Five Poems

An Argument for Theism And where did it all come from, Can you answer me that? The distant heavens are too dark To bear any equation, the universe Is a signature, things come into being, Things change, we see them created And creating, so creation abounds And this world then is a masterpiece of sorts: We must search for the one Who carved a signature into the horizon.

Childhood Memory With Significant Last Two Lines

. . Not only did I believe in God not only did my sister believe in God but one morning we wrote him a letter: “Dear God, We love you. We thank you. Please come for supper tonight at 721 Sheridan Avenue.” Our parents did not believe in God. But they brought over an extra chair and set out a generous serving. Rozzy and I sat to the right of this set-up, they to the left and we all— the … Read on…

Truth in Free Will Advertising

The Ox folds his wings and in no known language admonishes Our Lord to behave like a role model. The universe resounds with Heavenly annoyance. The Eagle and the Lion are unperturbed. Intervention is out of the question. The Almighty can hardly expect men to act as though they were responsible for the consequences of their actions if He doesn’t accept the consequences of His. No Ex Machinations permitted. And He needn’t act as though the Committee has imposed a … Read on…

Only Human

Sometimes Gods turn mortal Sometimes they turn human Sometimes even Angles fall from heaven So don’t set your expectations too high Because you will only be let down What were you expecting from me? I’m only human God wants me to change Well, I’m not going to This is how I am I’m only human

We have our Gods

Joseph leaves his daughter behind as the Israelis advance on his town. She survives – an orphan because Joseph never returns. Dying on the pavement outside his home, Mojique looks skyward. He gives praise to that which has killed him. God is great. Surrounded, two of three soldiers escape. Simon could have, but it might have led to all three dying. He stayed to fight, his comrades escaped. Dying in the dust outside a town he had never heard of, … Read on…

Atlas Shrugged & Ethics

[This essay formed the basis of a talk at the Atlas Society celebration of the 50th anniversary of the publication of Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged, in Washington, DC, on October 6, 2007] When Ayn Rand titled her collection of writings on ethics The Virtue of Selfishness, she also provided a clear clue to what kind of selfishness she had in mind. With the subtitle, “A New Concept of Egoism.” she put prospective readers on notice that by using the term … Read on…

Do you really want to know?

Don’t ask how, or even why. Don’t wonder about the hidden machinery, how it works, or where the parts were purchased. Don’t read the painter’s diary. Don’t ask what brand of guitar string the virtuoso uses. Don’t go through the tool box memorizing brand names. Don’t imagine the well-dressed person naked. Don’t ask the ballerina what she eats. Don’t talk to the high-diver as she climbs the ladder. Don’t look behind the curtain. Don’t ask your lover about past lovers. … Read on…

After the Election – 2004

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(click on thumbnail for larger image) Charlotte’s Description: This painting symbolically elucidates my deeply felt sadness at the results of the 2004 election and the profound implications that the religious right had on the process. About Charlotte Carney: Charlotte is a ‘secular humanist’ /Artist from the shores of New Jersey who finds great joy in her non religious lifestyle.

Symbols

Pro Deo, contra ecclesia ………….Fidei Corticula Crux 1. THE CROSS These Crosses are quite various in kind: the ones the Romans punished with were wood, but others have been precious metals, shined by priests with polish, symbolizing good. There’s one which, on its side, looks like an X, and symbolizes Scotland’s Saint Andrew. Another stays the vampire with its hex, though many think that simply can’t be true. The Cross Impotens, with its crutch-like ends, stands for St. Philip and … Read on…