The question “what business do priests have in schools,” which became a topic of discussion recently, has many answers, starting with the Constitution and ending with high moral precepts. Such questions most likely do not rise among the Polish or the Irish, for example, although no one has any doubts that they are secular states. What needs to be taught in schools is a different question entirely, but allow me to begin on a different note and speak about another issue that is frequently brought up on the internet, much to the dismay of several readers and several news outlets.
Let’s look at this issue from both sides.
- If I am a reader and I believe that the particular news outlet or journalist is wrong, and that they have been paid to write about a specific topic or they’ve been directed, they’re anti-nationalist, they’re ignorant, they’re publishing yellow journalism, and more (this list can go on forever), then what is stopping me from simply not reading articles written by that journalist or newspaper so I can spare my own nerves? That is the most logical solution for me. It is a different question entirely if the reader is a fighter and they want to open society’s eyes to what that newspaper truly is. That is their decision.
- If I am a journalist, and a reader believes that I am wrong, a liar, I’m a sellout, or whatever else (I don’t need to repeat the same list), then why should I get upset? Some people like me, and some people don’t. It is not necessary at all for everyone to like me, and if someone doesn’t like me, then there is no need to look for conspiracies, pressure, and persecution. Besides, if I wonder what people will think about me before doing anything, then it’s better for me to never do anything at all.
The same goes for raising people spiritually. I want for an Armenian Apostolic priest to spend time with my child if he is truly dedicated to his work. I would not want for a teacher with an old-fashioned mindset to speak with my child about spiritualism, which is the easiest way to turn someone into an atheist. But when I am referring to this conversation, I do not mean that they should speak about who the Catholicos was in a particular year or what organizations they founded. That is where Armenian history comes in. The subject needs to be what unites all spiritual studies: kindness, love, compassion, a good work ethic, as well as the rejection of hatred, jealousy, envy, and anger. But it is very possible that there will be parents who do not want to listen to any of that at all. Let them state that they believe in different values, and that they will not allow their children to participate in those classes. That is everyone’s personal decision.
On Sunday, two well-dressed, made-up women knocked on my door and told me that they are thinking about God’s decisions. I apologized and closed my door. I also am thinking about God’s decisions, but on my own.
Aram Abrahamyan
Photo credits: Medialab
