Poetry

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I like to think of Jesus as a decent sort of chap,
you know the sort of character I mean:
he's neither God in human form, nor is he just a myth,
but someone sort of somewhere in between.

He's meek and mild, a good example, talks a lot of sense,
a help when other help cannot be found;
a universal balsam who can soothe a troubled soul,
a handy sort of bloke to have around.
I picture him as someone who completely understands,
who sees my sins but smiles and lets them pass;
he's handsome and clean-shaven, he's broadminded and polite;
he's Protestant and British middle class.
He doesn't raise the dead, I'd find that way beyond belief,
he doesn't carry nail scars in his hands;
respectable, acceptable, a friend who'll give his all,
yet never come to me and make demands.

A superstar philosopher who's gentle and serene,
a Jesus who is popular and kind;
a Jesus who is not dogmatic, not intolerant,
a Jesus with an ever-open mind.
I want my Jesus happy, bringing peace and brotherhood,
the subject of an all-embracing creed;
a theme for songs and poetry, a reasonable man,
approving of the life I choose to lead.
I like to think of him as one not difficult to please,
who'll tolerate the self-indulgent vice;
providing that I help a needy neighbour now and then,
and go to church each season once or twice.

I've been accused of making up a Christ to suit myself,
who doesn't match the Christ of history;
I'm told I've compromised the truth, but let me make it clear:
the Jesus of the Bible's not for me.
The Jesus of the Gospels asked too much from common folk,
and said some things I think are very odd;
he set his standards far too high, demanding holiness,
and said he was the only way to God.
He slammed sincere religious people, and said that they were wrong,
that they must follow him and him alone;
I can't accept a Christ who will not water down his claims,
I'm sticking with the Jesus who's my own.

I can't receive a Jesus who insists He is the Truth,
without an ounce of flexibility;
but, most of all, I will not yield to any sort of Christ
who tells me I must share His Calvary.

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