The Violent Content of Psalm 137 - Case Study Example

Religion and Theology I Parenting in the contemporary society has become a major challenge, owing to the accessibility of adverse materials from the web and other media that might cause children’s behavior to transform negatively. This requires that parents should be vigilant in evaluating the nature of music that their children listen to or watch, owing to the fact that music has the power to influence. In the same manner the African American Lectionary states, it is possible to use the violent content of Psalm 137 or music to achieve non-violent behavior. Nevertheless, the positive effect of such content can only be achieved if the teaching on the content is done by an informed individual, who is able to differentiate meanings of the words and images used. The studies by American Academy of Pediatrics have shown that music has relatively low influence on the behavior of children. The lack of observable influence simply results from the fact that little attention is paid o the lyrics of music, while at the same time; the level of understanding of such lyrics by children might be low. However, there is an open suggestion by researchers that music has an influence on the behavior of children. The isolation of an individual or that of children by their parents is not a solution to avoiding the evil that is rampant in the modern society. The plausible alternative is for individuals to educate each other regarding the consequences of certain thoughts and actions. This would be essential to avoid taking action that would harm the society, by simply paying attention to misleading actions or information. For example, it is very easy for people to misinterpret the revenge theme covered in Psalms 137, by holding that it is the right of the Jews to be revenge against harm. However, when the psalm is read carefully, it simply indicates the need for the Jews to adhere to good conduct, and allow another power beyond them to revenge for their harm. The content of this psalm reveals the Jewish belief in the golden rule that those who wrong others will also encounter just punishment. This understanding is instrumental in helping people avoid violent and evil behavior towards others. II It is right that the Liturgy of the Hours needs to be included in at the end of psalms 137, only that it needs to be accompanied by positive interpretation like the one offered by St. Augustine, Ambrose or Oregon. There is a need t interpret the bible both figuratively and also literally, such that it might not end up being used the same way as modern music and lyrics, which are expressively portraying promiscuity and violence. It is therefore the role of parents to guide their children in the choice of songs, by interpreting to them what is good or not. Nevertheless, it is not only for the children but also for adults to choose the content of the music carefully. This is because; words have a psychological effect, meaning that there is a need to meditate on the positive as opposed to the evil aspect of music. There is no denying that the Bible is full of stories expressing violence and promiscuity. However, it is critical to understand that Gods intention was not to expose such evil just for the sake of it, but to show the accompanying consequences to the individuals who were involved in such actions. The evils of violence and promiscuity have been applied by God to prepare the people on how to address everyday evils that comes with life. Thus, the evils applied are matched with their punishing consequences just as if God is a parent saying to His children, “Look, this is what happens to you if you do this and that.” In the same manner, it is the responsibility of the preachers to prepare the people on how to live in the world full of evil. They need to achieve this through presenting the truth to the people, and not just tell them the things they would want to hear. III CUA wants a liturgical summon that would interpret the content of psalms 137 which they have understood though the interpretation of St. Augustine; that is representative of the kingdom of God, while Babylon is representative of the corrupt world. Some students think the content of Psalms 137 is too violent for religious teachings, observing that the Catholic Church has eliminated some of its verses from the Liturgy of the Hour, while others are of the view that the Scripture should not be censored in any way. How would you recommend that the verse be explained by whoever delivers the homily/sermon at the liturgy? (2-3 paragraphs) Most probably, the best way of interpreting the content of the last verse of psalms 137 is to embrace St. Augustine’s interpretation that applies the figurative meaning, which requires that the death of the evil desires should come as soon as they are born, through imitating Jesus Christ who is the Rock. The connection of the Old Testament verse with the saving grace of Jesus Christ present in the Ne w Testament is the most prominent way of creating a convincing message. Alternatively, another approach that entails explaining the history of violence and war in the Bible can be applied, to link the Psalm with the violent nature of the historical wars that did not spare even children in the cleansing of the races. The preacher can also cite that the Old Testament has also narrated of incidences where God himself ordered that even women and children should be destroyed. In so doing, the preacher can represent this as a twist of the holy wrath of God in destroying all that He considers evil. The preacher can then explain that God is love, and He hates sin, thus no sinner will even enter his presence. This can then be connected with the need for people to discipline themselves like Paul did, through accepting the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Read More