Notes about theology
as a failed poem,
a poetic statement
by Peter Menkin

For some time my interest to write a poem telling what theology is about has failed. What is presented below is one of my attempts, posted to a poet's workshop and the following brief discussion of its failure. The content of the poem remains an explanation of an important aspect of theology, and gives a reason to study the subject for as the "poem" points out, theology helps us in our relationship with God.


Theology as a means of refining
faith is the ticket
Rowan William's offers.

So this offering, a response,
to the Trinitarian reflections on
"The Grammar of God."

Heady stuff, meant for the heart and life,
phenomenon of human history.
Of faith,
Jesus brings us to an encompassing knowledge
of new, refreshed, evergiving love in a life
emulated by Christians- the event of Jesus
a man named Panikkar says.

These concepts, written
to give fertile ground to inner life
calls us to consider belief in Church,
that institution of mythical cosmology.
Words that sounds celestial,
large, god reaching.

The theologian has the task
to help us know this God.

There is too the attitude
of confidence,
that hopeful enterprise
of the "general human future"
-Are these too lofty for one,

so grand to soar and enjoy some understandings
in dialogue with large thinkers.
The "Christic" vision.

See how many times
quote marks appear.
Copying from the book, "On Christian Theology",
this commentary praises
the recognition of Trinity in history,
defining relationships
"to catch a glimpse."



Audio of poem by poet is here:





Peter,

I read this more like a sermon. The preaching overpowers the poetics and
steers the reader rather than stimulates.

It's a narrow track with few turnings...I'm completely straight-jacketed by
it.
I see god is not capitalised in S3L4 and I don't know if it should be,
but a hyphen may be useful, following.

Cheers
terry

Terry:

Thanks for taking the time to read this poem, which is an attempt to note
some ideas about God with the big G, and even a mention of god with the little
g. A little here, a little there is what I try with that one. Sometimes I do
better than others, and in this effort did try for a poem. That it seems more a
sermon I hope has to do with some theological integrity, or the subject itself,
more than the lack of flexibility. For it uses as its format statements by a
theologian who has distinct ideas, which I agree with and believe help us
understand God and religion. That's why I am reading the book, "On Christian
Theology: Challenges in contemporary theology." I find the book a challenge, as
the writer, Rowan Williams, writes an erudite book and I must lift myself with
the writing to come along with it as a reader.

Here's a sentence, which I did not touch on in this restricted expression
that was inspired
by his points on the Trinity and the church. Maybe
something along these thoughts added would have helped: "It will effectively be
claiming that what is vital to Christian discourse about the resurrection can be
stated exclusively in terms of what happens to the minds and hearts of believers

when proclamation is made that the victim of the crucifixion is the one through
whom God continues to act and speak." I can understand that, but it is better to
take ones time with it-so I think.


What I want to express is my agreement with a statement about
the..."different phenomena and different perspectives of Christian history..."
Kind of my effort as a book review. They are faith, belief, and confidence. I
guess I better take some time and reread the poem in light of your comments on
it being too restrictive, hopefully not so esoteric for most readers as what I

have quoted. That won't do.

Thanks for reading what is probably a more rarified (complimentary way
of putting it, if it is that) exercise of mine to make a poem. I appreciate your
taking the time to comment, and I am glad to have your thoughts.

Peter

Reminder to myself...
by Peter Menkin

To be with God...
The sacrament
of paradoxes
talk
in quiet.

Allow God to come, go
abide.

We are living
with desire
to be with the Almighty
in spirit-thought.

Raise your hands, like a prayer.

The evening light shows
suns glow, and I am thankful
for safety and peace.

About a relationship with God

Here is an older poem, revised recently. It is about the morning. A friend recently asked, "How is your morning going?" Her question is a good one, and it started me thinking that there are many parts to my morning. I like to think it is mostly like the poem. Mostly, it is. In each of the seasons I have the company of God. This is comforting. "...(I)t is all too easy to concentrate on the human struggle..., and forget the primary role of God in all of this. What is more, all the way with God is with God," writes Terrence G. Kardong in "Benedict's Rule: A Translation and Commentary."

I have quoted the monk Kardong with a hand to address the relationship with God within the spirit of "with God's protection" from RB 73: That the Whole Fulfillment of Justice is not Laid Down in this Rule. Though my practice can be ascetical, to a small extent, his quotation is meant to address the larger practices. I think it fits, nonetheless.

Early morning (2000) (revise)...
Peter Menkin

Startling reminder, ray point of light (star):

come winter daytime,

bring early morning to awaken anew before

dawn, with life to arise.

Stretch pearl luster

and harken with children,

young parents, neighbors,

and babies unborn asleep,

resting in the womb

to come forth beginning.

The new day has intentions.

You Holy Spirit stir me,

health and hopefulness restore.

What the spirit of Church does: transformation, move to humility...

This more recent poem describes humility, an experience and outcome of Church. I have thought about what Church means to me, and also what I mean to Church. Not so much in the greater sense of the entire Church, but how my Church I attend has brought the experience and teaching to me in the spiritual sense. This as a part of the larger Church, which indicates some truths about the engagement and its relationship.

I hope this isn't too heady a way of discussing the subject. The poem is more direct and simple.

The hope humility brings…
By Peter Menkin

Humility born of Communion;
As the day goes,
Goes the work of knowing
God. Sunday is a time of celebration
And coming back to the Lord.

Coming back, to the self.
All day, wait on the love,
Recognizing relationship--
Self to man, self to others,
To the self with God.

This newness brings hope,
Where one embraces
Hope, the soul is fed
By this God who changes not.
Creation is.