Update: The contest has been extended through March 14, 2008.
For part one:
Compose a poem in any style that makes an articulate argument for atheism.
The winner of this part will receive a copy of a book articulating support for any of the world’s religions. The winner can choose what religion. For example, if the winner chooses Christianity, they will receive the book Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis.
For part two:
Compose a poem in any style that makes an articulate argument for the existence of God.
The winner of this part will receive a copy of the book Why I Became an Atheistby John W. Loftus.
The contest will be judged by Mark W (member name “conect11”) and will run until March 5th March 14th. (Contest Code: 030508). More contest details
Mark W
Thank you so much for the explanation. I have had so many Godly things happen
in our family that any book on the opposite would be an insult for me to read
even if other people have a different belief, this is one I personally would not want to explore!
Mark W
You have a good point thanks for responding!
Opposing Book?
I sort of like the idea of bestowing on the winner a good book opposing her/his poem’s position. In fact, were my atheistic poem to win, I would request a book defending Islam! —Rob
Dear Janice,
I totally, totally feel where you’re coming from. When I originally suggested this contest, the winner of the “pro - God” side would get a copy of “The Message” by Eugene Peterson. Understandably the hosts of the website asked me to be fair to all writers on the site, not just those of us who carry the cross for Christ. Since I had suggested “Mere Christianity” we had to offer other books as well. Originally, I bristled at this, and was very upset about having to offer other viewpoints. But then a thought occured to me. God can be using even that to work His will. Remember the story of Elijah and the prophets of the false god Baal? I liken this to that. A person who knows God’s truth will see right through the veil of lies that atheism holds. I tell you again, God will use this for His purpose.
God bless,
Mark W.
i would like to contest
i think the competition is nice and i would post my poem for the contest on my page.
re:
excellent, Hk! Please also private message me your entry.
Thanks!
Mark W.
important
you leave no forwarding address to private mssg you
forwarding
private message conect11.
making
a dialectical argument for God’s existence in a poem..God is IN poetry! The spirit of poetry is sort of God, in fact, all that is sentimental and Christian in man. I’ll try, anywho.
hmmm?
can my poem outline the flaws and triumphs of both athiesm and religion? can I use a metaphor, or does it have to be straight forward?
I think
that it would be a fantastic idea! Absolutely!
Mark W.
Not to rain on the parade or
Not to rain on the parade or anything but I’ve noticed that entries so far, including our spotlighted poem atm, are not “articulated arguements”, they are mostly just poems, “about” religion. If I knew it was jsut a random poem about religion I’d have got one written, but as I tried to do it as the rules say I’m out of luck.
I just re-read that, and it does sound very pissy doesn’t it…I dont wanna be an ass but I just had to say.
Kieran
“Mind, how you go!”
- Roger McGough’s poem for LSD Awareness Week
Well
I’m really not sure how you can expect a serious poet to incorporate dialectical arguments which are reserved for philosophy, pretty much, (read Aquinas), into a poem. It’s easy to write a poem that’s atheistic: you just have to harp on every unpleasant event in human life and exaggerate the power of reason. The two simply aren’t the same.
Well, I see your point,
Well, I see your point, maybe that’s why I just couldn’t think of anything within those restrictions. In any case, hopefully the winners will be good!
Kieran
“Mind, how you go!”
- Roger McGough’s poem for LSD Awareness Week
I think
personally that sounds pretty judgemental, Kieran. Perhaps you can submit something to your liking to show everyone how the poem is supposed to look? Thanks! :)
Mark W.
My Comments~
Does the winner of this contest really want a book of their opposite views, or am I reading this the wrong way?
Dear Janice,
Thanks so much for your very observant comment! You have noticed the rather intentional irony of the prizes, which I applaude you for. The winners will have a great opportunity to read works that will hopefully will help them understand people with their opposite beliefs a little better. For those of us who know God it’s a chance to see the inner workings of the atheist mind. Remember that Christ hung around with the worst of sinners, not so much with “saints.” As He put it: “The sick need a physician, not the healthy.” For the atheist it is a chance to understand the workings of faith from a rational, intelligent perspective. Too often we seperate people into groups: black, white, hispanic, christian, muslim, atheist, jew. In fact, we are in the final analysis all people, made of the same organic material with the same creator. We all don’t realize it, because wee call that creator by many different names, and some of us don’t even see Him, but regardless of your beliefs, or lack there of we all come from the same place. So primarily this contest (and its prizes) is about understanding each other, belief or not.
God’s best to you!
Mark W.