One thing I’ve never
quite understood
about religion
is why most everyone believes
that there is no end to time,
but so many people
feel the need
to create a beginning.
Faith.
How fickle this word is!
Just when you think
you’ve defined it,
it morphs again
in the eyes
of some other beholder.
Manmade gods,
worshiped texts
no apparently holier
than any other,
blind following
of things
they don’t really
understand.
Complete disregard
for any reason.
(there again
is a subjective word)
Distorted truths,
shame and concealment.
Go ahead.
Beat emotions down.
Censor the opinionated.
Drink your sins away.
Come Sunday,
Confession’ll
wipe your slate clean.
There is often times
much beauty
and love
in the souls of those
who live unquestioningly,
but what for the ones left?
The stragglers,
pre-labeled:
non stop to hell.
I ask of you,
all ye faithful,
are we really so wrong?
Author notes
I'm sorry if this offends anybody, but this is really how I feel. I welcome discussion and criticism on this, as long as it is friendly. Basically, to quote Abraham Lincoln, "When I do good, I feel good; when I do bad, I feel bad, and that is my religion". I live my life based on my own morals and conscience, not any predetermined ones.
Written May 13th, 2004
A contest entry
- Spirituality by Easy Assumption.
300 points, ended May 18, 2004, 7 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think
Comments
1 - 7 of 7
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Raven Aurora,
Yes, it is very sad how so many people do such horrible things in the names of respectable religions, manipulating faith to mean what they want it to. It is disgusting to me how some people think they can justify their wrongdoings by any means, but especially by religion. Thank you veyr much for your comment.
xoxo forevermore -
Easy Assumption,
I cannot thank you enough for awarding me first in this contest. I appreciate it so much.. this was a wonderful surprise. I am so glad that people recieved this poem, opened their minds to it, and interpreted it for themselves. I would be extremely flattered and delighted if you used it for your youth group. As for the lack of critiques, I really don't mind.. the people that did comment were lovely and opinionated. Thank you, thank you again for giving me the opportunity to write for you.. it was challenging, rewarding, and even catharthic! Please use this in whatever way you wish.
xoxo forevermore -
excellent
Interesting Poem. I think it was Calvin who said " the just shall live by faith alone" We all have faith it may be faith that the car behind will stop when you do.
Deep question you ask . It seems that people believe what they want to believe. Faith being such a personal thing. I wish you well on your journey of life. Thank you for sharing your thoughts -
The reasons you stated in your poem is the very reason why I refuse to be known as a "religious" person. Mankind's inherent inclination to lean toward all the wrong things gives any religion--be it Christianity, or Islam, Buddhism, or whatever else--a bad name. You have made many great points, which unfortunately are true for a multitude of people. I do not approve of people using religion to justify any wrongdoing, such as war, adultery, etc. And how many times have I seen different "sects" or "denominations" twisting what they know is the truth, diluting it to fit their own desires? Ugh! What has human nature come to these days?
I have to agree with Easy Assumption; more people should read and comment to this piece.
Many blessings,
Raven Aurora
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I'm not sure what else i can say that I didn't already say. But this is a great piece (obviosly I liked it). With your permission, I'd like to incorperate it into some conversation with the youth I work with at a summer camp. Thanks again for sharing. I just wish more people would have read it and commented on it.
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Thank you for your comment! Basically, I admire people who love their faith and find joy and hope in it... but it is too often that people use religion in very bad ways, as in the case of someone distorting a religion to justify something that is actually very wrong. I really appreciate your comment!
xoxo forevermore -
A different and interesting take on life and spirituality. I like how you tackle all the "big" questions head on. And you've hit some great (but very sad) points about a lot (but not all) people who do ascribe to a particular faith (particularly, Christians). There is a lot of close mindedness, hate, ridicule, and fear, none of which, I believe, are called for. And your deffinition of faith hits it right on the head, even for me, as someone of a particular faith. It is a constant morphing struggle. I really liked what you had to say. Thanks for sharing.
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