Ask the Pastor: Religion in Education; Icons; Alcohol in the Lord's Supper; Names of the Wise Men; God and the Holocaust by the Rev. Walter Snyder Religion Columnist Q: I'm a French woman attending a university in England and have four questions about religion in education for a paper I'm doing for a class. First, some people say religion is declining; what do you think about that? A1: In many places, it is in serious decline, including your home country and where you are studying. The same is true in much of the western world, including also the US and Canada. Yet in much of the world, the Christian Gospel is expanding and many non-Christian groups are also quite strong. Second, do you think that morality can be distinguished from religion or is it part of it? A2: I think that "civil righteousness" can be somewhat part of even an atheist's life. Yet the truly deep questions will always be grounded in one's religious beliefs, even if the "religion" is actually trust and confidence in science, random chance, or anything else. I would argue that even the atheist is religious, since he also places confidence in some person or thing to give meaning to life and bring protection, etc. Third, do you think religion is opposed to science? A3: Not true religion and true science. Both, however, can be overrun with fanatics who misinterpret and misinform. For instance, I happen to believe that evolution is both bad science and bad theology. And quite often, especially in days gone by, the Christian Church encouraged and even financially supported scientific exploration. Finally, according to you, what place should religion have in education, given the changes it is going through? A4: Again, I think that everyone has some type of value or belief system that is based on assumptions that have a religious flavor. And even if religion---specifically Christianity---is in decline, then the time is even more proper for it to be involved in education. Even in secular schools, children cannot properly understand the motives of others in this day and especially in prior days if they don't have a working knowledge of various religious beliefs and practices and the thinking that grows out of them. Q: I have two questions: Are the icons [paintings, drawings, and the like of various saints or of Christ] idolatry? Should the wine in the Lord's Supper be alcoholic or not? A: It depends upon how icons are used. The Bible warns against contacting the dead, or about worshiping anyone or anything other than the true God, so I'd not call upon a saint for help, nor would I "worship" the icon nor the saint. However, if they are used to focus our thoughts and our devotion, then they can be used well and wisely. Regarding the Lord's Supper, "should" makes this a question of the Law, while the Supper is pure Gospel and forgiveness. However, we are wise when we do as Christ gave us to do. If much of the alcohol is removed following fermentation, I'd not be overly concerned. However, since unfermented grape juice was unknown in Jesus' time, I'd not replace wine with regular grape juice. Q: What are the names of the three wise men in the Bible? A: The Bible doesn't mention three; it speaks of wise men (magi) from the east. The number three is often assumed because of the three gifts. However, there may have been two or a whole bunch. Different branches of the Christian Church have assigned different names: Among the Latins, from the seventh century, we find slight variants of the names, Gaspar (Caspar), Melchior, and Balthasar. The Syrians have Larvandad, Hormisdas, Gushnasaph, etc.; the Armenians, Kagba, Badadilma, etc. Other names have been used, as well, in different Christian bodies. Q: Where was God during the Holocaust? A: He was in his Church and in and among his people, many of whom worked valiantly to rescue Jews and to battle the evil of Hitler. The same horrible, satanic evil of Nazism was also used by God to challenge many of his saints to heroic acts of faith, even on behalf of many who did not believe in Jesus as Messiah and Savior. As for the Holocaust itself, while its evil was horrendous, it doesn't mean that God was not active. The end of the evil was not only a military victory or a political victory but a spiritual victory. However, darkness will continue to try overtaking God's people until the end of time. To Ask the Pastor, please write Ask the Pastor, PO Box 12, Emma, MO, 65327 or send email to askthepastor@aol.com. I look forward to hearing from you. Walter Snyder is the pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Emma, Missouri and coauthor of the book "What Do Lutherans Believe." Ask the Pastor is copyright (c) 2001 by Walter P. Snyder. 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