Religion is so irrevocably scary—
Autheniticity never a friend welcomed—
Christianity’s hate mocks its namesake.
Heaven forgive us all for our judgment—
Even the best of us judge...even the best—
Levying irreversible indictment on ourselves.
Humility comes through honesty—
Evangelism through exposition—
Leading others to emancipation.
Deliverers are deliberately demonized.
Egos encumber ears from listening—
Vanity—toxic masculinity awry—
Always leads men to their folly.
Never say a woman cannot lead.
She’s who raised you to be a leader.
Poet’s Note:
An acrostic Scorched Sunday poem. Part of my Scorched Strays series, this piece confronts how honest faith, sustained questioning, and compassionate witness are often treated as danger rather than devotion. Read as disloyalty by those invested in certainty, such voices are dismissed, diminished, and pushed to the margins. This poem remembers that cost—and refuses the erasure that follows.
This poem is dedicated to Rachel Held Evans, who now rests in glory.
© 2026 Tristan Robert Lange. All rights reserved.
First published on tristanrobertlange.com, January 11, 2026.
Tittu
-
Author:
Tristan Robert Lange (
Offline) - Published: January 11th, 2026 08:54
- Comment from author about the poem: Some of you already heard this when I soft-released it here and shared the lyrics back in October 2025. Necromancy Sublime is now officially out and available on all major (and most minor) streaming platforms. This is part of Dark Alchemy, my forthcoming album under the project name TragicLife. Listen wherever you stream: https://open.spotify.com/track/1hq7j8OZjye2P3zATczSWT?si=76c3f8a716e64ce3
- Category: Religion
- Views: 10
- Users favorite of this poem: sorenbarrett
Offline)
Comments4
Tristan you and I both chose the theme of religion today. A mind bond I would assume. This poem sends a message so neglected in religion and often myth as well in a male dominated history and society. A wonderful write with a powerful message and a fave
Yes! indeed we did...mind bond for sure. Thank you my friend. It is a VERY neglected message, I concur.. Also, you are right. to say religion. While my series is focused on Christianity (to which I belong), this is an ailment in most if not, all religions. Where humans exist, human dis-ease does as well (mind, body and/or soul). Anyway, thank you for not only seeing it, but naming it! I feel confident now that the poem delivers in the way it needs to. Thanks again, my friend. 🔥🙏🪶🖤
My pleasure Tristan
Good write T. Now in the unending series 'Don't answer / finish that' - since when was Popeye honest about............! lol.
Orchi…😂 fair point. Popeye’s honesty has always been selective at best. That whole “don’t answer / finish that” series feels eternal for a reason...Ah-gah-gah-gah-glug-glug. 😳🤣 🌹🖤🙏🕯️🐦⬛
It's interesting to ponder on a woman's place in religion. "Heaven forgive us all for our judgment—" now isn't that the truth!
🥷, your reflection resonates deeply. This poem came from watching honesty and leadership be treated as threat rather than gift, particularly when it comes from women. Thank you for engaging it so thoughtfully. 🔥📖🕯️🙏
Of course!
Good read, Tristan. Organizations, corporations are mostly like that with power plays etc in all directions. Why Christianity via its earthly embodiment a/the church should be any different, I have no idea.
Bingo, Dave. No human institution escapes power dynamics, religion included. The existence of God and the divine aside, anything shaped/run by humans carries both wonder and wreckage at the same time. That contradiction is what this poem refuses to ignore. Humans, no? 😅 🔥📖🕯️🙏 Thank you so much for getting it...as I knew you would, my friend!
To be able to comment and rate this poem, you must be registered. Register here or if you are already registered, login here.