I’m breathing deep and taking a long pause to think carefully about what you have shared. The Hermitage Spiritual Retreat Center on Lake Pomme to Terre (‘Potato Lake’) where W. Paul Jones possibly is still the Resident Director, has on its website some amazing reflective comments by retreatants who have visited there. They are well worth reading through. I think part of the solution to dealing with the juxtapositions of Obsessio and Epiphania in our lives and various Christian communities, is to ascetically withdraw for a while, and take a spiritual and mental hiatus to embrace and rediscover who it is that we are, by emptying ourselves of all internal and external judgements and simply communing with Nature. Less of Me, more of Him! Eventually, all faith communities have the potential to become ‘lobster traps’ if we don’t allow ourselves to grow beyond their dogma. The Body of Christ is in the process of dynamic regeneration, and we must be a part of that change if our faith is real. The average human is made up of over 30 trillion cells, with about 330 billion being replaced daily. In about 100 days, that 30 trillion will have been totally replaced and replenished - essentially creating a ‘New You’. We are wonderfully made, but not meant to last in this present state. When we are subsumed into his presence, the borders and boundaries that separate us, melt and we experience a beautiful moment of what will be in our eternal regeneration. Rather than bifurcating one’s Obsessio and Epiphania, could they not be same thing coextensive within our consciousness? We ‘Existentially’ contrive a problem, only to then ‘Essentialistically’ resolve it.
This post was interesting. I had not heard it put that way before. Your observation was astute.
Evangelicalism is obsessed with sin. It is also oblivious to righteousness, which is peculiar because justification is not by the absence of sin but the presence of righteousness. The Greek words for justification and righteousness are different forms of the same word. Evangelicalism champions the Great Commandment, but is oblivious to the New Commandment. They prefer the law of sin and death over the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus; that is what they preach. They believe that loving one another as Jesus has loved you is the same as love your neighbor as yourself. Would you rather be loved as Christ loved, or as I loved myself. Christ loves me by the Spirit, I love me in the flesh.
The power of the law of Moses is condemnation - there is no provision for justification. The law of sin and death works against me. Violate it once and I am condemned.
The power of the law of the Spirit of life is justification - there is no provision of condemnation. This law works for me. Obey it once and I am justified.
The law I am under depends on the priesthood I am under (Hebrews 7:12) and Evangelicalism treats me like I am under the priesthood after the order of Aaron. Evangelicalism traffics in condemnation. I wish somebody would read them in, but I fear they would not be able to hear. If you try, they will treat you like the Catholic Church treated Martin Luther.
I am attending an independent church - at least their doctrine is not superseded at the denominational level where their essentials are carved in stone - in their hearts of stone.
With this, I have broken my New Year's resolution to stay positive.
This is all very interesting to reflect on. The language of theological worlds…
I remember once when I was thinking about all the different churches, I had this image come to mind to describe it, it helped me try to make sense of it:
I saw an open Bible. And, a multi-pack of highlighter pens. Various pages of the Bible were being flicked open and verses were being selected, then highlighted in the different colours. Each church had highlighted a different verse, using a different colour. I felt like this was what the church is like, different churches, denominations can often highlight a different ‘bit’ and then make it their thing, their expression, as if their chosen highlighted section IS the thing! I find this helpful, as it explains why I can sit in a church and sort of like it, I perhaps like the highlighted bit. However, I can also feel like I don’t fit in, as I cannot conform to the emphasis on the highlighted sections, or restrict my existence, my speech to ‘the bit’ that has been highlighted - it’s too narrowing, suffocating. It hurts my guts. And, I cannot just agree with the highlighted section to fit in. I guess in a way, the highlighted sections are a bit like each church, or each denomination’s selected, or assumed obsessio/epiphania.
it is true about evangelicalism. Very often the churches message is to try to convince people that their obsessio IS guilt, even if they do not actually feel it is! Interestingly, guilt is not really mentioned in the NT a lot! Churches can actually create this sense of judgement and move people into this obsessio!
Having said that, I am not completely dismissing the work of atonement. I do think this is part of salvation. Having previously worked in prison ministry for many years, I have seen how this message truly can be good good news for some. In can be received as good news, an epiphania for those that are literally living in the obsessio of guilt and enforced loss of liberty, confinement due to being judged and found guilty. Some do genuinely feel personal guilt, shame- evangelical language to describe atonement, being forgiven can truly be a grace. And, meet the criteria ‘good news’.
And, I remember once where I felt convicted of sin myself, the sudden stirrings of filth, shame were transformed to a feeling of being cleansed, lighter. The guilt, shame obsessio was a real theological world for me once upon a time, although it took the holy spirit to show me that it was. I do not feel guilt anymore. I do not have to wait for the eschaton to have this situation resolved.
And, I have a friend who is burdened by guilt. It is his obsessio, but the guilt hasn’t yet become so burdensome that he wants to act on it and perhaps move to the epiphania of forgiveness. The cost would be too high.
Conversely, I have seen some churches dismiss the realities of sin, they kind of brush it under the carpet because it is dealt with in Christ. They preach another aspect of the gospel which is our identity in Christ. They focus on the new identity we can claim in Christ. Sounds good. BUT, it is their epiphania that I struggle with, NOT their obsessio - they seem to preach and assume their audiences not knowing who they are, is their obsessio. For some perhaps this is the case. They assume their audience is looking for a secure identity. And, then knowing what their true identity is can solve all things, the epiphania is, it will lead you to doing great things. They forget that a lot of people in the pews just want to be able to get through the week, maybe enjoy it a little and doing great things is not on their list of priorities. Interestingly someone commented in the chat in this series that ‘identity’ could be an obsessio!
But, in my church this is truly individualised and can generate narcissistic traits, it is not a great message for those have a genuine narcissistic personality type. I see this as dangerous in churches. Wolves in sheep’s clothing. I literally do not want to hear another sermon on knowing my identity in Christ. I know what my identity in Christ is and this does not mean I am going to become a super hero, a Christian version of Elon Musk or a Christian version of Beyoncé. I think for me, my being ‘in Christ’ has led to more tribulation and suffering. Sometimes I feel my identity in Christ is the cause of me feeling like my obsessio is suffering!
But, my church doesn’t get this. They kind of preach, God loves us and wants to give us the ‘red bicycle’ we have asked our Daddy in Heaven for for Christmas - what good father wouldn’t want to give good gifts to his children? That is not the God I have experienced. I have asked for many ‘red bicycles’ and not one of them has arrived yet. I just think of the Christians in Gaza, praying for an end to the conflict to name just one conflict situation within the world. What my church preaches reminds me a bit of when Jesus suggested to his disciples that he would die and Peter was utterly offended that his Super Jesus would die. Peter said “no!” leading Jesus to rebuke him by saying “get behind me Satan!” Peter had a wrong concept of his epiphania I feel!
I like the phrase ‘cosmic mattering’ - people do want to hear this and yes, it is a thing in evangelical circles. I think this ties in with the trend for identity, purpose driven teaching and is preached A LOT. That isn’t to say we don’t matter - Jesus seemed to reach out to the ones and the twos, of course we matter, but there is an obsession with looking for ‘your purpose’. The trouble with this is we can actually miss the boat of everyday life itself. I think for many in the evangelical circles, finding your purpose is like finding your epiphania.
And, yes the songs do focus on ‘me’ and I would say over the last few years there have been many songs, again, about not just ‘me’ and my Jesus’, but who “I am”. They are hard to sing, as they feel more self affirmations, a therapeutic tool, rather than worship.
I have not been to church for a good while, not properly for many years - but as the new year unfolds I am going to try again! I will be armed with my new insights into different theological worlds to help me position myself securely and understand where ‘the others’ are coming from!
Ha!
Thank for this series, has been helpful and timely for me.
Great series Richard. John Van Donk pointed out to me how applicable this was to my online community. Made a video this morning. Blessings on your continual work. https://youtu.be/-3L9PYM_mOo
In the first stanza, the poem sets a vivid scene of wildfires engulfing the sky, signifying the destructive forces of climate change. The imagery of “crimson skies” creates an unsettling atmosphere, while the metaphor of a “trumpet” introduces the idea of a call to awareness. Despite this urgent summons, there is an acknowledgment of numbness in society, suggesting an inherent reluctance to confront uncomfortable truths.
The second stanza builds on this theme by reflecting on the paradox of recognition versus action. It questions the efficacy of being alerted to crises (“What is a wake-up”) when fear has become routine—pointing to the desensitization that follows repeated disasters. The juxtaposition of flames with the soothing idea of comfort reveals an unsettling truth: the urgency doesn't translate into meaningful change.
In the third stanza, the focus shifts to the ruling class, hinting at their role in perpetuating the cycle of ignorance and inaction. The “smoke ascends” serves as a metaphor for the obscuring of truths by those in power, reinforcing how small, ineffective gestures can mask deeper failures. The phrase “dimmed is reason” emphasizes the loss of clarity and critical thought amidst the chaos of catastrophe.
The fourth stanza emphasizes the disconnect between society's claims of progress and the underlying reluctance to change deeply ingrained habits. The idea that true change must occur "beneath the skin" suggests that transformation requires more than superficial adaptations; it must penetrate the core values and routines of individuals.
The fifth stanza articulates resignation—a sense that as the world heads towards destruction, people cling to comfort and the status quo. The grim reality that profits are derived from environmental destruction highlights a system that thrives on exploitation, thus complicating the path to genuine solutions.
In the sixth stanza, the poem critiques the superficial allure of renewable technologies like solar panels, which, while beneficial in theory, do not adequately address the systemic issues at play. The portrayal of these technologies as “gleaming like gold” suggests an ironic twist, indicating their inability to resolve the underlying crisis, as they often come with their own environmental impacts.
Finally, the seventh stanza serves as a poignant call to action. It urges readers to listen to the earth and recognize the urgency of the moment. The phrase “a flame for right” signifies hope amidst despair, suggesting that true awakening requires collective awareness and action rather than complacency in the face of disaster. This closing encapsulation advocates for a transformative response to the climate crisis, emphasizing the need for solidarity and responsibility toward the planet.
In the first stanza, the poem begins by establishing the theme of guilt as an intrinsic part of faith. It depicts how guilt shadows the believer's heart, portraying their internal struggle with shame. The metaphor of the moth drawn to flame indicates a dangerous yet irresistible draw to this guilt, setting the tone for the exploration of the complexities within the experience of faith.
In the second stanza, there is a focus on the communal aspect of worship. The individuals depicted here are part of a congregation, yet they feel an underlying tension. The "measured prose" of prayers suggests an artificiality in the comfort provided, hinting that the congregation may not fully address the doubts and struggles experienced by the worshippers.
The third stanza shifts to the written word, using the metaphor of ink and pages to describe sin and its consequences. The references to learning from pain emphasize that while these lessons are valuable, they also leave scars. The flickering candle symbolizes hope amidst turmoil, but it also suggests fragility—drawing attention to the need for a deeper understanding of one’s struggles.
In the fourth stanza, the focus narrows to the isolated individuals within the larger body of believers. There is a contrast between the public expression of faith and the private turmoil experienced in the heart. This tension indicates an emotional rift between the individual and the collective sentiment of the church, illustrating the distance felt by those who cannot fully share their burdens.
The fifth stanza centers around the theme of seeking solace. It evokes a sense of harmony in nature that contrasts with the weight of personal truth, signifying that even amidst the community, many still carry their struggles silently. The image of "aching arms" conveys a longing for redemption and the difficulty of truly finding peace in the face of guilt.
In the sixth stanza, the poem addresses the disconnect between the church’s offerings and the spiritual seekers. While the church attempts to provide hope and a way for moral resolution, many individuals feel their needs remain unmet. The phrase “naught to do” encapsulates frustration and a sense of futility in finding connection or understanding within the community.
The seventh stanza encapsulates the continual search for belonging. The multiple facets of faith—a yearning for acceptance, a desire for understanding, and an inherent struggle with guilt—reinforce the complex nature of spiritual journeys. The metaphor of guilt as a powerful, overwhelming tune reflects how it pervades the experience of the worshippers, leading to despair rather than peace.
Finally, in the eighth stanza, the poem concludes with an open question regarding the community's ability to truly offer peace and belonging. It shows how echoes of doubt lead seekers to wonder if they have found their rightful place. The imagery of where "wonder dwells" emphasizes a longing for authentic connection and understanding, culminating the exploration of deep spiritual and emotional dilemmas faced within the context of faith.
I don't see an obsessio that includes the anxiety and anger of watching the world acting like a runaway train heading off a cliff and there's nothing you can do to stop it. I'm not just talking about ecological self-destruction, more about social, cultural, political self-destruction. The helplessness you feel watching your society going up in flames. Native cultures really resonate with this one. Where does this obsessio fit?
Some might put this in social justice I think? A sense that society needs to others? To actively believe and work towards this? But, I agree with you - I do not think in reality there is anything we can do about it - a runaway train is an apt description I feel …
Too much bigotry and hypocracy has turned me away from church.
Religions seem to have become a separation in human kind..
arrogance and ignorance is what I see..
7 different churches or more in even the smallest of towns show the division too...it has become an ego fest.. do as I say not as I do. I'm right and you are wrong.
The "church" has been currupted.. it started with the religous wars and oppression and silencing of "the female" .. another boys club gone mad, like government and industry.
Woman was not created to serve man, she was created as a counter balance to the male ego and vice versa.. all that imbalance has turned into toxic relationships.. less and less marriages .. un- natural is what it is.
Spiritual awakening is impossible in such an environment...
It's been going on for centuries and people cannot even discern the truth from the lies.
Indoctrination.. the child raping priests are a sign that we were not meant to live alone when it is forced upon us.. now it has become a save haven for pedophiles.. all hush hush of course for years.. shutteling the perpetrators from church to church instead of honesty and change.
Friday the 13th, another example.
Dishonesty for too long.
A friend of mine, big catholic just left the church because she had to leave a very abusive marriage, found a good man recently and tried to marry Mr. Right, she was told she is now "soiled" or something crazy like that. She was not allowed to take communion unless she takes "classes" with her perpetrator husband that beat her for years...
Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.
I’m breathing deep and taking a long pause to think carefully about what you have shared. The Hermitage Spiritual Retreat Center on Lake Pomme to Terre (‘Potato Lake’) where W. Paul Jones possibly is still the Resident Director, has on its website some amazing reflective comments by retreatants who have visited there. They are well worth reading through. I think part of the solution to dealing with the juxtapositions of Obsessio and Epiphania in our lives and various Christian communities, is to ascetically withdraw for a while, and take a spiritual and mental hiatus to embrace and rediscover who it is that we are, by emptying ourselves of all internal and external judgements and simply communing with Nature. Less of Me, more of Him! Eventually, all faith communities have the potential to become ‘lobster traps’ if we don’t allow ourselves to grow beyond their dogma. The Body of Christ is in the process of dynamic regeneration, and we must be a part of that change if our faith is real. The average human is made up of over 30 trillion cells, with about 330 billion being replaced daily. In about 100 days, that 30 trillion will have been totally replaced and replenished - essentially creating a ‘New You’. We are wonderfully made, but not meant to last in this present state. When we are subsumed into his presence, the borders and boundaries that separate us, melt and we experience a beautiful moment of what will be in our eternal regeneration. Rather than bifurcating one’s Obsessio and Epiphania, could they not be same thing coextensive within our consciousness? We ‘Existentially’ contrive a problem, only to then ‘Essentialistically’ resolve it.
This post was interesting. I had not heard it put that way before. Your observation was astute.
Evangelicalism is obsessed with sin. It is also oblivious to righteousness, which is peculiar because justification is not by the absence of sin but the presence of righteousness. The Greek words for justification and righteousness are different forms of the same word. Evangelicalism champions the Great Commandment, but is oblivious to the New Commandment. They prefer the law of sin and death over the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus; that is what they preach. They believe that loving one another as Jesus has loved you is the same as love your neighbor as yourself. Would you rather be loved as Christ loved, or as I loved myself. Christ loves me by the Spirit, I love me in the flesh.
The power of the law of Moses is condemnation - there is no provision for justification. The law of sin and death works against me. Violate it once and I am condemned.
The power of the law of the Spirit of life is justification - there is no provision of condemnation. This law works for me. Obey it once and I am justified.
The law I am under depends on the priesthood I am under (Hebrews 7:12) and Evangelicalism treats me like I am under the priesthood after the order of Aaron. Evangelicalism traffics in condemnation. I wish somebody would read them in, but I fear they would not be able to hear. If you try, they will treat you like the Catholic Church treated Martin Luther.
I am attending an independent church - at least their doctrine is not superseded at the denominational level where their essentials are carved in stone - in their hearts of stone.
With this, I have broken my New Year's resolution to stay positive.
Hopefully Mr. Right's first name is not Always.
This is all very interesting to reflect on. The language of theological worlds…
I remember once when I was thinking about all the different churches, I had this image come to mind to describe it, it helped me try to make sense of it:
I saw an open Bible. And, a multi-pack of highlighter pens. Various pages of the Bible were being flicked open and verses were being selected, then highlighted in the different colours. Each church had highlighted a different verse, using a different colour. I felt like this was what the church is like, different churches, denominations can often highlight a different ‘bit’ and then make it their thing, their expression, as if their chosen highlighted section IS the thing! I find this helpful, as it explains why I can sit in a church and sort of like it, I perhaps like the highlighted bit. However, I can also feel like I don’t fit in, as I cannot conform to the emphasis on the highlighted sections, or restrict my existence, my speech to ‘the bit’ that has been highlighted - it’s too narrowing, suffocating. It hurts my guts. And, I cannot just agree with the highlighted section to fit in. I guess in a way, the highlighted sections are a bit like each church, or each denomination’s selected, or assumed obsessio/epiphania.
it is true about evangelicalism. Very often the churches message is to try to convince people that their obsessio IS guilt, even if they do not actually feel it is! Interestingly, guilt is not really mentioned in the NT a lot! Churches can actually create this sense of judgement and move people into this obsessio!
Having said that, I am not completely dismissing the work of atonement. I do think this is part of salvation. Having previously worked in prison ministry for many years, I have seen how this message truly can be good good news for some. In can be received as good news, an epiphania for those that are literally living in the obsessio of guilt and enforced loss of liberty, confinement due to being judged and found guilty. Some do genuinely feel personal guilt, shame- evangelical language to describe atonement, being forgiven can truly be a grace. And, meet the criteria ‘good news’.
And, I remember once where I felt convicted of sin myself, the sudden stirrings of filth, shame were transformed to a feeling of being cleansed, lighter. The guilt, shame obsessio was a real theological world for me once upon a time, although it took the holy spirit to show me that it was. I do not feel guilt anymore. I do not have to wait for the eschaton to have this situation resolved.
And, I have a friend who is burdened by guilt. It is his obsessio, but the guilt hasn’t yet become so burdensome that he wants to act on it and perhaps move to the epiphania of forgiveness. The cost would be too high.
Conversely, I have seen some churches dismiss the realities of sin, they kind of brush it under the carpet because it is dealt with in Christ. They preach another aspect of the gospel which is our identity in Christ. They focus on the new identity we can claim in Christ. Sounds good. BUT, it is their epiphania that I struggle with, NOT their obsessio - they seem to preach and assume their audiences not knowing who they are, is their obsessio. For some perhaps this is the case. They assume their audience is looking for a secure identity. And, then knowing what their true identity is can solve all things, the epiphania is, it will lead you to doing great things. They forget that a lot of people in the pews just want to be able to get through the week, maybe enjoy it a little and doing great things is not on their list of priorities. Interestingly someone commented in the chat in this series that ‘identity’ could be an obsessio!
But, in my church this is truly individualised and can generate narcissistic traits, it is not a great message for those have a genuine narcissistic personality type. I see this as dangerous in churches. Wolves in sheep’s clothing. I literally do not want to hear another sermon on knowing my identity in Christ. I know what my identity in Christ is and this does not mean I am going to become a super hero, a Christian version of Elon Musk or a Christian version of Beyoncé. I think for me, my being ‘in Christ’ has led to more tribulation and suffering. Sometimes I feel my identity in Christ is the cause of me feeling like my obsessio is suffering!
But, my church doesn’t get this. They kind of preach, God loves us and wants to give us the ‘red bicycle’ we have asked our Daddy in Heaven for for Christmas - what good father wouldn’t want to give good gifts to his children? That is not the God I have experienced. I have asked for many ‘red bicycles’ and not one of them has arrived yet. I just think of the Christians in Gaza, praying for an end to the conflict to name just one conflict situation within the world. What my church preaches reminds me a bit of when Jesus suggested to his disciples that he would die and Peter was utterly offended that his Super Jesus would die. Peter said “no!” leading Jesus to rebuke him by saying “get behind me Satan!” Peter had a wrong concept of his epiphania I feel!
I like the phrase ‘cosmic mattering’ - people do want to hear this and yes, it is a thing in evangelical circles. I think this ties in with the trend for identity, purpose driven teaching and is preached A LOT. That isn’t to say we don’t matter - Jesus seemed to reach out to the ones and the twos, of course we matter, but there is an obsession with looking for ‘your purpose’. The trouble with this is we can actually miss the boat of everyday life itself. I think for many in the evangelical circles, finding your purpose is like finding your epiphania.
And, yes the songs do focus on ‘me’ and I would say over the last few years there have been many songs, again, about not just ‘me’ and my Jesus’, but who “I am”. They are hard to sing, as they feel more self affirmations, a therapeutic tool, rather than worship.
I have not been to church for a good while, not properly for many years - but as the new year unfolds I am going to try again! I will be armed with my new insights into different theological worlds to help me position myself securely and understand where ‘the others’ are coming from!
Ha!
Thank for this series, has been helpful and timely for me.
Great series Richard. John Van Donk pointed out to me how applicable this was to my online community. Made a video this morning. Blessings on your continual work. https://youtu.be/-3L9PYM_mOo
Title: Echoes of Fire
Yvon Roustan ©
In crimson skies where shadows play,
Wildfires dance in disarray.
A trumpet calls, yet few will turn,
For hearts are still, for truth we yearn.
"We’ve seen the flames," a voice will cry,
Yet in the ashes, whispers sigh.
What is a wake-up, if not clear,
When every year brings forth the fear?
The ruling class in silence reigns,
As smoke ascends and hope wane chains.
With gestures small, we grasp for light,
But dimmed is reason, darkened sight.
A patchwork quilt, the laws we weave,
Yet none, it seems, will dare believe,
That change begins beneath the skin,
Where habits thrive, and dreams grow thin.
And while the world may spiral fast,
In comfort's grip, the die is cast.
For profits flow from fires’ song,
A system built where all feels wrong.
Solar panels gleam like gold,
Yet blind our eyes to stories told.
Each cycle spins, the clock unwinds,
A grave we dig with borrowed minds.
So heed the winds that twist and moan,
The Earth, our mother, all alone.
Each ember's spark ignites the night,
A call to arms—a flame for right.
*************^******************
Explanation:
In the first stanza, the poem sets a vivid scene of wildfires engulfing the sky, signifying the destructive forces of climate change. The imagery of “crimson skies” creates an unsettling atmosphere, while the metaphor of a “trumpet” introduces the idea of a call to awareness. Despite this urgent summons, there is an acknowledgment of numbness in society, suggesting an inherent reluctance to confront uncomfortable truths.
The second stanza builds on this theme by reflecting on the paradox of recognition versus action. It questions the efficacy of being alerted to crises (“What is a wake-up”) when fear has become routine—pointing to the desensitization that follows repeated disasters. The juxtaposition of flames with the soothing idea of comfort reveals an unsettling truth: the urgency doesn't translate into meaningful change.
In the third stanza, the focus shifts to the ruling class, hinting at their role in perpetuating the cycle of ignorance and inaction. The “smoke ascends” serves as a metaphor for the obscuring of truths by those in power, reinforcing how small, ineffective gestures can mask deeper failures. The phrase “dimmed is reason” emphasizes the loss of clarity and critical thought amidst the chaos of catastrophe.
The fourth stanza emphasizes the disconnect between society's claims of progress and the underlying reluctance to change deeply ingrained habits. The idea that true change must occur "beneath the skin" suggests that transformation requires more than superficial adaptations; it must penetrate the core values and routines of individuals.
The fifth stanza articulates resignation—a sense that as the world heads towards destruction, people cling to comfort and the status quo. The grim reality that profits are derived from environmental destruction highlights a system that thrives on exploitation, thus complicating the path to genuine solutions.
In the sixth stanza, the poem critiques the superficial allure of renewable technologies like solar panels, which, while beneficial in theory, do not adequately address the systemic issues at play. The portrayal of these technologies as “gleaming like gold” suggests an ironic twist, indicating their inability to resolve the underlying crisis, as they often come with their own environmental impacts.
Finally, the seventh stanza serves as a poignant call to action. It urges readers to listen to the earth and recognize the urgency of the moment. The phrase “a flame for right” signifies hope amidst despair, suggesting that true awakening requires collective awareness and action rather than complacency in the face of disaster. This closing encapsulation advocates for a transformative response to the climate crisis, emphasizing the need for solidarity and responsibility toward the planet.
Title: The Weight of Guilt
Yvon Roustan ©
In shadows cast by faith's bold claim,
Where whispers echo, guilt is named.
A heart once bold, now draped in shame,
Is tethered tight, like a moth to flame.
On pews of wood, in steadfast rows,
The weary gather, yet sense it grows,
That prayers of hope in measured prose,
Can sometimes mask the doubt that flows.
With ink of sin, the pages turn,
Each line a lesson, each wound a burn,
And as the candle flickers, we yearn,
For solace found, for hearts to learn.
Yet in the crowd, some stand apart,
In secret halls, they guard their heart,
For what is said, they can't impart,
The cries for peace that need to start.
In aching arms, the lost embrace,
The weight of truth, the silent space,
Between the sinner’s plea and grace,
Where echoes linger, a timeless chase.
So splintered souls seek realms anew,
While forests breathe with morning dew,
The church extends a hand or two,
But many feel there's naught to do.
In every prayer, in every song,
We search for where we all belong,
Yet guilt's a tune, so deep, so strong,
It plays a dirge where we feel wrong.
Amidst the noise, a question swells,
Is this the peace? Are these my fellows?
For hearts adrift in churchly bells,
Yearn for a place where wonder dwells.
*************^******************
Explanation:
In the first stanza, the poem begins by establishing the theme of guilt as an intrinsic part of faith. It depicts how guilt shadows the believer's heart, portraying their internal struggle with shame. The metaphor of the moth drawn to flame indicates a dangerous yet irresistible draw to this guilt, setting the tone for the exploration of the complexities within the experience of faith.
In the second stanza, there is a focus on the communal aspect of worship. The individuals depicted here are part of a congregation, yet they feel an underlying tension. The "measured prose" of prayers suggests an artificiality in the comfort provided, hinting that the congregation may not fully address the doubts and struggles experienced by the worshippers.
The third stanza shifts to the written word, using the metaphor of ink and pages to describe sin and its consequences. The references to learning from pain emphasize that while these lessons are valuable, they also leave scars. The flickering candle symbolizes hope amidst turmoil, but it also suggests fragility—drawing attention to the need for a deeper understanding of one’s struggles.
In the fourth stanza, the focus narrows to the isolated individuals within the larger body of believers. There is a contrast between the public expression of faith and the private turmoil experienced in the heart. This tension indicates an emotional rift between the individual and the collective sentiment of the church, illustrating the distance felt by those who cannot fully share their burdens.
The fifth stanza centers around the theme of seeking solace. It evokes a sense of harmony in nature that contrasts with the weight of personal truth, signifying that even amidst the community, many still carry their struggles silently. The image of "aching arms" conveys a longing for redemption and the difficulty of truly finding peace in the face of guilt.
In the sixth stanza, the poem addresses the disconnect between the church’s offerings and the spiritual seekers. While the church attempts to provide hope and a way for moral resolution, many individuals feel their needs remain unmet. The phrase “naught to do” encapsulates frustration and a sense of futility in finding connection or understanding within the community.
The seventh stanza encapsulates the continual search for belonging. The multiple facets of faith—a yearning for acceptance, a desire for understanding, and an inherent struggle with guilt—reinforce the complex nature of spiritual journeys. The metaphor of guilt as a powerful, overwhelming tune reflects how it pervades the experience of the worshippers, leading to despair rather than peace.
Finally, in the eighth stanza, the poem concludes with an open question regarding the community's ability to truly offer peace and belonging. It shows how echoes of doubt lead seekers to wonder if they have found their rightful place. The imagery of where "wonder dwells" emphasizes a longing for authentic connection and understanding, culminating the exploration of deep spiritual and emotional dilemmas faced within the context of faith.
I like the piano/music analogy with theological worlds and obsessios.
I don't see an obsessio that includes the anxiety and anger of watching the world acting like a runaway train heading off a cliff and there's nothing you can do to stop it. I'm not just talking about ecological self-destruction, more about social, cultural, political self-destruction. The helplessness you feel watching your society going up in flames. Native cultures really resonate with this one. Where does this obsessio fit?
Some might put this in social justice I think? A sense that society needs to others? To actively believe and work towards this? But, I agree with you - I do not think in reality there is anything we can do about it - a runaway train is an apt description I feel …
Too much bigotry and hypocracy has turned me away from church.
Religions seem to have become a separation in human kind..
arrogance and ignorance is what I see..
7 different churches or more in even the smallest of towns show the division too...it has become an ego fest.. do as I say not as I do. I'm right and you are wrong.
The "church" has been currupted.. it started with the religous wars and oppression and silencing of "the female" .. another boys club gone mad, like government and industry.
Woman was not created to serve man, she was created as a counter balance to the male ego and vice versa.. all that imbalance has turned into toxic relationships.. less and less marriages .. un- natural is what it is.
Spiritual awakening is impossible in such an environment...
It's been going on for centuries and people cannot even discern the truth from the lies.
Indoctrination.. the child raping priests are a sign that we were not meant to live alone when it is forced upon us.. now it has become a save haven for pedophiles.. all hush hush of course for years.. shutteling the perpetrators from church to church instead of honesty and change.
Friday the 13th, another example.
Dishonesty for too long.
A friend of mine, big catholic just left the church because she had to leave a very abusive marriage, found a good man recently and tried to marry Mr. Right, she was told she is now "soiled" or something crazy like that. She was not allowed to take communion unless she takes "classes" with her perpetrator husband that beat her for years...
Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.
None of this Gods Will.
Love and light 🙌
Let's add sanctimonious to that list ... or does that go under arrogant..?...
Hopefully Mr. Right's first name is not Always.
That is none of my concern .. now is it?
I rest my case.. lol