Jesus taught love
Against rigid theology—
Crucified for defying
Omnibus oracles over
Biblical fidelity to the
Universal grace and
Sovereign love of God.
Against universalism—yet,
Rebuffed as Pelagian pus.
Marginalized by mercurial
Ignorance on cubed ice—
Narcisissus necrosis—
Illicit becomes love.
Unless codified in tulips,
Salvation is sacrilege.
Poet’s Note:
A Scorched Sunday poem. A part of my Scorched Strays series, an acrostic reflecting Jacobus Arminius, condemned for insisting that God’s grace was wider than the doctrines meant to contain it. A portrait of a theological life and reputation burned for believing God was better than the system allowed.
© 2025 Tristan Robert Lange. All rights reserved.
First published on tristanrobertlange.com, November 23, 2025.
Tittu
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Author:
Tristan Robert Lange (
Offline) - Published: November 23rd, 2025 09:08
- Comment from author about the poem: Comment from author about the poem: I’m now published in an anthology featuring authors from across the Poconos, PA. All proceeds benefit the Pocono Liars Club — a collective of authors and editors dedicated to supporting and mentoring local writers. Available in paperback and Kindle, please consider purchasing one and supporting a great cause. https://a.co/d/58uxM69
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- Views: 13
- Users favorite of this poem: Bella Shepard, Salvia.S, Paul Bell
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Comments5
These Sundays are too hot for a certain glugging guy - he keeps getting scorched! lol.
LOL! Yay...and it turns out that canned spinach boils...and being that is what is pretty much filled with...yikes that scorching steams too!
Rigidity has always been a problem. A poem of tolerance to stretch visions of possibilities only to be bit by the hand it tried to help. Well written Tristan
Soren, you carried the whole weight...the burn, the rigidity, the reach toward something wider. You always meet the work with honesty and care, and I’m grateful for that every time, my friend! 🌹🖤🙏🕯️🐦⬛
You are always most welcome Tristan I may not always be on track of the intent of the poem but I enjoy reading it and always take something away with me. It is a pleasure
You have not only penned a remarkable poem, but shed light upon an historical figure I was not aware of. In googling Arminius I found a theological system that resonates in a very profound way. Jesus brought unconditional love and acceptance of everyone into this world, something that should be so easy for us to understand, and yet we are stifled all too often by rigidity and convention. This is a wonderful reflection for this Sunday morning. Thank You!
Bella, you saw right into the core...the history, the theology, the call to a wider love. And the fact that Arminius’ vision spoke to you…that’s exactly why I keep writing these. These saints get buried under the lies of sinners, sadly. Here's to you, Jacobus...and to the truth! Thank you for meeting the poem so fully, my friend! 🌹🖤🙏🕯️🐦⬛
It is always my pleasure dear friend!
This is really interesting! I like the "codified in tulips" bit especially!
Don't step off religion's straight line, or the wrath of god will hit you with all his might.
One man's interpretation is another man's folly.
I suppose through time people have taken a bit of Jesus, added their own mix and preached it.
Both betrayed mind you by the people by their side, which is always telling.
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