 |
 |
 |
| |
An Atheist's Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven
Wait!
The world was made in how many days?
Did you say seven?
I attended church for most of my life.
It was before my son and wonderful wife
There was even a time when I prayed everyday
I spent time in Church.
Was I supposed to pay?
The apple and snake make a fantastic tale
Was it the snake or the woman?
I still can't tell.
Because if Eve made the choice, then the snake did no ill.
She was already punished with the curse of free will
There was also a man who murdered his brother.
His name was Cain
But you flooded the earth.
Isn't that insane?
Because they didn't worship you?
That sounds vain.
A talking bush, which we're told was on fire
But it asked for no water, a more urgent desire?
The water was gone; it was all turned to wine.
A man in a whale; You cured the blind.
You convinced the Disciples, and many Hebrews
But in two thousand years,
You give no more clues?
Those who fled Sodom like the wife of Lot
Who ran with her husband who wouldn't be caught.
And while she was running and carrying her sack
You decided to kill her
Just because she looked back?
I read that you lived and then suffered on the cross
I don't get it; I thought you were the boss.
You punished the wicked with brimstone and fire
You flooded the earth.
Was that your desire?
We call ourselves Christians
You're a self proclaimed Jew
'The son of God' said the Romans.
Who knew?
I learned about science
And it goes back billions of years.
Your side screams Creation
Only seven thousand years?
Good people suffer and die every day
And this happens regardless of how many pray.
There are people who rape, lie, cheat and steal.
These people are many, not just a few
And we should forgive them?
Just because they know You?
It gets worse; there are even people who kill.
Oh yeah! I forgot; it's the fault of 'Free Will.'
I know some good people and they swear they know You
If they didn't, would we now count how many they slew?
You give detailed instructions on how we should live
An eye for an eye
But what about forgive?
I think this is nuts and there are too many fools
C'mon, a perfect society?
With only ten rules?
Millions are dead for the wars in your name
Will I really be damned
For saying 'Jesus' in vain?
Millions more still suffer, for no rhyme or reason.
Are they all bad people, or is it just in season?
Are these questions hard for me because I don't have Faith?
Will Faith answer my questions, or put my mind at ease?
Well I once had Faith, and there was still the disease.
You know, the disease of believing.
It has a more common name
It's called Self-Deceiving.
I once was a Christian
Just as you were once a Jew
If we ever do meet, stay your Judgment
I've got questions for you!
Amen.
Copyright © 2007 by Jeffrey A Brooker
Want to comment on this Poetry?
Sign up to Edit Red and you will be able to comment on Poetry and get access to: Upload your own stories and poems, get readers and their feedback, promote your work...
|
 |
|
[Back to top]
|
|
|
|
| Loved this. I had to give it to my husband to read too. |
|
|
| I love how this poem is art but at the same time, makes ya think. Great job. |
|
|
Bud, you've done. I have finally read a bit of poetry that actually compelled me to respond, rather than cringe away from the saccarin sweetness promised in the first few lines.
The whole piece reminds me of a line from "Oh Brother, where art Thou" (George Clooney, funny as hell).
"God forgives, but the state of Alabama is a little more hard nosed." (This said from the perspective of a man in a prisoners stripes.
GOod stuff. Keep it coming. |
|
|
Man, I would love to just sit down and have a conversation with you about some of the points you raised in this poem. I must say, it's very thought-provoking.
You writing style in this particular piece is quite flamboiant and fun. It was an effortless read; very clear, and you definately don't beat around the bush! Thanks for writing this; like I said, you've made me think... |
 |
Comment by: - 2007-06-24 15:43
|
|
| very good expression of the confusion that sets in when rationalizing the various verse of religion, we are taught to question everything except religion, my favorite line goes on about the endless wars in his name, it doesnt make preach peace and the faithful kill, me i am still on the journey of uncertainty |
| 1 2 3 4 Next |
|
 |
 |
 |
|
|