Jesus would not stand for
Ornate power over people.
Haughtiness has no place;
Nay, humility is the only way.
Officious officials abuse,
Forgetting their fealty—
Theology must stand true—
Humans are not God.
Everyone: meet a just end.
Come, hither, dear souls!
Rest in the Lord, your God.
Only trust in Love—Love alone—
Salvation is not clerical sanctity.
Salvation also does not slither.
Poet’s Note:
A Scorched Sunday poem. Written for my Scorched Strays series, this acrostic confronts the corruption of spiritual authority when humility is replaced by control and sanctity is confused with power. The poem bears witness to a faith forged in confinement, silence, and surrender, reminding us that salvation does not coil itself around institutions, but moves through love, unmaking, and the long dark work of God beyond clerical grasp.
© 2025 Tristan Robert Lange. All rights reserved.
First published on tristanrobertlange.com, December 14, 2025.
Tittu
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Author:
Tristan Robert Lange (
Offline) - Published: December 14th, 2025 08:02
- 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
- Category: Religion
- Views: 16
- Users favorite of this poem: Friendship, GenXer Shamrocker ☘️
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Comments5
A great acrostic and well set for a Sunday it seems very Christian in nature. Nicely written.
Soren, thank you. It’s rooted in Christian language, yes…because that's where I exist spiritually; however, the heart of it is about power, not piety. Wherever authority replaces humility, in whatever institution (religious or otherwise) the same danger appears, as far as I see it. Thank you for engaging with it, as always, my friend and I am certainly glad it delivered! Very much appreciated, my dear friend. 🔥🐍🙏🖤
You are most welcome Tristan always a pleasure
Well done, your poem expresses a critique of the corrupting influence of power within religious institutions and emphasizes the importance of humility, love, and authentic faith. It suggests that true salvation is not found in the rituals or authority of religious figures but in a personal and loving relationship with God.
Friendship, thank you. Yes, it critiques religious authority, and it also resists power masquerading as holiness. I’m super glad you heard the call back to humility, love, and authenticity at the heart of it. As always, I very much appreciate your astute analysis, my friend.🔥🐍🙏🖤
You're so welcome, my dear friend.
Good write T. That snaky glugger's there - he sneaked in! lol.
Oh...glug...he sure as hell did! LOL! I'd almost be insulted at this point, you know, if he ghosted! 👻🔥🐍🙏🖤
Well written Tristian. The line “Salvation does not slither.” Powerful.
Thank you, my dear friend. Indeed, it does not. Glad the poem delivered, my friend! 🌹🙏🖤🕯️🐦⬛
Powerful work. Great writing.
Thank you, Thomas! Much appreciated, my friend! 🌹🖤🙏🕯️🐦⬛
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