Spiritual Shortcomings, Historically Speaking
Spiritual Shortcomings, Historically Speaking
The first deadly disgusting behavior
Pontified in the fifth century
by Pope Gregory the Great
was predictably punishable in hell
by being broken upon the wheel.
Pride goeth before
Lust, the second deadly sin
in descending order of seriousness,
of the seven offenses against love itself.
Avarice guaranteed the sinner perpetual
dunking in freezing water, while Anger
would cause one to be dismantled alive.
Suffering from Sadness (or Slothfulness)
would find an eternal bed of snakes. Avarice
(or Greed) victims were showered
with cauldrons of boiling oil. The Gluttonous
were fed rats, toads and hissing snakes. While
the lustful amongst us were merely smothered
in everlasting fire and brimstone.
Salvation, by way of the seven contrary virtues
delivered souls to heaven above.
These counteractions were guaranteed by
Humility against Pride
Chastity against Lust
Kindness against Envy
Abstinence against Gluttony
Patience against Anger
Liberality against Greed
Diligence against Sloth
Worthiness of redemption could also be purloined by a designated
tithe to the local medieval priest. “Good Works” as well, entered
into the confessional equation for eternal forgiveness:
Feed the hungry
Give drink to the thirsty
Give shelter to strangers
Clothe the naked
Visit the sick
Minister to prisoners
Or bury the dead.
Authors Note: Regardless of these noble altruistic behaviors, (which usually
occur late in life) , I would hope eternal rewards exclude the unrepentative,
immoral, shiftless, self-gratifying, good-for-nothing, arrogant shits, that
continue to profit in the commercialization and packaging of death by sin.
Cheryl Lynn Moyer
New Year's Resolution 2008 - I must work on my anger management issues.
Comments
Hey Cheryl.
thanks for posting. the history of western religion is quite frightening. None of these punishments for vices appeared in the bible. I can only think they, the authors, lived in a world of such tortures.
If I were to think on it, I am most quilty of pride and anger. I have some friends who did funny poems on the seven deadly sins, one I loved took place in a cake decorating class. I believe in the "everything in moderation," but think it is a struggle for all humans. We are such proud, passionate primates.
Lucy
I was looking at your piece again and got a thought of the punishments metphorically. We are prideful beings, who are often broken on the wheel of life. Only, hopefully, it is not that we are completely "broken," just enough broken to let the light in, to no longer be so armored against love.
sorry if this sounds sappy, you just got me thinking. Thanks. The poem has great potential, though it isn't completely there yet in my opinion.
I saw some of your PoemHunter poems and really loved the one Secret of Old Age and shared it with some friends. Thanks for sharing your work and inspiring me.
Lucy