The Great Books

Much can be learned from reading the scriptures

From many religions--not just one.

Searching for deeper truths and insights

Into human nature is fun.

 

Learning the path to knowing the self

And meditating on what you read

Give you an opportunity

To better yourself--whatever your creed.

 

Striving to be more understanding

Serves as a task that's far from small.

It helps us appreciate other religions

And people with no religion at all.

 

The symbolism that fills the stories,

The parables and figures of speech,

And words of wisdom help you to gain

Greater awareness--so within reach.

 

Seeking whatever helps us to be

Loving, compassionate, and kind

Is powerful and transformative;

However, do keep one thing in mind:

 

If using the scriptures to further hatred,

Intolerance, or bigotry, you

Have to remember that "the devil

Can cite scripture for HIS purpose,"° too.

 

-by Bob B (8-22-21)

 

°from William Shakespeare

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

I agree Bob.
"If using the scriptures to further hatred,
Intolerance, or bigotry, you
Have to remember that "the devil
Can cite scripture for HIS purpose,"° too."
The above lines are true. I met more preachers in the bar than in the church. Thank you my friend for sharing the amazing poetry and your thoughts.
Coyote

[Bob B]

Thanks for reading it and sharing your thoughts. It is pretty sad how people can take use religion for "evil" purposes.

[Coyote Poetry]

I agree Bob. The twisting of religion had killed millions. You are welcome my friend.

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

I so believe this thought as well. As an agnostic I have read many books of other faiths to gain a keen insightful knowledge on these different religions. Their parables and tales dramatically speak of the human condition. By no means am I an expert on any of them I do respect their philosophy. Though reading many of them one can totally see how their ideology can be warped and maligned for an insidious nature. But at their heart there is a beauty in each and everyone of them because they strive to point us in the direction of our better humanity.

[Bob B]

I agree. I really like reading the various works and comparing them. I have read the Bible from cover to cover twice, the Quran six or seven times, the great Hindu epics, and many thousands of pages of Buddhist sutras and commentaries. I have also read books comparing the myths in various religions. I am no expert, but I feel that I grow with each work that I read.