Do you have to be a Christian to love Jesus? Or can Jesus alone be your salvation? The juxtaposition of these two poems speak of the same faith and adulation for their savior, Jesus, with guileful compositions of language and expression. In the poem “Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus,” by Jefferson Bethke, the poet believes you can love Jesus and announce your devotion to the lord without being devoted to a group of “man-made” religious organization ( Bethke 2012). And in the poem, “When I Say I Am a Christian,” by Carol Wimmer, she relies on the structure of religion, Christianity, as a crutch for all of life’s struggles. What makes these two poems similar, yet unique is their ability to stream their style in todays modern world. Bethke
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Jefferson Bethke’s poem comprises of multitudes of metaphors and rhymes to compel his deep belief of loving Jesus without having to be attached to a religion that dictates your actions or inactions. Bethke explicates religion in these spoken words: “Because if grace is water, then church should be an ocean, it’s not a museum for good people, it’s a hospital for the broken” ( Bethke 2012 ). He expresses that the church should be overflowing with grace for everyone good or bad, but it only houses good people and not the people who need the most support and relief. Bethke believes it is a social club for people with titles and stature that fails to address the fundamental of teachings and guidance. Another metaphor Bethke expresses, “Let’s dress up the outside so they look nice and neat, but it’s funny, because that’s what they use to do to the mummies while the corpse rots underneath” ( Bethke 2012 ). Bethke is indicating that the institute for which forms these religions are corrupt and are putting on a facade …show more content…
The poet expresses her conviction by repeating “When I say I am Christian” eight times ( “Christian” ). This is done to emphasize the strong feelings and emotions she has towards her belief in Christianity. Wimmer created repetition to develope a sense of influence and force to the reader. Unlike Bethkes poems that allows you to dissect and ponder over, Wimmer is simple and easy for the reader to grasp what she is perceiving. This repetition is a play on the mind to remind herself to stay and keep up with this faith and remember that she is loved during times of despair. Repetition is used to increase her enthusiasm and to create a memorable rhythm for the reader. Wimmer in a sense by repetition is coaxing the reader to perhaps convert to Christianity if the reader should have a slight inkling. She rhymes throughout her poem: “When I say I am a Christian/I don 't speak of this with pride/ I 'm confessing that I stumble/needing God to my guide” ( “Christian” 5-8 ). Her poem is modest, sincere, and humble which is easily interpreted and is easily read by different groups and genres. Wimmer uses catchy phrases with repetition and rhyme to intensify and amplify what she conveying which in turn burns them in our brains. Another look at Wimmer’s rhyme is: “When I say I am a Christian/I do not wish to judge/I have no authority/I only know I’m loved” ( “Christian”
Jefferson Bethke’s poem comprises of multitudes of metaphors and rhymes to compel his deep belief of loving Jesus without having to be attached to a religion that dictates your actions or inactions. Bethke explicates religion in these spoken words: “Because if grace is water, then church should be an ocean, it’s not a museum for good people, it’s a hospital for the broken” ( Bethke 2012 ). He expresses that the church should be overflowing with grace for everyone good or bad, but it only houses good people and not the people who need the most support and relief. Bethke believes it is a social club for people with titles and stature that fails to address the fundamental of teachings and guidance. Another metaphor Bethke expresses, “Let’s dress up the outside so they look nice and neat, but it’s funny, because that’s what they use to do to the mummies while the corpse rots underneath” ( Bethke 2012 ). Bethke is indicating that the institute for which forms these religions are corrupt and are putting on a facade …show more content…
The poet expresses her conviction by repeating “When I say I am Christian” eight times ( “Christian” ). This is done to emphasize the strong feelings and emotions she has towards her belief in Christianity. Wimmer created repetition to develope a sense of influence and force to the reader. Unlike Bethkes poems that allows you to dissect and ponder over, Wimmer is simple and easy for the reader to grasp what she is perceiving. This repetition is a play on the mind to remind herself to stay and keep up with this faith and remember that she is loved during times of despair. Repetition is used to increase her enthusiasm and to create a memorable rhythm for the reader. Wimmer in a sense by repetition is coaxing the reader to perhaps convert to Christianity if the reader should have a slight inkling. She rhymes throughout her poem: “When I say I am a Christian/I don 't speak of this with pride/ I 'm confessing that I stumble/needing God to my guide” ( “Christian” 5-8 ). Her poem is modest, sincere, and humble which is easily interpreted and is easily read by different groups and genres. Wimmer uses catchy phrases with repetition and rhyme to intensify and amplify what she conveying which in turn burns them in our brains. Another look at Wimmer’s rhyme is: “When I say I am a Christian/I do not wish to judge/I have no authority/I only know I’m loved” ( “Christian”