As part of Iravaban.net‘s “The Church and the Law” interview series, we spoke with Father Markos Mangasaryan, Director of Social Services at the Mother See, on the topic “Spiritual Education in the 21st Century: Challenges and Prospects.”
-What is spiritual education in the modern world and what are its main objectives in contemporary society?
-Both in the 21st century and in the 5th century, human spiritual needs remain the same. These needs may transform and manifest differently, but nonetheless, people in both the 5th and 21st centuries need spiritual education. Spiritual education means knowing God and having a stronger moral character through spiritual values. So there is absolutely no difference regardless of which century we live in. Yes, the modern world brings its own interests and temptations for people. But no matter how many alternatives a person has to fill their life and satisfy their interests, without spiritual education, without communication with the divine, something will remain missing.
-You mentioned that spiritual education is especially important for knowing God. In this era of artificial intelligence, for example, are young people interested in trying to recognize God?
-I believe that in the modern era of artificial intelligence, people are still searching, just as AI itself is searching. Sometimes I notice with surprise that there are camps with extremely different positions. One important thing is clear: AI is a tool created by humans and it’s a means that cannot be ignored. We need to understand how we should work with it and how we can continue to remain human in the age of artificial intelligence—an era where machines are coming to replace many human functions. We shouldn’t be terrified by this, but instead understand what we have to offer in response, and after that, we need to consider whether humans still have a question of spiritual education and seeking God. Even at the peak of artificial intelligence development, whenever that may be, humans will still seek God.
-In recent years, the teaching of Armenian Church history in public schools has given rise to various interpretations. How should spiritual education be organized in educational institutions, taking into account both the secular nature of education enshrined in the Constitution and the special role of the Armenian Apostolic Church as the national church?
-We hope that one day this issue will be corrected and it will be taught again, but until that day comes, the church must continue to educate and nurture its people as it always has, by further strengthening community structures. These are tools that the church always has, and regardless of whether the state supports us in any matter or not, we must continue to use these tools. I am confident that the subject of Armenian Church History will be restored, but until then, all churches must be able to revitalize youth unions and Sunday schools must be emphasized.
Details in the video.
