Christian Poetry: An Introduction

Christian Poetry: An Introduction

Poetry exists as early as religion is present. (http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9110446). Poetry has played an important role in the communication of Christianity. Christian poetry reflects the teaching and themes of Christianity and provides direct references or indirect allegory of the Bible. The earliest Christian poetry appears in the New Testament, using the Psalms of the Old Testament as its models. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_poetry). An example Biblical poetry can be seen in the following scriptures:

"Let this mind be in you,
which was also in Christ Jesus:
Who, being in the form of God,
thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
But made himself of no reputation,
and took upon him the form of a servant,
and was made in the likeness of men:
And being found in fashion as a man,
he humbled himself,
and became obedient unto death,
even the death of the cross.
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him,
and given him a name which is above every name:
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father"
(Philippians 2:5- 11, King James Version).

In addition to Biblical poetry, there are a number of classical Chrisitan poems, mostly lyrical. One of the most beautiful of all Old English poems is "The Dream of the Rood ." It is a dream vision of Christ on the cross, with the cross personified :

"I have experienced on that hillside many
cruelties of fate. I saw the God of hosts
violently stretched out. Darkness had
covered with clouds the Ruler's corpse,
the gleaming light. Shadows went forth
dark under the clouds. All creation wept,
lamented the King's fall. Christ was on the cross"
(Line 50- 56 from "The Dream of the Rood."
http://www.apocalyptic-theories.com/literature/dor/medora1.html).

Contemporary Christian poetry finds its expression mainly in contemporary Christian music. The background song of this blog, "indescribable," (Passion band. "Indescribable." How Great is Our God. Sparrow Records, 2005), has the following lyrics by Laura Story:

"From the highest of heights
To the depths of the sea
Creation's revealing Your majesty
From the colors of Fall
To the fragrance of Spring
Every creature unique
And the song that it sings
All exclaiming...

Indescribable, uncontainable
You placed the stars in the sky
And You know them by name
You are amazing, God
All powerful, untamable
Awestruck we fall to our knees
As we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God

Who has told every lightning bolt
Where it should go?
Or seen heavenly storehouses
laden with snow?
Who imagined the sun
And gave source to its light?
Yet conceals it to bring us the coolness of night
None can fathom...

Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky
And You know them by name
You are amazing, God
Incomparable, unchangeable
You see the depths of my heart,
And You love me the same
You are amazing God."

As a literature form, Christian poetry reveals the beauty of poetic elements. As a spiritual expression, Christian poetry reflects the glory of Godly devotion. I have found, as a student of poetry and a believer of God, the perfect combination: writing poetry to express my devotion to God- this is essentially the mission statement of my blog.