Faith That Engages Life

It all began with "dos" and "don'ts:
"I promise I will...I promise I won't"
He heard "shame on you, such a naughty child;
you'll go to hell if you act so wild."
The warnings, the threats, condemning words
shaped the lives of all who heard.
So, why, when he's grown to be a man,
would be buy such a self-destructive plan
that denies the worth of his humanity,
that substitutes shame for humility?
Is it really true that by amazing grace,
that because Jesus suffered and died in his place,
that he is no longer a "wretch like me",
that what Jesus did somehow set him free?
Does religion discount common sense?
What's the point of reason?  Must we dispense
with the work of our minds, endorse the pretense
that denies we are all children of Light,
blessed and gifted in Creation's sight?
All the "dos" and "don'ts" don't matter at all;
it's not about mangers or humanity's fall.
It's about believing that life is good
and that the gospel of Jesus, when understood,
engages life, instills hope and joy,
gathers up our childish toys
and gives us, instead, the courage to see
the fullness of life as it was meant to be.