Commentary and Philosophy
Viewing comments for Chapter 11 "The Root and Religion"My thoughts about t
28 total reviews
Comment from ndadarose
This poem has real depth in meaning and gives the reader a lot to chew on and digest. In ten lines you summed up the history of structured religion in all its negativity. Even though I am a church "goer" I often think about the evil that has been done in the name of religion and wonder about man and his propensity towards power and greed.
reply by the author on 12-Dec-2012
This poem has real depth in meaning and gives the reader a lot to chew on and digest. In ten lines you summed up the history of structured religion in all its negativity. Even though I am a church "goer" I often think about the evil that has been done in the name of religion and wonder about man and his propensity towards power and greed.
Comment Written 12-Dec-2012
reply by the author on 12-Dec-2012
-
That is a very good review. Thank you for your appraisal. It must have had an impact. What more can a poet ask.
Comment from JoLee2012
I love the poem! I thought it was good use of words, imagery and structure. I honestly can't find any way to suggest improvement. I particularly enjoyed the last part of the poem which discussed the not so positive by-products of religion. Great job!
reply by the author on 12-Dec-2012
I love the poem! I thought it was good use of words, imagery and structure. I honestly can't find any way to suggest improvement. I particularly enjoyed the last part of the poem which discussed the not so positive by-products of religion. Great job!
Comment Written 12-Dec-2012
reply by the author on 12-Dec-2012
-
Thank you Jolee for this wonderful review.
Comment from 9999pool
Not surprise at all that mine is the 2nd SIX STARS. Bravo! The poem just flows and flows and when it ended, I was longing for more. But there has got to be an end to all living things when the TIME comes. And where will we go then. Is there a better place. "I do not know", said Ecclesiastes. "But, under the sun, All is but meaningless, just like catching the wind". Yes, that includes the expensive camera we have, LOL! This 'Root and Relgion' spoke volumes and the message is clear: "FEAR God. Death is a certainty like the Big Root. Believe in God and be reminded by St Paul Cathedral in the background - help us to put aside our doubts, open our hearts and close our ears....listen...only to your conscience and the sub-conscious. Feel Him in the root of your every heartbeat. Do not ask 'why?' cos you know HE exist for all mankind to find happiness and salvation. Happiness? Yes, it is in your heart and Ecclesiastes told us how to find it! I have found it, have you? Good, deep, contemplation thoughts. Excellent prose and description coupled with the near perfect pic of a big root and a cathedral. Only missing is the GOD in this pic. Be assured he is always everywhere, anytime, right beside us - in our virtual hearts.
Cheers, Ritchie (I am not going to write cheesszzky this time, lest HE punish me for being so, LOL)
reply by the author on 12-Dec-2012
Not surprise at all that mine is the 2nd SIX STARS. Bravo! The poem just flows and flows and when it ended, I was longing for more. But there has got to be an end to all living things when the TIME comes. And where will we go then. Is there a better place. "I do not know", said Ecclesiastes. "But, under the sun, All is but meaningless, just like catching the wind". Yes, that includes the expensive camera we have, LOL! This 'Root and Relgion' spoke volumes and the message is clear: "FEAR God. Death is a certainty like the Big Root. Believe in God and be reminded by St Paul Cathedral in the background - help us to put aside our doubts, open our hearts and close our ears....listen...only to your conscience and the sub-conscious. Feel Him in the root of your every heartbeat. Do not ask 'why?' cos you know HE exist for all mankind to find happiness and salvation. Happiness? Yes, it is in your heart and Ecclesiastes told us how to find it! I have found it, have you? Good, deep, contemplation thoughts. Excellent prose and description coupled with the near perfect pic of a big root and a cathedral. Only missing is the GOD in this pic. Be assured he is always everywhere, anytime, right beside us - in our virtual hearts.
Cheers, Ritchie (I am not going to write cheesszzky this time, lest HE punish me for being so, LOL)
Comment Written 12-Dec-2012
reply by the author on 12-Dec-2012
-
Wow! I'm speechless. Thank you for this amazing review and the Six stars.
-
My apologies for such a long review but the poem is so heartfelt, a short review cannot shine alongside this simple masterpiece, LOL. Cheers. Keep writing the good stuff. Cheers.
-
I really appreciated how you reflected a true enjoyment and evaluation that even rolled in elements of researching my profile. It was a pleasure.
-
What can I say? It was my pleasure , after all, my dear friends, LOL. Cheers. Ritchie, maybe chesszzky again next time?
Comment from McMurry903
Great poem! I really enjoyed this piece and your insightful sentiments. Very well written and with a great presentation as your choice in format worked very well. Nice work! Brian
reply by the author on 10-Dec-2012
Great poem! I really enjoyed this piece and your insightful sentiments. Very well written and with a great presentation as your choice in format worked very well. Nice work! Brian
Comment Written 10-Dec-2012
reply by the author on 10-Dec-2012
-
Tha k you do much, Brian glad you enjoyed it.
Comment from GarthL
Hi Treischel,
What a great social commentary on the evolution of society and religion. Compelling reading! I loved the layout, it made for a beautiful view before even reading, and that image of the driftwood root is awesome, especially juxtaposed in front of the Cathedral. A very very creative piece in every respect!! Well done, I enjoyed it muchly!
LiveLove'n'Peace, Garth
reply by the author on 10-Dec-2012
Hi Treischel,
What a great social commentary on the evolution of society and religion. Compelling reading! I loved the layout, it made for a beautiful view before even reading, and that image of the driftwood root is awesome, especially juxtaposed in front of the Cathedral. A very very creative piece in every respect!! Well done, I enjoyed it muchly!
LiveLove'n'Peace, Garth
Comment Written 10-Dec-2012
reply by the author on 10-Dec-2012
-
Great review. Thanks.
-
Great Write, CHEERS!!!
Comment from c_lucas
Religions are ritualistic forms of worship and is man's attempt to explain the universe. Spiritual Beliefs are on a higher plane and dwell of a spiritual relationship with God.
reply by the author on 10-Dec-2012
Religions are ritualistic forms of worship and is man's attempt to explain the universe. Spiritual Beliefs are on a higher plane and dwell of a spiritual relationship with God.
Comment Written 10-Dec-2012
reply by the author on 10-Dec-2012
-
So true Lucas. Thanks for the review.
-
You're welcome.
Comment from Thomas Raine
The farther back in history you go, the more intertwined you'll see religious organizations tied into the governing bodies of nations. Here in the States, there is a strong Judeo-Christian fabric in our society, but the leaders of churches have no power on Capital Hill (mostly the lobbyists of corporations, but that's another topic) but that's not the case everywhere in the world today. The 20th century is a great example of leaders coming to power, and using the media to create 'cults of personality' among the masses, elevating themselves to Godlike statuses.
Every religion has a blurry background, I think, because it is men and women that either purify or twist the tenants of said religions for their own purposes; I basically believe that good and evil are present in the hearts of Humanity, and that religion is more a tool than the cause.
It's interesting you talk about the formation of societies, because that's where the first real religions would've emerged; our ancestors were far more superstitious, with little understanding of the world, and thus easier to manipulate.
Interesting write, my friend,
- TR
reply by the author on 10-Dec-2012
The farther back in history you go, the more intertwined you'll see religious organizations tied into the governing bodies of nations. Here in the States, there is a strong Judeo-Christian fabric in our society, but the leaders of churches have no power on Capital Hill (mostly the lobbyists of corporations, but that's another topic) but that's not the case everywhere in the world today. The 20th century is a great example of leaders coming to power, and using the media to create 'cults of personality' among the masses, elevating themselves to Godlike statuses.
Every religion has a blurry background, I think, because it is men and women that either purify or twist the tenants of said religions for their own purposes; I basically believe that good and evil are present in the hearts of Humanity, and that religion is more a tool than the cause.
It's interesting you talk about the formation of societies, because that's where the first real religions would've emerged; our ancestors were far more superstitious, with little understanding of the world, and thus easier to manipulate.
Interesting write, my friend,
- TR
Comment Written 10-Dec-2012
reply by the author on 10-Dec-2012
-
A very philosophical review that penetrates the issue.
Comment from Jumbo J
Hi T, a very well written poem indeed, the thought that no churches where mentioned took this to another level for me, the actual form of religion, faith not politics. Loved your visual. Kindest wishes James
reply by the author on 09-Dec-2012
Hi T, a very well written poem indeed, the thought that no churches where mentioned took this to another level for me, the actual form of religion, faith not politics. Loved your visual. Kindest wishes James
Comment Written 09-Dec-2012
reply by the author on 09-Dec-2012
-
Thank you James, I appreciate your input.
Comment from Ekim777
Our ancient ancestors might have come closer to truth than we do with all our rationality and passion for organization. And where have we got to? I might have mentioned before, Eric Fromm suggests our civilization is a total failure and we have only regressed. As for organized religion; who needs it. Maybe we should search for God inside ourselves. Your final verse really raises questions. Why do we sacrifice our lives for symbols? Are we all mad? Why is our thirst for blood never slaked and as we vigorously strive to annihilate most of mankind where is God in all this. I dare to say it. Where was God when the ovens were smoking over Auschwitz? Are we not born in God's image? All I can say is, God works in strange ways. Just one final word. Maybe Faith is nothing but blind hope. -Ekim
reply by the author on 09-Dec-2012
Our ancient ancestors might have come closer to truth than we do with all our rationality and passion for organization. And where have we got to? I might have mentioned before, Eric Fromm suggests our civilization is a total failure and we have only regressed. As for organized religion; who needs it. Maybe we should search for God inside ourselves. Your final verse really raises questions. Why do we sacrifice our lives for symbols? Are we all mad? Why is our thirst for blood never slaked and as we vigorously strive to annihilate most of mankind where is God in all this. I dare to say it. Where was God when the ovens were smoking over Auschwitz? Are we not born in God's image? All I can say is, God works in strange ways. Just one final word. Maybe Faith is nothing but blind hope. -Ekim
Comment Written 09-Dec-2012
reply by the author on 09-Dec-2012
-
A powerful statement. I'm glad my poem moved you.
Comment from rjuselius
you sepak the truth, my friend:) this is an excellent social commentary! and a look at religious history.
thank you for sharing!
rebekka x
reply by the author on 09-Dec-2012
you sepak the truth, my friend:) this is an excellent social commentary! and a look at religious history.
thank you for sharing!
rebekka x
Comment Written 09-Dec-2012
reply by the author on 09-Dec-2012
-
Thank you so much.