oh, yes...
you have touched upon the controversial so eloquently, and within this piece lies the 'truth' felt by the poet...seeker of, poets, in some ways? (truth)...

this one speaks for my own frustrations and what is being wreaked societally...

yet you have somehow such a beautifully poetic subtlety that this makes one pause...and it could be read as a questioning of any who are like this...

it's been a very long time, but you've still got some gift...

one fine, honest poetic gift...

fine, very thought provoking, yes, provocative and bravo for making us stop and think and as I see here, discuss, agree or not, bravo...
not only well done, it 'connects' one way or another w/the readers...more a plus, more the piece for its inherent 'truth' of view of mind/heart/spirit, you know?

m.

Uncharacteristic of you, but very good, nontheless. Got me guessing.

Ron

Boy does this one ever strike a nerve. We left a church last year that was led by someone like you describe in this piece. It's a shame that in many ways, this sort of person is what non-believers think of when you say the word "Christian". How very sad. You penned a very truthful and hard hitting piece Jude. Great job. Michelle

The thing about it is don't envy those who ignore the Goddess, God, and Spirituality who seem to have everything they want. Their prosperity is temporary, yours is eternal. Believe what the Goddess/God tells you and put it to work in your life. Nice model of perfection in these lines, Jude.

Sage

Most don't know the difference between "religious dogma" and spiritual growth and hang on to the dogma as if it is an iron lung. You've penned it well. Truth is what works.

Best,
Elizabeth

Thought provoking write Jude, really makes one sit up and think enjoyed immensely.

Paul;-)

to each his own...Funny, I was sure you used to tell me that;-)

Eileen

most pointed. I knew this guy once. really. his eyes glassed over even as he was spouting his absolute truth and he keeled over, stiff as a board. will he be resurrected in the promised land? maybe so, but not as a model of perfection. unless, of course, and maybe this is what you are after here, he is simply born into the place he envisioned to be the afterlife, where he is absolutely, resolutely, alone in his triumph, except for the trumpets still blowing through his mind. I like the poem a lot. just for the record, not all believers believe in a set of propositions; some of us believe in Spirit, capital "s", and truth, tiny, little "t". nice work, Jude.

Extremely well written, Jude, but I have the same question as Nordette.
For one thing, in my own personal beliefs, no "liar" will ever enter The Promised Land...on earth or in heaven...according to scripture.
Just my two cents.

Are his beliefs a lie or is he, himself, a liar pretending to believe the words he spouts?

Thought provoking write, Jude.
Second visit, Shaman: Didn't want to crowd your Den with drama like AS's can of worms, so I took my commentary to my own blog. ;-) Nighty nite.

You stir up controversy with this one, Jude. GOOD! It makes us question ourselves and the icons of our beleifs...Lin

Powerful message within the ending of this write! Great lesson too!, that can take many lifetimes to learn :-) Excellent sharing.

you touched on a powerful and gutsy subjects Jude...as only you can do...
love and peace, Carole

Whatever we believe, it is simply speculation and everyone is entitled to their own beliefs...I don't have any right to assume that my belief is the correct one and everyone else is wrong. That is all I have to say on this subject.
Take care,
Sherry

So, Jude, what are we supposed to believe, that everybody and everything that we know is false and evil? That the only ones that are truthful are the naysayers among us which seem to want to tear down the very foundations of what America was built on and what made her great? Just wondering. You state your thoughts well, even if I fail to understand, or adhere to them.

Sounds like far too many people I know these days, and this is one powerful poem, Robert.

To me as an ex-Catholic, anti-organized church lay person these words hit with an impact that is hard to explain. It is if you had access to my mind and wrote the very thoughts and feelings I have entertained for the past 25 years. It is good to know I am not alone in feeling the way I do.

Felix

This is a very Deep POEM. The word believer should be written with the lower-case. This believer lack insight and discernment. Thanks for sharing. Love, Betty Torain

Spot-on Jude!!

Love Tinka

If he is a habitual liar, he deserves to go to hell...:)
Peter

Awesome ending... :)

One man's opinion.

And he will be resurrected
Into the promised land
As a model of perfection
Where he will never doubt all his lies

A truly magnificient poetry

Robert,

Powerfully written, thought provoking sadness. "He speaks with authority..." Whose? God's or his interpretation of what God says?

Excellent!

(((HUGS))) and love, Karla.

You've got a point there. Just that the believer will never see it, sadly. Excellent write!
Birgit and Roger

"And he will be resurrected Into the promised land As a model of perfection Where he will never doubt all his lies" He may think it, but it ain't uh gonna happen. He is in for a big surprise when he wakes up somewhere else. This reminds me of most of the TV evangelists, especially Pat Robertson. Excellent write. But, all believers do not feel this way.

True! Blatantly true poetry!
Susan