A Question for Theists

What would your deity think of me: coerced, as it were, into the flock
by a Christian with leverage, who took no stock
of my view or beliefs--indeed, never asked me
what I thought, but told me what to believe?

What opinion, do you suppose, your God would hold
of an atheist, thrust grudgingly into this mold
unchosen--but suffered with goodwill and grace
(that the one who had wedged me in need not lose face)

And who sat, week to week, unbelieving inside
though not so filled with blaspheming pride
as to refuse to open eye, ear, and mind
and listen intently for wisdom to find

Not to be turned from a firm godless view
(as this would be absurd--quite impossible to do)
but rather to learn, with all earnest vigor
that understanding of others might make my life bigger

To witness the myst’ry of rapt human hearts
(that most dramatic and dazzling of arts)
in solemn profession of their deepest drives;
to marvel at the majesty of their inner lives

What do you think your God would say
to an atheist, by fate ensconced this way
who respectfully catalogs all virtues sound--
yet, in whom no trace of “faith” is found?

What of the person who says not “Lord, Lord,”
yet finds undeniable (though imperfect) accord
with the “will” of the “Father Almighty”, on high
and keeps social teachings of the “Son” to live by?

What of the dastardly, unbelieving cur
for whom the unreality of heaven is sure
who nonetheless strives for a life pure of heart
and to serve humanity searches for part--

An atheist who aches for the hungry and poor--
who would see longer tables, and more open doors--
who would never judge anyone, nor look askance--
who eagerly reaches for any real chance

To understand and love mankind as a whole--
what of this twisted, black, and damned soul?
Is it folly to feel that one such as this
would be a worthy person--or is this notion amiss?

And furthermore, what would your deity make
of the knowledge that, for love and charity’s sake
this atheist gave violin and voice
in service, which caused the flock to rejoice?

That week after week, hymn after hymn
this atheist filled the flock to the brim
with glad thanksgiving for joyful noise
and was humbled to serve, gratified by their joys

That my purpose as artist was in their midst filled
(a dream, beyond daring, which honored and thrilled
Moreover, I was afforded an opportunity to serve
which is the highest office I could presume to deserve

No one suspected; not one seemed to doubt
my status--somehow, I was never “found out”
At least, it seems so; surely, your God would know
the minds and hearts of all creatures below

What, say you, has your God planned for me
in light of my sordid history?
Is it lakes of fire, forever to burn
because I spurn Christ’s divinity, and all walks of life learn?

And what of the “Christian” who twisted my arm:
is this person’s immortal soul safe from harm?
Is it better to follow, as one dumb and blind
or hold fast to the truths one derives in one’s mind?

What is “Christianity”? What does it mean
to be a “follower” of the famed Nazarene?
How much is ritual, how much “belief”
and how much is giving the suff’ring relief?

What portion of practice is ritual and prayers
and which is to minister to them that have cares?
What does it mean, when “Lord, Lord,” cry you
and I don’t--what is the Son of Man’s view?

Questions for Heathens:

1. Is it wrong to participate in a group whose foundational values you do not fully believe and/or follow?

2. "Silence is taken for consent": If no one "asks" and no one "tells", is is wrong to permit someone to persist in a mistaken belief that stems from unchecked assumptions?

3. If you believe that you have done no harm, but others feel that you have done harm, have you done harm?

Boo; formatting won't let me do line breaks. That's what I get for being a versifier.