Blind Faith, or Lambs to a Slaughter

This one's probably gonna upset some folks. (continued in text)

Honestly, I don't have a problem with spirituality or anyone's beliefs, to each their own. I may have a bit of a grudge with standardized religion, being raised (and breaking away from) Southern Baptist. Lots of hellfire and brimstone, do as I say, not as I do, and some corruption is not uncommon.

-------

They line up and file in
To fill Sunday's pews
Piled up and stacked
Like cordwood in twos
They come now to hear
What they've been told true
Their souls now to save
If their life they should lose

The pastor ascends
To his pulpit on high
His voice full of hate
To rant and decry
"Our choice is right!
All others are lies!
Your only salvation
Is through our God's eyes!"

And now the tithe
"Give all you can!
(And I'll take what i need)
To meet God's demands
It need not be much
(Just everything you have)
You'll pay for God's plan!"
His smile hides a sneer
As he surveys his land
And watches them all,
His little lost lambs

Little do they know
Each one in his fold
They've all been misled
Decieved and controlled
While he slips among them
Like a wolf in sheep's clothes
To assure them he's right
And to do as they're told

And week after week
They'll do so again
Following their pattern
To the same bitter end
Believing the lies
Of their leader, their "friend"
And all God's people
Say amen

Reviews

[Emerald Seas]

I know you think this will be confrontational, but I think with any poetry it will only bother a small minority of folks. Don't sweat the small stuff!

On the poem - I enjoyed it very much! The rhyme is solid and your tone, word choice, is consistent that gives this a good quality feel. As far as the message - I understand exactly what you mean and agree :)
I've come to realize people attend church for a number of reasons, and the entire congregation is not sold on all that is spewing from the pulpit - hook, line, and sinker. Some are, definitely. Some are there for the feeling of community, some out of guilt, some out of what they think is proper, etc., etc.

We talk and challenge a lot of traditional thinking in our house. Our son thinks people are being hypocritical when they attend church and don't believe every single thing that the church stands for. A valid point from his young eyes. However, it's like putting a label on each person without knowing the contents.

If you follow religion... Look at the current Pope - very controversial on some basic old-school philosophy held by the church in general. I love his new approach! I hate organized religion, but my catholic (I'm a convert from a long time ago - must have been those Southern Baptist Sundays) tendencies are a little energized right now. However, he is the leader of Catholics throughout the world and he's finally saying something smart! He's not going to judge - finally! Let's see if that can spread like a good virus!

I like this guy so far... We'll see. I try not to be too judgmental about people. Everyone has their struggles, and we are ALL sinners. The definition of sin is what some are confused with at times. Gay relationships to me are not a sin, to someone else it is unfathomable... Yet to marry and then divorce, cheat, lie, etc. and repeat the deeds - those are acceptable to a lot. It it a crazy world! Yet, even in all that chaos, we do not know the burdens that people carry - so I do not judge (at least I try not to) and instead hope to understand.

Long winded, but your poem hits on controversial topics that are not simple to clarify or to address. A very thoughtful and thought provoking write. Well done!