In the pious ghetto,
shuttered,
gated,
safe,
no room for
doubt
between the lines of
faith.
Pharisees mutter,
"apostate"
via emails of
concern
and the little children
run
from the
questioner.
©Eusebeia Philos 2013
Written for dVerse Poets ~ Open Link Night
oh there should always be room for doubt...tightly penned here... i think esp. the times when we really ask the big questions and are brave enough to hang a bit in the air as well are those times we learn much...well penned
ReplyDeleteI agree, Claudia. Always a bit risky, though, to ask around those who have shut down inquiry.
Deleteoh,,this is rich and soulful..safety net therein..
ReplyDeleteThanks, kkkkaty.
DeleteEusebia--this blew me away. The greatest danger happens when we are not allowed to question or think for ourselves. There are times when I wish things were black and white (again) but that is not how we grow, is it? I think our world would be different if people (like terrorists) were allowed to question.
ReplyDeleteFor sure, Victoria. Some folks get locked in to their thinking and never leave because it's too uncomfortable.
DeleteNo room for doubt between the lines of faith - This line made me reflect about the extremes of faith and beliefs ~ There is a danger in this thinking ~ I am all for moderation and grey between ~
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely day ~
Truth may be wider than some allow for. Thanks, Grace.
Deletedoubt does not scare me...more so those that leave no room for it...as if our human wisdom could grasp all the aspects you know....
ReplyDeleteExactly, Brian. They scare me, too.
DeleteThe dangers of black and white. Truth is almost always grey ... I liked this a lot
ReplyDeleteGood hearing from you again, Bjorn. Thanks.
DeleteI didn't know you knew my inlaws! Haha...Very nicely expressed. As a scientist by training, I see pretty much everything as gray and relative, and truth as something that is continually evolving. Still, many find security in absolute, and yes, let's keep the children away from the gray! Loved this.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kat. Some of these absolute claims just can't be supported, and yet some defend them vigorously because they prefer them. Grace should cover the gray areas.
Deletethis reminds me of my news feed on facebook, especially during the election. it makes me think that maybe peace lies in doubt. when we are a little less sure about the truth, we seem to get along better.
ReplyDeleteI hardly go on FB anymore for some of those reasons. It's become so partisan and divisive. Absolute truth is a concept that's hard to sustain anymore. Yet some do it gleefully in ignorance. Thanks, Heidi.
DeleteI feel doubt is strength, so the idea that it is not permitted is chilling. Your selective wording is very effective.
ReplyDeleteThere is always a certain amount of doubt in faith. That some self-appointed religious gatekeepers determine what amount is allowed is chilling. Thanks, Rowan.
DeleteNo room for doubt..faith is a mysterious word, as it means to believe without proof..but, sometimes we must ask the questions that lead us on the journey..hmmm..strong food for thought today on National Prayer Day here in the US.
ReplyDeleteDoubt and faith need to coexist. We can't live exclusively on one without the other, I think. Thank you, Truedessa.
DeleteFaith and doubt...an intelligent combination. Very complex issues here that deal with truth ,absolutes, perception black/white and grey. I like a broad base base painting of black and white with touches grey of and vibrant colour. All grey is a wash out...light a match to it!
ReplyDeleteCertainty in any realm of knowledge seems unattainable. I like your approach. Thank, Cressida.
DeleteGreat write here Eusebia - giving necessary credence to the necessity of greyness.
ReplyDeleteOur world is never black and white - a closed mind is, imprisoned in a 'truth' without thought.
Anna :o]
Thanks, Anna. It's never as clear as some lead us to believe.
Delete