Some of you may have read Carol Wimmer‘s 1988 poem “When I Say, ‘I Am a Christian.’”
Most likely in a forward from a friend trying to convert you:
When I say, “I am a Christian,” I’m not shouting, “I’ve been saved!”
I’m whispering, “I get lost! That’s why I chose this way”When I say, “I am a Christian,” I don’t speak with human pride
I’m confessing that I stumble-needing God to be my guideWhen I say, “I am a Christian,” I’m not trying to be strong
I’m professing that I’m weak and pray for strength to carry onWhen I say, “I am a Christian,” I’m not bragging of success
I’m admitting that I’ve failed and cannot ever pay the debtWhen I say, “I am a Christian,” I don’t think I know it all
I submit to my confusion asking humbly to be taughtWhen I say, “I am a Christian,” I’m not claiming to be perfect
My flaws are far too visible but God believes I’m worth itWhen I say, “I am a Christian,” I still feel the sting of pain
I have my share of heartache which is why I seek His nameWhen I say, “I am a Christian,” I do not wish to judge
I have no authority–I only know I’m loved
But have no fear; Dave Mason has written the atheist’s response:
When I say, “I’m an Atheist,” I’m not saying, “There is no god”
All I’m really getting at is faith is just a fraudWhen I say, “I’m an Atheist,” I’m not criticizing you
I’m critical of bad beliefs — The things that can’t be trueWhen I say, “I’m an Atheist,” I sigh and shake my head
I’m the one responsible for things I did and saidWhen I say, “I’m an Atheist,” I like what can be proven
My feelings do not dictate me — Emotions aren’t that movin’When I say, “I’m an Atheist,” I believe in evolution
To chalk this up to one great dude is not a good solutionWhen I say, “I’m an Atheist,” I must treasure every day
This life is all we’ve really got — Can’t let it waste awayWhen I say, “I’m an Atheist,” I’m not saying that I’m bad
The fact that many think we are is really very sad
Feel free to pass Dave’s poem along 🙂
(Thanks to Andrew for the link!)
[tags]atheist, atheism, poetry[/tags]