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An Atheist's Poetic Explanation
Within a Goodreads discussion group in which the subject of religion or a Deity has come up, a member will occasionally question what led me to become an Atheist. I choose to not provide a detailed response. Instead, I hope that the following poem which I wrote will suffice. Each verse references an actual personal experience.
Hey God!
Hey God! Where do you go when a Mommy is crying because her baby is dying and the Daddy feels so low?
Where do you go? I would like to know.
Hey God! Where did you hide while the priests were molesting those little boys and the Pope just stood aside?
Where did you hide while they all lied?
Hey God! What do you say when a homeless man dies alone in the gutter because he has no place to stay?
What do you say, besides: "Let us pray!"?
Hey God! Where are you at when a man with a knife takes another man's life over a simple little spat?
Where are you at? I'd like to know that.
Hey God! Do you ever cry when a young man or woman marches off to war, knowing that they might die?
Do you ever cry, or at least say "Good-bye!"?
Well God, I've had my say; and we won't be talking any more, 'cause I don't ever pray.
But that's okay. I''ll be on my way.
God, I don't believe that you exist.
But, if you do, stay away from me 'cause I'll be really pissed!
Hey God!
Hey God! Where do you go when a Mommy is crying because her baby is dying and the Daddy feels so low?
Where do you go? I would like to know.
Hey God! Where did you hide while the priests were molesting those little boys and the Pope just stood aside?
Where did you hide while they all lied?
Hey God! What do you say when a homeless man dies alone in the gutter because he has no place to stay?
What do you say, besides: "Let us pray!"?
Hey God! Where are you at when a man with a knife takes another man's life over a simple little spat?
Where are you at? I'd like to know that.
Hey God! Do you ever cry when a young man or woman marches off to war, knowing that they might die?
Do you ever cry, or at least say "Good-bye!"?
Well God, I've had my say; and we won't be talking any more, 'cause I don't ever pray.
But that's okay. I''ll be on my way.
God, I don't believe that you exist.
But, if you do, stay away from me 'cause I'll be really pissed!
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message 1:
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Anna
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Oct 18, 2023 11:10AM
You are a good poet, Jim.
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Anna wrote: "You are a good poet, Jim."Anna,
Thank you for taking the time to read the blog post and comment. Such a complement from an author who has written and published 10 books is especially appreciated.
It took me 25 months to write just one novel, so I am quite impressed by your apparent skillset and talent.
Jim Vuksic
Jim wrote: "Anna wrote: "You are a good poet, Jim."Anna,
Thank you for taking the time to read the blog post and comment. Such a complement from an author who has written and published 10 books is especiall..."
It takes me just as long, Jim, and each time I start a new one, I reckon on cutting the time down by 6 months. Hasn't happened so far. I've only written 6 full length novels, the others are mostly short stories and one is where I edited someone else's book and Goodreads, bless them, has automatically added it to my page!
So, you see, you just have to keep going.
The poetry is fine, Jim, though I must disagree with the sentiment.God bless.
Bob Drews
I'm hoping that God will prompt someone to reply. Yes, I know I'm mischievous.
Robert wrote: "He does reply, every day in every way.":)
Robert and Anna,In response to your posted comments to the blog (messages 4, 5, 6, and 7) I offer the following:
What a truly boring world this would be if everyone agreed with everything every time.
I have nothing against those who choose to believe in a Deity and an afterlife that includes eternal rewards for good behavior and eternal punishment for bad behavior. Many professed believers behave badly enough. I dread to think of how much worse they might behave if they did not fear eternal punishment or anticipate an eternal reward..
Jim Vuksic
Again, I have to smile - God doesn't seem to have made robots.
Jim, not only are you interesting to talk to, and a gentleman to boot, you are clearly very talented too.
I'm not sure people who believe in God would claim that he controls the actions of all human beings, but it's still a very clever poem.
Hats off to you for it, sir!
I'm not sure people who believe in God would claim that he controls the actions of all human beings, but it's still a very clever poem.
Hats off to you for it, sir!
A good dialog on this, Jim. Always a pleasure reading your writing.Cheers, have a beautiful day, and God bless.
Bob
I appreciate and have enjoyed the various/differing opinions expressed and understand the mindset from which they have originated. Allow me to offer this final personal observation:
There are five formally recognized, extremely popular religions/philosophies in the world today: Christianity, Islam, Judahism, Buddahism, and Hinduism. Each is absolutely certain, through meditation, prayer, and/or divine revelation, that the other four got it wrong.
There are approximately 750 formally recognized denominations and independent churches within Christiantity alone. Eeach is absolutely certain, through meditation, prayer and/or divine revelation, that all the others got it wrong.
To accept anything soley upon faith requires the willful suspension of the analytical thought process. Simply wanting something to be the truth does not make it true and merely believing that something is reality does not make it real.
Would it not be better to focus our efforts upon learning to accept and improve upon the world that exists intead of squandering precious time and resources seeking access to a non-existient alternative?
"It isn't what we don't know that gives us trouble. It's what we know that ain't so."
Will Rogers (Humorist) 1879 - 1935
Jim, i agree with your last paragraph.
While I believe in God, my belief is purely based on instinct. Firstly, I think our perceptions of the differences between right and wrong are more than just societal conditioning. Secondly, considering the size of the universe, it would be extraordinary if God didnt exist.
I have no idea as to the form/ nature of God, but take organised religion with a pinch of salt because imperfect mankind, with our limited mental capacity, cannot possibly begin to comprehend the workings of a supreme being.
While I believe in God, my belief is purely based on instinct. Firstly, I think our perceptions of the differences between right and wrong are more than just societal conditioning. Secondly, considering the size of the universe, it would be extraordinary if God didnt exist.
I have no idea as to the form/ nature of God, but take organised religion with a pinch of salt because imperfect mankind, with our limited mental capacity, cannot possibly begin to comprehend the workings of a supreme being.
Beau wrote: "Jim, i agree with your last paragraph. While I believe in God, my belief is purely based on instinct. Firstly, I think our perceptions of the differences between right and wrong are more than jus..."
Beau,
I like your perspetive regading your belief in a Deity. We both appear to be following our instincts; they just happen to have led us to different conclusions.
The only thing that bothers me is, if I am wrong, everyone, including me, will know that I was wrong. However, if I am right, no one, including me, will ever know that I was right.
Ha ha! My old religious studies teacher at school used to say exactly the same, but obviously from the opposite perspective.
One would like to think that if God exists that He'll (and I'm jumping to a big conclusion saying 'He') judge people by their actions rather than their belief in Him during our time as imperfect humans.
With this in mind, i hope to eventually see you up there...but hopefully not anytime soon ;)
One would like to think that if God exists that He'll (and I'm jumping to a big conclusion saying 'He') judge people by their actions rather than their belief in Him during our time as imperfect humans.
With this in mind, i hope to eventually see you up there...but hopefully not anytime soon ;)
God and Paradise are many rivers flowing into one ocean.Blessings, everyone, and have a beautiful day.
