I am a practicing Christian (Presbyterian to be exact). My personal beliefs are not completely in line with all of my church’s teachings, but I still find it to be a source of comfort and inspiration to me. I also believe in science. And where history, archaeology and science diverge from my church’s teachings, I try to look at biblical text as a source of allegorical teaching, more so than a literal history. I’m not trying to convert or convince anyone that my way of looking at religion is any better or worse than any other person’s views. I am just sharing this as background to my diary.
A few days ago, a friend of mine posted a poem (on FB) about how Christmas is being corrupted, and complaining about not being allowed to pray in schools or public places, and scolding everyone for not celebrating Christmas the way she felt it should be. I love this friend, and didn’t want to make a huge fuss, but the poem just grated on me. So I gritted my teeth, braced for the push back, and commented on it. I pointed out that separation of church and state was the foundation of this country, and that it was exactly what protected her right to practice her faith and celebrate Christmas the way she wants. I told her that nobody was stopping her from praying in public, but that she shouldn’t be trying to force others to do so. I also mentioned that a lot of self-proclaimed Christians these days were posting vile and hateful things all over the internet. And I then suggested that if people really wanted to demonstrate Christian values they should talk with their churches and ask them to host a Syrian refugee family (something that has been in the news and on my mind a lot lately).
I knew my suggestions would not go over terribly well, but I was not expecting this individual to argue with me about whether or not the USA is a “Christian nation” or about what our founding fathers intended (particularly since anyone can look up the writings and quotes from many of the founding fathers online). I also was not expecting her mother to comment back in such vile language and derision. Nor did I expect “friends of friends” to jump into the discussion with cursing and vitriol and to congratulate each other for such comments.
Well, I did my best to smooth things over with my friend, and then backed out of the ongoing dialogue. But it has continued to itch at my brain, as I try to understand the shocking (and often foul) turn conversation takes whenever I disagree with anything from the religious or political right. Whatever happened to civil discourse? I really don’t have the answers. But this poem of my own began composing itself in my head, so I had to write it down somewhere, and thought perhaps using it to write my first dKos diary would give me a little practice at that as well. With this poem, I kept the religious overtones because it came to me as a response to my friend’s less tolerant poem and some of the intolerant postings I have seen lately from conservative “Christians”. Since it speaks to my own personal faith, it may or may not appeal to you.
C’est la vie.
How can you love dear Jesus if you hate your fellow man?
‘Twas Christ who bade us love them and give comfort where we can.
How can you follow Jesus with a weapon in your hand,
When He gave His life for our sake as a sacrificial lamb?
God told us not to lie or steal or cheat or hate or kill.
So how can you speak such hateful things and claim to do God’s will?
How can you hear the weeping of those torn apart by war,
Then shrug it off, or turn away, and simply lock the door?
When you claim to do in His name what He forbade us do,
Perhaps He hangs His head in grief and cries for me and you.
If you really want to show Him that your faith and love are real,
Then remember what he taught us, and remember his last meal.
This bread is like my body which was broken for your sin.
This wine is like my blood spilt so that heaven lets you in.
Please remember what Christ taught us: Love your neighbors far and near.
Love your God with all your heart and soul and all which you hold dear.