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

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