, hatred and violence to keep Earth's population at war. The ability and practice to stop feeling angry or wanting to punish someone is a practical force for peace.

Bravo Father Vazken for highlighting the importance of forgiveness and reminding us of our true spiritual nature.

CATHERINE EMRANI
Volunteer Minister
Glendale Church of Scientology

Jesus Christ knows our greatest need and the common condition of our hearts. He wisely taught us to pray: "forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors."
This prayer reminds me that ultimately all wrongs are committed against God. If I have wronged even the least, I have wronged Him.

Absolute forgiveness comes from Him alone. Happiness in life and eternal security in heaven is dependant upon asking for and receiving His forgiveness. "How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered!" (Psalm 32:1) Of Jesus Christ, the Scriptures assure me that "everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins." (Acts 10:43)

This prayer also reminds me that we all sin, and we are all sinned against by others. Giving and receiving forgiveness is essential for healthy living in a fallen world. Bitterness, anger and malice left unresolved cause nothing but trouble and defilement of the good things God gives me.

Exercising forgiveness keeps me from foolish and dangerous behavior, and it keeps me from provoking others to the same. Forgiveness shapes my character to be more like Him Who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

PASTOR JON BARTA
Valley Baptist Church
Burbank

By way of introduction to the topic, the forum on forgiveness took place on July 7, 2007- or 7/7/7- to bring to attention Jesus' command to forgive, "not seven times but seven times seventy-seven times." [For the Bible literalists, the forgiveness equation does not refer to forgiving 539 (7x77) times, but to unlimited forgiveness.]

Our organization, In His Shoes Ministries, has actively been engaged in drawing attention and working for peace in Darfur. When we are confronted with violence on the scale of genocide, our first inclination is to move in with bigger and better weapons. Yet, Jesus speaks of something more powerful when he speaks love and forgiveness. In fact, I know from history that that same message has been responsible for survival, resurrections and growth.

Since we know hatred begets hatred and violence will only give us more violence, we seek sensible solutions to finding peace. Our intention, then, at the conference, was to tap into the power of love and forgiveness as tools to bring about peace, both locally and globally.

FR. VAZKEN MOVSESIAN
Armenian Church
In His Shoes Ministries

Virtual Worship: Is it Real?

Published June 9, 2007 IN THEORY Virtual Worship: Is it Real? Q: In a new online world called Second Life, users can participate in their own virtual universe — everything from seeing a favorite rock band to buying and selling land. Religious communities have also grown in Second Life. That is, participants who create virtual identities in Second Life take part in the cyber practice of religion, complete with other identities, rituals and practices. There are virtual synagogues, virtual mosques — you name it. For many, Second Life is a pivotal chance to practice their faith while creating a diversity among worshipers that might not be seen in real life. But some say that though the site promotes communication with others, it doesn't necessarily promote communication with God. What do you think? A: In 1977, I went to Armenia — then a Soviet Republic — to continue my graduate studies. Just out of college, my worldview was shaped by the textbooks that spoke of principles and ideas that inspired a young seminarian's dream. Soon after I began adjusting to life in the Soviet Union, it became apparent that it was very different from the classless society Marx outlined in his manifesto. We'd sit at study halls, and even in coffee shops, discussing what went wrong. Was it a flaw in the theory? Or was it the human nature variable that caused the problems? Later, when I became a priest and saw the workings of the church from the inside, I remembered those earlier conversations. Where does the message of Christ fit within the church? Is it only natural that the church would evolve the way it has, given the set of variables of divine message, human frailty and time? In this sense, the idea of playing, and therefore evolving, in a virtual environment gives another dimension to the study of religion that we might not have otherwise. In other words, we can tweak the variables to influence the outcome. I find simulations such as Second Life exciting for this reason. We might find that problems are intrinsic to the religious systems they evolve in, or we may find that it is possible to have a religion that is consumed with and by love. In either case, a virtual church gives us yet another opportunity to think about our actions and how important our sense of responsibility is to the world. FR. VAZKEN MOVSESIAN Armenian Church In His Shoes Mission

Examining the UFO Question

Published June 2, 2007

IN THEORY

Examining the UFO Question

Q:

City officials in Roswell, N.M., want to establish a UFO-themed amusement park, given the area's history — some believe a UFO crashed in the area. Do you believe in UFOs and alien life?

A:

Of course I do. What a fun thing to believe in.

Whether a person is religious or not, there is an element of logic that cannot be ignored. Namely, the universe is so large and so vast that it is logical to assume that we're not the only people in it. And, in the same vein, because the universe is so big and distances so far, we probably have not been visited by ET.

However, I enjoy this topic because it motivates us to wonder. We open our minds to possibilities. We can't regurgitate the standard lines because there are no standards. And so our thinking and expression are fresh.

Belief in alien existence gives us a chance to contemplate existence in general. Why are we here? Where are we going? What does this all mean?

And if you can't think outside the box, you have a lot of explaining to do because the Bible certainly has enough occurrences of life forms coming from heaven to sustain a belief in extraterrestrial existence.

So maybe the big question is, do they believe in us? If so, did that belief warrant a trip to our planet? And if not, then what?

FR. VAZKEN MOVSESIAN
Armenian Church
In His Shoes Mission

Religious Illiteracy

Published May 26, 2007

IN THEORY

Religious Illiteracy

Q:

Boston University's religion department head Stephen Prothero's new book, "Religious Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know -- And Doesn't," reports that though most Americans say they are religious, they aren't very religiously literate. That is, according to Prothero, Americans lack critical knowledge about their own religions and of others. Surveys report that only half of adult Americans can name any of the four Gospels. And most Americans can't name the first book of the Bible. They also find that most Americans think Jesus was born in Jerusalem. Do you find this lack of religious literacy in the communities you live and work in? And what do you think it means?

A:

Religious illiteracy is only a small subset of the bigger problem of illiteracy in general. We operate with sound bites. The popularity of text messaging vouches for this. Internet resources and electronic libraries give us quick answers to rather large and complicated situations. We used to rely on "Cliff Notes" for books, now the "For Dummys" series allows us a bite size version of everything including religion. Even this column is a reflection of this crisis, by condensing issues into a few paragraphs, we appease an appetite for the knowledge, without the struggle to process it.

Religion has a cloud of mysticism circling it. For some, there is a comfort level in that mystery. For others, it is bothersome and their thirst for explanation needs to be quenched.

But reading books alone is not the answer, especially when it comes to a book such as the Bible or other scriptures which are deemed sacred by various traditions, e.g. the Bhagavad Gita or the "Diamond" Sutra, the Torah, or the Quoran.

I'm always wary as to who is teaching? Who is translating? Perspective can change things. Even in Orthodoxy, we're very cautious when it comes to Scripture. The Armenian word literally translates to the "Breath of God" because it is truly and wholly sacred. It is not something that should be rendered by personal interpretation, but has its place in the entirety of life. God, we believe, gave us something greater than written words, it is the life we each live and share, and in that life we enjoy the love that was manifest through Christ.

Fr. Vazken Movsesian

Armenian Church

In His Shoes Mission

The War & Memorial Day: A Message

Published May 26, 2007

IN THEORY

The War & Memorial Day: A Message

Q:

With Memorial Day upon us, we are a nation at war. If you could give a Memorial Day message, what would it be?

A:

For several months I’ve found it difficult to respond regularly to the questions of this column precisely because we are a nation at war. As a clergyman, it is hard to imagine anything else worth discussing while such a major insult to human life takes place.

This message is not about the events in Iraq alone, but more about the seeming inevitability of war in our lives. As intelligent and rational human beings, as people with advances in technology as well as the human spirit, the idea that we solve our problems by killing and annihilating one another seems absurd. It’s even ironic how we are convinced that the road to peace is paved with weaponry. When Jesus tells his apostles to put away their swords he gives us the ultimate pro-life axiom, “...for all who take the sword will perish by the sword.” (Matthew 26:52) Hatred begets hatred, violence begets violence and war..., well, it just goes to follow that it does not bring peace.

As clergy, especially as people of faith, we must work for systems that bring about peace even in the most violent settings. True Christianity is a call to look for reconciliation with one another, be it with our friends, within our families or on the world stage between nations.

On this Memorial Day, my thoughts and prayers go out to "all the brave soldiers who will never get older" (CSNY). May their memory and their lasting courage remind us that freedom comes with a cost. We are forever grateful for their sacrifice. At the same time, may we be moved by their deaths, to seek new means by which to pay off the cost of freedom. Through dialog, compassion, understanding and all the resources that we are endowed with, we can make a world where the absurdity of war will translate into its obsolescence.

Fr. Vazken Movsesian

Armenian Church

In His Shoes Mission

Belief and the Defeat of Death

Published April 7, 2007 IN THEORY Belief and the Defeat of Death Q: Two Thousand years after Christ's death, people still debate the resurrection. Many remain steadfast that it was a historical event, but others, even Christians, believe that such a Biblical story can't be taken as historical fact, but rather as metaphorical. What do you think? A: No question about it. Unequivocally, yes. The resurrection is a historical fact. I know that it's a bizarre concept especially for us in Glendale; we're surrounded by two Forest Lawns on both sides of the city. Not one body going in has ever come back out of those green hills. And as much as Grandview has dominated headlines, it hasn't been because of rejuvenated corpses. So what does this say about Jesus' Resurrection? Absolutely nothing. You either accept it or you don't. One of the strongest arguments for the resurrection comes from my tradition. The Apostle Thaddeus came to Armenia proclaiming Jesus' resurrection. He was executed for his belief. The Apostle Bartholomew came five years later in 46A.D. They killed him as well for the same reason: claiming that Jesus had resurrected. People don't give up their lives for hoaxes. They don't submit themselves to flaying, flogging and other tortures just to maintain a lie; especially when they're alone and could easily change their story. In fact, all of the Apostles were martyred for their belief in the resurrection, except for John, who ended up in prison. But for all the proofs and arguments there are (and there are many), I find they are not necessary. You either accept it or you don't. Jesus rose because good always wins out over evil. The resurrection happened because love is more powerful than hate, life is more enduring than death. This is the basis of our faith as Christians. It is built upon the victory found in the Resurrection. Happy Easter. FATHER VAZKEN MOVSESIAN Armenian Church In His Shoes Mission