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WindWalker11
Junior Member

since 2008-12-24

Posts 41

0 posted 2009-02-05 12:32 PM

Pray for the sick; pray for whatever
- prayer is a flexible commodity -
be sure God loves to hear more and more
simply because - did you ever consider this:
He's under no compunction or law
to grant a single one of your endless petitions?
So, what's He got to lose
if you importune Him with your begging?
He'll walk past you, unseen, unheard,
won't even have to kick you out of his way
as one would a stray dog...

So you pray "in the name of God"
and nothing happens for better or for worse:
doesn't it make you wonder
when one dies from incurable disease or accident
and another in similar circumstances,
is "miraculously" healed?
(and I might add, in most cases)
- without benefit of either clergy,
religion, belief or faith? -
I've got a better idea of what goes on.

God looks at his Rolex watch:
"Sate! Its lunch time; I'm dying for sushi!"
"But dear, (says his Wife)
"there are people on Earth praying earnestly
for another of your miracles!"
God shrugs: "Sorry dear,
its been a strenuous morning;
I've got a board meeting this afternoon
and you know what Satan is like
(as a major shareholder,
he loves to cause trouble!)
Let them wait - what difference will it make?
I'll keep the ones I want, damn the rest of 'em!
Beside, I've got a smashing headache -
I was on the Cosmic-net half the night
with my financial adviser,
my stock broker,
my life-insurance agent.

These are not good times - investments on miracles
are no longer getting the usual rate of return:
curse those wonder drugs they found on Earth...
and I'm sick and tired of their silly sins:
street crime and sex, can't they be more creative?
I need to find me a President
to jump-start me a beautiful war somewhere -
Ah, yes, my old stomping ground:
the earth "Middle East" is just the place
to bring back fond memories of earth conflicts
that make even cold blood move faster:
are they done working in the holo-room?"

Well we all know that's silly, right?
Right? Right? Yes? Well, how do we know
that isn't exactly how it is?
Is it not said: As above, so below?
Well, it's how it is here, (isn't it?)
so turn it around and what do you have?
As below, so above.
So I say, go build yourself more temples,
and set those pews, row on row,
mile on mile, set them straight and firm:
bring the billions to kneel on them
to beseech their gods all day and night.
Now enter the results in your computers
and have the intelligence to read them;
the heart to ponder them,
the courage to publish them.

Midnitesun

Member Empyrean

since 2001-05-18

Posts 28647
Gaia

1 posted 2009-02-05 07:46 AM

A biting, scathing indictment. At times, any form of prayer seems like a hopeless waste of time. But if it truly comforts someone in pain ...it cannot be all bad.

Robert E. Jordan
Member Rara Avis

since 2008-01-25

Posts 8541
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

2 posted 2009-02-05 08:00 AM

Yo WindWalker11,

I don't kick stray dogs, I don't belive in it.

Bobby

secondhanddreampoet
Member Ascendant

since 2006-11-07

Posts 6394
a 'Universalist' !

3 posted 2009-02-06 11:49 AM

forests AND crop circles make far better 'temples' (to whatever one hopes for or 'believes')
than any man-made edifice! ...

[and, sadly, many of the greatest atrocities of human history have been connected
with one organized religion or another and typically justified via mantras such as it's
simply "God's Will"]

It is far, far easier to wield the 'golden crutch' (psychological safety net) of benevolent
'big brother' gods and governments 'watching over us' than to face the potential necessity
of adopting other existential possibilities; 'socio-political'/spiritual/scientific 'paradigm shifts'
and 'life style' changes; etc.

Marchmadness
Member Rara Avis

since 2007-09-16

Posts 9271
So. El Monte, California

4 posted 2009-02-06 05:26 PM

I have to agree with Bruce for the most part
but I also agree with Kacy in a way. Whatever brings comfort to those in need is useful and and in an often harsh world, is needed.
Ida

gilead
Senior Member

since 2008-03-10

Posts 1067
nevada, USA

5 posted 2009-02-06 08:37 PM

This is tense!

I'd like to add my little perspective, something by which I try to live.

Belief

Fundamental Tenets:

A. Believe whatever you want to believe;
it is your individual right of choice.

B. You have no right to impose your beliefs another.

C. You have no right to kill or harm any person or anything because of what you believe,
unless such is the belief in the right of self defense (common sense).

D. One should not criticize another’s belief unless such criticism is directed at those who (a) attempt to impose their beliefs on another. (b) advocate the right to harm or kill another person or anything based on belief.

If we humans simply abide by the principle of live and let live, these fundamental tenets wouldn’t be necessary.

ThisDiamond
Member Rara Avis

since 2002-02-22

Posts 9353
Michigan, USA

6 posted 2009-02-06 08:47 PM

Strong statements, obviously evoking emotion...excellent.

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