Religion Bars The Way Poem by Michael P. Johnson

Is yet the church completely true?
Consider well the past
Is Christ in all we say and do?
Is Jesus first and last?

We argue doctrine round the clock
The devil takes delight
No wonder when the sheep we shock
Still wander out of sight

Religion always plays its part
Tradition in flowing gowns
But should the bride not make a start
And give her Groom their crowns

One church says this, another that
Religion bars the way
One half can’t speak without a hat
Others have nought to say

Nought and no one should raise their head
But He who chose to die
The Living Christ who’s blood was shed
That love should multiply

But things in church take pride of place
Many have come and gone
Though some in Christ were full of grace
They can’t replace God’s Son

The water and the bread and wine
The offerings sacrificed
At times of course such things are fine
Yet keep our eyes on Christ

The only way through Heaven’s doors
The only way to life
All other ways with endless flaws
Are routes of constant strife