No Checked Brain: Think
Armodoxy for Today: Okay to Think
Since 2008 I have been producing a podcast called “The Next Step.” Each episode is approximately one-hour long, that looks at trends in life through the lens of Armenian Orthodoxy. While I comment about different issues of faith and life, I always try to leave the audience with something to ponder, to stimulate thought and introspection.
One of our listeners once reviewed our show and wrote, “You don’t have to check your brain in at the door to follow Armodoxy.” This became a catch phrase in our intro and our promos. I was honored and flattered that the listener had expressed himself in this manner. In a conversation with him, he explained that many churches invite you in and expect you to “check your brain in at the door” and forget about reason or even common sense.
The Christian Church, and in particular the Armenian Church, has a rich Tradition with a message that is timeless and universal, that is it speaks to everyone. And as populations become more learned and expressive, the Church has to keep up and share the message of Christ as an essential calling to the world. Accordingly, it has to make sense. It cannot defy reason, nor common sense.
The oldest and most essential message of the Bible comes to us from Christ. While portions of the Bible predate the Birth of Jesus, the oldest message is revealed at His Nativity. It is the message conveyed by the angels, who proclaim the presence of Christ in the World. “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:14) This message does not need qualifiers. It does not need to be explained or justified. It is the object of Thy Kingdom Come. It is the Will that needs to be done on earth as it is in heaven. And we find our purpose within the Kingdom as those who make His Will happen on this earth.
It is simple, logical, reasonable and makes sense! Peace is our goal and finding harmony with one another is the essential means of bringing about peace. Prayer, meditation, fasting, and using the God-given gift of reason and communication are the tools offered to comply with this revelation.
From the Armenian Church’s Book of Hours we pray, Peace and life, our Lord and Savior, the Only Begotten Son of God, give us Your peace, that You grant to your holy apostles by breathing into them Your life-giving and all powerful Holy Spirit, so that having found our peace from all worldly commotions we may become a temple and a habitat for Your grace. Amen.
Cover: Iron claw machine at Lake Sevan, 2014 Fr. Vazken
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