DECEPTION OF TRUTH

(originally published in “In Mammon We Trust”)

By Al Staggs

Truth lies hidden

beneath mountains of words,

doctrines, beliefs and lifestyles

that obliquely prevent the practice

of compassion and justice

in this “land of opportunity.”

Our nation’s politicians and political policies

are bought and sold on the market.

Violence against the poor and middle class

is most insidious and cruel in the halls of Congress

where our elected officials prostitute themselves

to the highest bidders while the poor cannot find an advocate

who is rich enough to buy a voice in the nation’s capital.

Truth lies hidden beneath a façade of religiosity

in this very Christian land where churches worship

faithfully and impressively each weekend

while sponsoring a few mission projects

and giving alms to a few of the poor,

though not working to effect any change

in the political and economic structure that breeds our poor.

God is praised and the poor are forgotten.

Blasphemy is rampant in our congregations.

Praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord!

Al Staggs

Alfred “Al” Staggs combines his artistic talents as a performing artist, author, and poet with his years as an ordained minister and chaplain to speak to justice issues in his several dramatic one-man plays of heroes of the faith such as Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Clarence Jordan, William Sloane Coffin, and more. He has authored five books including What Would Bonhoeffer Say?, A Pilgrim in Rome, and Fragments of Life. He uses his story of growing up in a dysfunctional home, his degrees in psychology, and theology, and training in humor therapy to touch audiences with his Laughter for Life program, impersonating many beloved and infamous characters.

https://www.peacewithjustice.com/
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An Enduring Prophet