Why are my friends so shocked by my Christian poems ?

Question

I am Christian and have been for years. I am also a Christian poet. When one of my poems was read at my mother's funeral, everyone seemed "shocked" that I had written it and a whole book of unpublished poems that are mainly Christian. They couldn't seem to believe that I have that much passion about my subject.
I know I have trouble speaking to groups but that doesn't mean I don't have the same passion.

I probably should add that most told me the poems touched them because they (the poems) reflected some of their feelings and the poems touched them on other levels.

Answer 1

Probably because they are "unpublished". No one knows what talents you have if you don't tell anyone.

Answer 2

I doubt it has anything to do with your Christianity. Maybe you just don't look the part of a poet. A close friend of mine is an amazing poet and has shared some incredibly deep, beautiful poetry with me about the passing of his father, but no one would ever guess he writes poetry simply because he doesn't look like the stereotypical poet (he's a huge guy, into Viking lore and shaving his head, has a goatee, tattoos, and pierced nipples).

)O(

Answer 3

Well I think in general people who don't write have trouble understanding people who do. So they probably never even thought that you were writing.

My personal opinion (adn don't take this as an insult) is that all poets other than ee cummings stink (and that includes me) but poetry is like raquetball, you may not be good at it, but it is still very rewarding.

Answer 4

Perhaps your friends think of all Christians as Republicans who hate art and free thought.

There are many who call themselves Christian, but few really are. Those that are usually shock the system because of their kindness and inner beauty.