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Where art meets politics: War as dilemma |
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By The Rev. Connie Regener
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Tuesday, 03 November 2009 |
A picture is worth a thousand words.
So, instead of a column filled with words this month, I want to fill the space with two pictures from a northern California-based artist.
Al Farrow is a former structural engineer at Bechtel. He builds miniature mosques and cathedrals out of gun parts — AK 47s, Uzis, bullets, artillery shells and shot. His work is very meticulous and takes a long time to create.
There is no doubt that this is pointing out how quickly and senselessly life can be taken.
The name of the cathedral is “Santo Guerro,” a word play easily recognized as “Saint War.” It shows how we can idolize and elevate war instead of realizing it for the horror that it is.
I am reminded that most, if not all, of the world’s major religions have undermined or at least jeopardized their moral authority by condoning war. As I viewed this sculpture in the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park, I could not help but think of two scriptures that the world would do well to remember:
“They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.” (Bible, Isaiah 2:4)
“But when you are greeted with a greeting [of peace], answer with an even better greeting, or [at least] with the like thereof. Verily, God keeps count indeed of all things.” (Qur’an 4:86)
IFN columnist The Rev. Connie Regener,a graduate of Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena and chaplain at Orange Coast memorial Medical Center in Fountain Valley, is a religious commentator in the Southland.
Photos courtesy www.lostateminor.com
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Last Updated ( Friday, 04 December 2009 )
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