A Short Poem of Religion...thoughts?

Question

I freely received life
......so I freely give
Great motto by which to live
I bless the teachings of Jesus
Forgive me if skeptical of him as a man.
Forgive me if I laugh in your face;
if you say that in his plan is race.
Oh no! What's your dysfunction?
Meant for nobody specifically,
but meant for all to just think...

Answer 1

the words you've chosen for this poem work so brilliantly together, I'm in awe of your ability....
first, the two lines that start with "forgive"--the first is an apology, the second is blatant mockery.... it's the use of the same word with the opposite pole of sincerity.
each and every word seems to have been chosen with the same care. really great work.

Answer 2

Deeply personal subject to be sure, as is ones politics, or even a favorite color choice, a very specific experience.

Understanding, tolerance, and acceptance of others, in their belief systems is probably the most valid thing one can achieve. Not that you are trying,,,but to attempt to convert anyone in any feeling of belief about anything seems to me, a selfish act.

Certainly your piece very directly suggests Christianity, and that's fine, but your piece is also being broadcast to MILLIONS, the majority of which may not be involved in that belief system, yet still feel theirs valid.

I do kind of lean toward your thought and statement about "Him as a man" yet none of us can truly know.

Poetry, as much as Life, is so much an interprative experience, and thankfully very individual.

You seem to be expressing prolifically here, Keep at it. Provoking thought is as much natural, as is breathing.

Steven Wolf