On Apostates

The age of apostates is over now;
Religion's age was the apostate one.

Religion's age is over - all agree
Who rejects creeds rejects apostasy.

The struggle that now circles 'bout this globe
Is religion in its last death throes.
Those who practice simple tolerance,
I call their goodness non-idolatrous.

And what is non-idolatry but truth?
The highest of all values finally.
The name we give it: non-idolatry.
It was the highest at the very start.

"I am who I am," came from the flame.
And then came: "I will be who I will be."

Those who use religion murderously
Are the tag-end of idolatry.

Religion dies and Abba lives anew
Within each person, waiting for one prayer:
Seek, ask, knock and the way will open.

Still apostate seems real enough to some.
Apostate is a view the self absorbs
By turning teachings into formal creeds,
And buying into human absolutes.

Embrace a truth from which you fall away
And you're apostate, faithless, outcast, scorned
Writhe in the guilt of failure to live up.

That is not Abba's way, nor Abba's wish.

The opposite of apostate is free
Your deeds are your judge, not your beliefs

When masters of tradition claim the truth
Apostasy is built into their frame,
Along with institutions, laws and rules.

The master that you serve will rule your mind

Abba does not seek to rule your mind.
It is enough to use it! Use it well.

The opposite of apostate is free.
Your creativity is free to be.

The only proof the world needs is the light
That shines within when Abba answers prayer.
When one doffs all but Abba's graceful sway
The very word apostate fades away.