Does religion do more good than bad? I’d like to think so…
Not in His name,
The killing and maiming
Of others who are brothers;
The cheapening of life
That we share as His gift.
Not in His name,
Bombing and beheading
Of innocents who are brothers;
The abuse of power
That He has given on trust.
Not in His name,
Forced conversions or death
Of ‘infidels’ who are brothers;
The arrogance of belief
That should listen to Him.
Not in His name,
The use of His name
To further partisan causes;
The façade of religion
That isn’t worthy of Him.
Not in His name,
The subjugation of women
By men who are their brothers;
The bankruptcy of tradition
That blocks the Spirit’s dance.
Not in His name,
The accumulation of wealth
To hold power and prestige;
A church that should serve
The Christ in the gutter.
Not in His name,
Holding the moral high ground
Without showing compassion;
An unprodigal church
That waits for the sinner.
Not in His name,
A divided church
Of folk who are brothers;
Paying scant heed to
His passionate plea for unity.
Not in His name,
Posturing as disciples
Yet following our will;
The use of His name
Will stand to our blame.