Bible: 5 Poetic Books

Lesson 8: So What's It All Mean, Then?

Suffering? Poetry as therapy!

Keep in mind that poetry is therapy. I want to share with you the introduction to my first book of poetry, Cross Examinations, as a way of explaining how poetry can help us deal with the tough issues of the day:

Intro for “Cross Examinations” by Charles Baker

The cross has been part of my life for many years now. And though I have integrated my faith into every other part of my life, it strangely did not show up in my writing for a long, long time—especially my poetry.

The poetry I wrote was often therapy—my way of dealing with the injustices of the world. I poured my words into the page as a way of dealing with the pressures of life . . . and death. I couldn’t seem to marry the powerful and sometimes disturbing images I was writing about with my Christian faith.

Then one day, the powerful symbol of the rock in the Bible reminded me of something. The Bible itself deals with strong issues, and holds nothing back. In its pages, you can find life, death, lust, cheating, stealing, alcoholism, murder, suicide, rape, and incest. The tough issues of the day were not ignored by the Bible—why should I ignore them in my writing?

At the same time, I strove to respond to these issues from a Christian perspective. With the help of an editor named Nathan Harms, I crafted what was to become my first published Christian poem—“The Conversion.” It is still one I hold dear to my heart, and its message is for everyone—God is there for all, even the most stubborn, even the most afflicted.

The gates opened, and a flood of creations flowed from my pen after that day. I have learned to put the gory details alongside the Christian perspective. Within the pages of this book, you will find one Christian’s interpretation of and reaction to a wide variety of issues: body image, moving away, money, the tongue, drinking and driving, prison, abortion, attempted suicide, pornography, cloning, and our darkest parts.

Whatever struggles you and yours are experiencing in life, I urge you to turn to the One who can help you, through the Bible and through

“Cross Examinations.”

GET Religion! GET God!

Blessings always,

Charles Baker

As soon as I realized it was okay to talk or write about these issues, I was able to unburden myself through my writing. It freed me up to get these terrible situations and happenings from out of my heart and onto paper. What’s more, once they were on paper, I could look at them more objectively, and learn what the Christian viewpoint was concerning them. I could explore the Bible to see what it said about a particular issue, and find strength in that message.

I have a feeling that some of the more negative Psalms had the same effect for their authors. Get it down on paper, and then get over it! In any case, find what works for you, but just one final hint: burying your head in the sand never does. Trust me, I’ve been there (and it leaves a bad taste in your mouth too. Pthoo!).

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