Your poem is raw and honest, and I enjoyed it very much. Faith and spirituality are different for everyone, and I respect your convictions. Well written poetry!

Anna

I find a common disconnect with nature and God. God gets blamed a lot for stuff that happens naturally on the planet, earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes. He also gets blamed for not stopping things that are of human causation, like war, pollution, eco-destruction. We ultimately are responsible for our actions. Patrick

Your technique is perfect. There's nothing wrong with being honest. I am, sorry, however, that you don't believe.

Donna

Well done indeed, Richard.

The heartache we suffer in our lifetime is but a blink of an eye when time ceases to exist in immortality. I am not a participant in main stream religion, and my personal understanding of the scriptures comes from diligent personal research. I cannot disregard a book that was written by over sixty authors, over a period of 1600 years that was understood in those days and misunderstood today. As I understand it, the crucifixion of Christ was the rejection of God's way in favour of Man's free will. The calamities that befall the world today are a direct result of humankind's impact of doing it their way. Our personal trials and tribulations are a test of our understanding of faith on the road to manifesting a character that will enlighten us to the ultimate gift of immortality, where sorrow is not known. I live in faith, but also respect the position of non believers, many of whom are the finest people I have ever met.

The quality of your poem by the way Richard is superb!
Best regards,
David

Know how you feel!!

I believe in a Great Spirit that is all-knowing and helps us connect (if we let it), but is n o t all-powerful. Nor is it an invisible man or woman sitting On High. How people can worship a god that deliberately maims and kills when it isn't judging or ignoring. . .blows your mind, doesn't it?

It depresses me no end that religion is used as a tool to denigrate, separate, deny, and destroy. That people can believe that totally
contradictory statements are "facts." That such "facts" should direct
actions and be considered "moral" and "righteous". . .am I starting to rant and rave? Why not? World has gone mad!!

Oh, well. There are a lot of good people. Some of whom are
poets, as well. Help us think and communicate and celebrate our
humanity!!

xOx Phyllis xOx

Richard,
I believe at one time or the other the feelings you share here are sentiments that have been felt by us all. Everyone looks for the meaning in suffering. I believe there must be benefit in suffering, for there to be so much of it in this world. It is evident that suffering extracts love from the hearts of those who witness others in pain or in need. Perhaps love is the answer...

Paul

Nothing is as sacred as honesty.
To be honest and real is to step outside the amazing box of nonsense and stop playing- and start living life.
Yep.

John

I have to say in all honesty that your believes and mine are pretty similiar. I do not begrudge others there beliefs but also hope they do not begrudge me my disbeief. I once argued with someone over it and said if his God was the almighty then our sole purpose here in this world must be for his perverted entertainment. anyway great write of your honest convictions my friend.
fee

Those who never question seldom find answers. An honest revelation of your soul.